Caradigm App Targets Data Exchange for Skilled Nursing Facilities

Software vendor Caradigm, a joint venture of Microsoft and GE Healthcare, has developed an application to convert skilled nursing patient assessments, called Minimum Data Sets, into a standard Continuity of Care Document.

This software is designed to enable nursing facilities to participate in health information exchanges regardless of whether they use an electronic health records system. Caradigm worked with the Keystone Beacon Community in Pennsylvania, led by Geisinger Health System and one of 17 communities across the nation funded under the HITECH Act to become models for use of health information technology.

Data exchange through Keystone’s HIE can foster more complete assessments of patient needs when they are admitted to hospitals and after discharge, and expedite admissions to nursing facilities, according to proponents. “Any skilled nursing facility can now share a patient’s information inexpensively and securely, which helps the patient’s care team work better together,” says Jim Walker, M.D., chief health information officer at Geisinger.

Under the Caradigm joint venture, Microsoft contributed its Amalga data aggregation and analytics software, as well as the single-sign-on and context management software acquired several years ago when it bought Sentillion. GE Healthcare contributed its health information exchange software, called eHealth, and its Qualibria bedside advanced clinical decision support software being developed with Intermountain Healthcare in Utah and Mayo Clinic.