October 8, 2014 — Merge Healthcare Inc. announced the launch of electronic referrals and online order management for iConnect Network. The expanded service offering adds to Merge's advanced interoperability network for the exchange of clinical data, which integrates with existing electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIE), allowing healthcare organizations to further streamline workflow, reduce costs, increase referrals and meet Meaningful Use (MU) requirements.
"As one of the largest freestanding imaging centers in North Texas, we were looking for a solution that would provide us with mobility and instant access," said Philip Collins, director of business services at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center (SWDIC). "We've been leveraging iConnect Network since early 2014, and the new features for electronic patient referrals and online ordering that we're currently testing for implementation will really push our practice to the next level. Removing the manual process for physician requests with input directly into the radiology information system (RIS) is key for us to cost effectively streamline workflow and improve patient care."
Interoperability continues to play a large role in enabling healthcare organizations to communicate within a network to enhance quality patient care. In addition, MU requirements are top of mind and EHR adoption rates at an all-time high. iConnect Network brings electronic order processing and patient referrals into the existing data exchange network, delivering orders directly into imaging center sites and automatically pushing results back into the physician's EHR.
"We're excited to introduce the newest version of iConnect Network to our customers. By collaborating with Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, we've been able to ensure that the electronic order processing and referral enhancement technology we're offering to our customers meet true industry needs for advanced interoperability," said Justin Dearborn, CEO at Merge. "In addition, with the trends of value-based purchasing and narrow networks on the rise as a result of accountable care, it is more important than ever for healthcare providers to be able to deliver more collaborative care. These advancements to iConnect Network enable our customers to prepare for these fundamental changes that will inevitably impact their business, further allowing them to optimize their referral networks and maximize their reimbursements."
To learn more about iConnect Network, visit Merge booth #600 at the RBMA 2014 Fall Educational Conference in Seattle from Oct. 19-21.
Fore more information: merge.com/iConnectNetwork
November 04, 2021 
