Encounter Alert Service (EAS)
How does EAS work?
EAS receives messages from healthcare facilities in Minnesota and compares them to patient lists provided by subscribers. When one of the listed patients has an encounter at a participating facility, subscribers receive an alert containing details about that patient’s encounter.
Encounter Alert Service FAQs
How are facilities connected?
PointClickCare provides a fully hosted EAS solution inclusive of the EAS® Core Engine, the Master Patient Index (MPI) and Interface Engine. In partnership with DHS, PointClickCare aims to connect providers in MN, with a focus on Integrated Health Partnerships (IHPs). PointClickCare will establish admit, discharge, and transfer (ADT) message connectivity with MN hospitals and work to load a beneficiary member panel on a monthly basis. PointClickCare will provide ADT sources with specifications for ADT data elements and event types for inclusion in outbound ADT feeds, in alignment with DHS’ requirements.
How do I receive notifications?
Notifications are delivered to subscribers via a number of secure methods: EHR Integration, sFTP sites, Direct Messaging, and PROMPT. Subscribers are able to choose the method or combination of methods that fit best into their clinical workflows.
How do we handle consent with A&P tools?
An organization will need authorization before including an individual on their patient panel for EAS. Patient authorization does not need to reference EAS specifically. Organizations using EAS are not mandated to use any particular authorization form. DHS obtains authorization from program participants for information to be shared with their providers in order to help coordinate the care received under Medical Assistance. EAS only sends an alert when consent has been provided by the patient. If an encounter alert is received by the MN EAS for a person that cannot be matched to a panel, the alert is niether sent nor retained.
Is there a cost for EAS?
DHS is covering costs for the implementation of MN EAS and for onboarding Medical Assistance providers to the service. Other subscription fees are here.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any Participant involved with healthcare and/or initiatives aimed at improving care coordination.
Why is DHS sponsoring the MN EAS?
DHS received stakeholder input that action was needed to address gaps in information exchange for providers who are part of accountable care arrangements working to provide high quality care to patients on Medical Assistance. The implementation of MN EAS takes tangible steps to advance the Minnesota E-Health Vision of connecting networks and enabling the consistent exchange of a critical care transaction.
How do I sign up for EAS?
Please contact Nick Regier at nick.regier@pointclickcare.com or Matthew Gravel at matthew.d.gravel@state.mn.us for more information.
EAS Features
Optimize Financial Performance
EAS’s ability to improve care coordination and reduce avoidable utilization is a useful tool to achieve financial goals under value-based contracting—bundles, Accountable Care Organizations, Patient Centered Medical Home programs—or through enhancing Transitional Care Management (TCM) revenue.
Reduce Avoidable Utilization
Whether you are a Primary Care Provider who needs to know when, where, and why a patient is hospitalized, or a treating physician who needs insight into a patient’s relationships, EAS enables the necessary engagement to make proper clinical decisions and dispositions.
Policy Compliance
Integrated Health Partnerships (IHPs) are required to identify a process to handle transitions of care for the patients they serve. Most IHPs have quality framework points associated with demonstrated use of Health Information Technology (HIT). EAS provides a simple process to handle transitions of care in real time and improve quality of care delivery, enabling enhanced care coordination to support integrated, whole-person care.
Improve Patient Satisfaction
EAS notifications improve communication and streamline workflows between care providers and case managers – this leads to greater patient engagement and satisfaction.
Improve Care Coordination
Clinicians and care managers can receive timely EAS notifications about hospitalizations, enabling them to act promptly and direct patients to the most appropriate care settings.
EAS Helps Reduce Hospital Readmissions
Knowing when, where, and why patients are hospitalized provides actionable data to identify, intervene, and avoid unnecessary readmissions. Encounter Alert Service (EAS) is the clinical care coordination tool used by care teams to reduce readmissions. Learn more at pointclickcare.com