On October 13th, Reuters reported that one of the US EMR vendors had released an updated version of its software in order to enable paediatricians to more effectively manage their H1N1 vaccinations. In the US, the billing requirements for different health plans are complex (although the vaccine is provided free to the clinics through a government funded program).
H1N1 vaccine forecasting is complicated because doses are available in multiple forms (shots and nasal spray), and patients under the age of ten must return for a second dose 21-28 days later. In addition, attention must be paid to other vaccines given recently - including seasonal flu - that may interfere with this schedule. Otherwise the immunization may be less effective.
H1N1 vaccine has been administered primarily through public clinics in Canada, however selected physician practices have received vaccine to be administered to high risk patient populations.
My question is for Canadian physicians who are using an EMR. Have you received any benefit from your EMR in relation to the current H1N1 immunization program or to immunization programs in general?
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Alan: See Michelle's post about our Family Health Team is using Nightingale to manage our H1N1 vaccination clinic.
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Posted by: David Kaplan | November 12, 2009 at 11:16 AM