Features about Data Repository, Quality Reporting and more

When to Build a Data Mart

Ian Proffer Data Repository July 31, 2019

As report writers and analysts, we sometimes have to ask: how do I go about optimizing data retrieval from the MEDITECH Data Repository? When is it appropriate to construct a data mart and what should I consider? Before we explore the answer, let's first, define a few terms (thanks to Technopedia and Wikipedia):

Management Studio Shortcuts

Ian Proffer Data Repository June 3, 2019

Whether you’re GPSing around traffic, going through a drive-thru, or using ALT+TAB to switch between open windows, life demands shortcuts. You know the adage – work smarter, not harder. Working with SQL Server is no different - if you’re a busy developer or DBA, you likely spend part of your day writing TSQL code in Management Studio. Fortunately, Microsoft has built in features we can use to make our jobs a bit easier. Here are a few recommended shortcuts and other tips to help save you time and keystrokes.

2020 IPPS Proposed Rule

Alexis O'Grady Regulatory May 17, 2019

CMS recently published the FY 2020 proposed rule for the Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) which continue to focus on transforming the healthcare delivery system to provide patients with better care. To this end, CMS has proposed changes to the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) program and Medicare & Medicaid Promoting Interoperability (PI) program for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs). (For the full text of the rule, see the Federal Register.)

Where's the Data?

Ian Proffer Data Repository May 3, 2019

As an experienced Data Repository report writer, it’s easy to take for granted how much knowledge someone may have about MEDITECH, or assume that hospital IT staff simply know certain things. This was glaringly apparent to me when teaching an introductory DR report writing class recently. Having taught the class for 8+ years, I was presented with a novel situation: the hospital was a brand-new MEDITECH 6.1 client, having switched from another system entirely.

Accessing Data Across SQL Servers

Howard Minor Data Repository March 12, 2019

Not only is it possible to access DR data across SQL servers, but it’s also possible to combine data from different sources in the same query. If there is such a thing as the holy grail of DR reporting, this may be it. Not only is it possible to access data across SQL servers, but it’s also possible to combine data from different sources in the same query. Normally this is straightforward, but the DR adds an extra challenge because of an atypical server-wide setting: the server collation.

2019 MIPS Final Rule

Alexis O'Grady Regulatory January 2, 2019

In mid-November, CMS published the CY 2019 Quality Payment Program (QPP) Final Rule which included numerous updates to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for Year 3 of the QPP (2019 Reporting).

Clean TSQL Formatting

Howard Minor Data Repository December 21, 2018

When we first learn to program in any language, our primary concern is usually learning how to get the thing to work. We care very little about how it looks, adding descriptive comments, or how to use proper spacing between your statements. As I was learning T-SQL and other programming languages, one of the things I never appreciated enough was the importance of clean syntax. How your code is physically laid out on the page is almost always an afterthought. But it’s one of those small things that turns a good programmer into a great one!

The Value of Validating eCQM Data

Acmeware Staff General November 13, 2018

How do I make certain the eCQM data I submit is accurate? In this article, we discuss why data validation is so important for eCQMs, and provide a few key tips.

2019 IPPS Final Rule

Alexis O'Grady Regulatory September 12, 2018

CMS published the FY 2019 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule which aims to achieve greater interoperability and reduce burden so that hospitals are better able to deliver high quality care. To this end, CMS has finalized changes to the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program and Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs).