Mychart Acumen

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WebAcumen Epic Connect combines the power of Epic’s world-class EHR and practice management system, extensive interoperability, and robust patient portal, MyChart, with …

While Acumen 2.0 leverages the depth and breadth of Epic Systems’ technology platform, it is uniquely simplified and streamlined to serve the needs of individual nephrology practices. FMCNA, through its Acumen Physician Solutions team, has developed and implemented nephrology office tools (Acumen EHR, Practice Management, and Mobile Charge Capture) for several years, providing the team with a strong understanding of the unique needs of nephrology practice. For this switch to Acumen 2.0, the team solicited input and feedback from nephrologists and practice users over several months. Working closely with early adopter practices in an iterative development process, Acumen 2.0 has been tailored for nephrology practices, including: 1 Clinical content at the point of care for nephrology-specific workflows and to guide best practice 2 Reporting and analytics to measure outcomes and population management 3 Full-featured patient portal to engage and manage patients 4 Connection to a national health information exchange platform for efficient care transitions

Nephrologists have a crucial role in effectively managing patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ensuring an optimal transition to dialysis and maintenance for those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Studies have shown the benefits of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula as the optimal vascular access method for hemodialysis, and 80 percent of patients starting dialysis with a catheter end up with preventable infections. 1 Late referral of CKD patients to a nephrologist is also associated with adverse outcomes. 2 Avoiding hospitalizations and improving 30-day readmission rates for patients with ESRD are other care coordination objectives that have not been sufficiently addressed. 3

Best practice alerts specific to renal disease encourage appropriate use of ACE-inhibitors in proteinuria; remind providers at point of care to refer for access evaluation for late-stage CKD; and recommend referral to transplant, if not previously documented, and encourage hepatitis B immunization and tracking. Alerts also address other important quality goals as well as suggest order intervals for labs such as calcium, iPTH, and phosphorus based on KDOQI standards. RCA found Acumen 2.0 facilitates efficient documentation by making problem-list upkeep, medication reconciliation, and common nephrology orders (medications, labs, and ancillary testing) very convenient within typical physician and staff workflow. While Epic allows a high degree of configuration and customization, Acumen 2.0 permits practices to manage personalization options in order to accomplish overall clinical and business goals of the practice. RCA has found that coding is more efficient because it is embedded in the provider workflow and customized to nephrologists.

Nephrologists have long recognized the potential for IT to facilitate progressive and coordinated patient care, yet most have found existing office IT systems to be extremely frustrating. Acumen 2.0, developed by FMCNA in collaboration with Epic Systems, is proving that a streamlined solution tailored to the needs of individual nephrology practices can finally deliver on the promise of IT. Early adopters are already realizing the benefits of the improved nephrology—specific workflows, data, and analytics, as well as a full-featured patient portal.

RenalCare Associates (RCA) in Peoria, Illinois, has been actively involved as a development partner and site for Acumen 2.0 since early 2017. The practice went live on Acumen 2.0 on November 1, 2017.