The Acmeware Advisor.

Your source for timely information on MEDITECH Data Repository, SQL Server and business intelligence, quality reporting, healthcare regulatory issues, and more.

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Power BI blog

Microsoft Power BI and DR

MEDITECH’s Data Repository has come a long way since its inception over twenty years ago. In the early days of DR, usable front-end reporting tools were few and far between: Microsoft Access and Crystal Reports were common choices for many hospitals. Fast forward to 2021 however, and DR is an integral part of the MEDITECH EHR and report developers have a variety of tools to use: the ubiquitous SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) from Microsoft; MEDITECH’s BCA with MicroStrategy; and third-party software like Tableau and Qlik, among others.

2022 IPPS Final Rule

CMS recently published the FY 2022 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule which includes several proposed changes to the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs). For the full text of the rule, see the Federal Register.

2022 QPP Proposed Rule

CMS recently published the CY 2022 Quality Payment Program (QPP) proposed rules which include many changes to the Merit Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for 2022 and subsequent reporting years. The full text of the rule can be viewed on the Federal Register.

SQL Server database

SQL Server User-defined Functions II

In part 1 of this blog, we covered at a high level the basics of T-SQL user defined functions. In part 2 we’ll explore the advantages of leveraging functions, and when to do so.

SQL Server database

Why SourceID is Important in DR

I recently had a student from one of our online training sessions email me a few days after class, asking why I recommend always using the SourceID column as part of every TSQL join. They sent two queries to demonstrate why they felt they shouldn’t use SourceID.

2022 IPPS Proposed Rule

CMS recently published the FY 2022 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule which includes several proposed changes to the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs). For the full text of the rule, see the Federal Register.

SQL Server database

SQL Server User-defined Functions

So, in plain English, what is a T-SQL user-defined function? A function is a SQL query saved as a database object, which leverages and outputs data to serve a focused purpose. Once a function is created it easily can be utilized at any time by anyone with proper access. Measured creation and execution of functions will greatly streamline data production from your T-SQL environment, allowing technology to do what it’s supposed to - make our lives easier! Let’s start with a simple example to better explain why we should be using functions and illustrate different types.

Case Study: Conversion to Expanse

  anderson hospital logo

 

Background

Anderson Healthcare has served the Illinois communities of Madison and Macoupin counties since 1977 and continues its commitment to providing residents with the highest quality of advanced medical care. A 154-bed inpatient hospital, critical access hospital, rehab institute, surgery center and outpatient acute care facility offer patients cutting-edge medical diagnostics that are not often found in a local community setting using the MEDITECH Expanse electronic health record platform.

Case Study: Data Repository Services

We are thrilled with our partnership with Acmeware. Data and analytics are key to our business and our ability to provide top quality healthcare to our communities. So many people rely on timely and accurate data, it is a foundational part of our Information Technology infrastructure.

Case Study: Data Integration

novant uva logo 

 

Background

Novant Health UVA Health System Culpeper Medical Center serves the greater Culpeper, Virginia community and surrounding areas. The campus in is home to a 70-bed, community hospital, Family Birth Center and 24/7 emergency department, and is complemented by additional outpatient services in other northern VA towns, as well as the Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center. Culpeper Medical Center is a longtime MEDITECH MAGIC customer.

2021 QPP Final Rule

CMS recently published the CY 2021 Quality Payment Program (QPP) Final Rule which included numerous updates to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for 2020 reporting and subsequent reporting years, with a focus on 2021 reporting. For the full text of the rule, see the Federal Register.

SQL Server database

Optimal DR tempdb configuration

MEDITECH's Data Repository best practices recommend a dedicated drive for tempdb data files, that the space allocated to this drive be 25-30% of total data space for the SQL Instance, and that the allocated space be split between eight data files and one log file. Is it possible to modify tempdb to meet these standards? Read on to learn how.