Meta Health Technology Announces WebDisclose: New web-based system provides enterprise-wide Accounting of Disclosure for protected health information

Meta Health Technology announced recently the availability of a web-based Accounting of Disclosure (AOD) system called WebDisclose. The system provides an enterprise-wide, web-based solution for managing, tracking, and reporting protected health information (PHI) disclosures. Since many PHI disclosures are made outside of the HIM department, it is critical that an AOD system be accessible enterprise-wide to any department that must disclose PHI.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 7, 2004 --Meta Health Technology announced recently the availability of a web-based Accounting of Disclosure (AOD) system called WebDisclose. The system provides an enterprise-wide, web-based solution for managing, tracking, and reporting protected health information (PHI) disclosures. Since many PHI disclosures are made outside of the HIM department, it is critical that an AOD system be accessible enterprise-wide to any department that must disclose PHI.

WebDisclose maintains a centralized repository that captures and reports all disclosed information. The system is designed to meet the challenge of AOD with maximum accuracy and minimum effort. The module can be used in conjunction with Meta's ROI product, PowerRelease, or it can be installed as a standalone solution. WebDisclose maintains disclosure data for more than the six-year minimum required by the law, and when requested, quickly produces patient-friendly reports that are easy to understand.

WebDisclose is accessed through the hospitals Intranet or via the Internet and a web browser. The module is table driven and supports multi-facility processing. Installation is accomplished with minimal time and effort, and since WebDisclose uses a browser, no installation is needed on your local PC.

To log a disclosure, the WebDisclose user simply accesses their browser, signs on and enters the necessary elements: the name of the person disclosing information, the name of the recipient, the date and time of the disclosure, a brief description of the disclosed items, and a brief explanation of the reason for disclosure. Wherever possible, WebDisclose allows users to do a quick search for the data or select it from a menu. All the data entered is immediately available to and included on the disclosure report.

In addition to disclosing PHI on an individual basis, hospitals are frequently requested to disclose information in bulk. Reporting information to a federal entity, state agency or even ORYX Core Measures to JCAHO constitutes a disclosure of PHI. WebDisclose provides a mechanism to log PHI disclosures in batches so individual patient data entry is unnecessary.

WebDisclose obtains data from a wide variety of existing hospital files that are used to report patient information to these agencies. There is no need to reformat the data or create new files. The program processes most, if not all file formats, including delimited files and HL7 format. Clients can specify the field locations for patient identification in a profile along with other required disclosure information.

Patient information is validated before it is stored. It is then stored in the same place as all other disclosures captured by CHARMS 2000 applications such as PowerRelease (release of information) and PowerTrac (chart tracking). On a single report, clients are able to see all disclosures for a patient whether they were captured in WebDisclose (via the Web or batch program) or another CHARMS 2000 module.

WebDisclose is unique in that it allows clients to capture data at the point at which the disclosure occurs, regardless of whether it is a disclosure for a single patient or for multiple patients via an automated process such as a state report. And, since all entries go to a central database, there is no need for paper logs and copies of reports. If you are an HIM Director, who is also the privacy officer, WebDisclose will provide many of the solutions you need to perform both jobs. And, you will have comfort that all HIPAA compliance regulations are being met.

For 25 years now, our companys mission has been to provide solutions that help HIM professionals in their daily work life. We are proud to offer this new Accounting of Disclosure product. It both expedites the workflow and makes AOD as easy as possible for HIM and other departments. We listen to what our clients say and provide the tools they request. Its a mission we take very seriously," said Eli Nahmias, President and CEO of Meta Health Technology.

WebDisclose went live at the first site in November 2003. More than fifty sites are slated for implementation in the first half of 2004.

About Meta Health Technology
Metas CHARMS 2000 is a suite of seven Windows-based modules, designed to provide a comprehensive solution for health information management in healthcare facilities ranging from acute care hospitals to HMOs and large physician groups.

Meta Health Technology, headquartered in New York, NY, has a 25-year history of providing software solutions to the healthcare industry. Its products are operational in many of the largest medical facilities across America and in Canada. More information about Meta Health Technology is available on the Internet at www.metahealth.com, or by calling 800-334-6840.

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