• Interface tester recommended by Epic installers and interface developers.
  • Certified in Inpatient Orders and Order Transmittal (version Spring '07)
  • Experienced with Epic's Bridges interface product.
  • Proven success. See resume for customer list.
  • Works closely with your team (lab, epic analysts, and interface engine programmer).
  • Can also peform "other duties as assigned": I assist in Epic configuration, SmartTools, Report Generator Reports, and Master Files

I have been working as an independent consultant for Epic customers since 1996 to install and roll out Epic . My specialty niche has been Lab interface testing.

Feel free to inquire with Epic for a referral.

Epic Consulting Services

Develop test plans
Using Epic's suggested plan for testing HL7 interfaces, my previous test plans, your Bridges specification, and your particular testing needs, I develop a detailed 6-phase detailed test plan. Included in the plan are the testing of communications, profile variables, message fields, procedures, scenarios, integrated testing with other products, and post go-live testing.

Testing
Following the developed and approved plan mentioned above I create incoming or outgoing messages (such as make lab orders and result them) and review the filed data as required. Make sure all codes are mapped properly. Make sure all interfaces settings are working to specifications and problem solve when they are not. Ensure that results are filed and displayed properly. Sometimes I also enter results to save your lab staff time (may require some training on your lab or other ancillary system).

At Mount Sinai I used Mercury QuickTest Professional automated testing tool to make lab orders.

Hand holding/Training
Side by side, in house assistance to help staff in using and learning Bridges, checking error logs, and solving problems. Have trained lab support staff in the working of the interface.

Go-live assistance
When your system goes live I can provide an extra pair of hands to trouble shoot not only on interfaces but also in other areas of the system.

Turn over
Depending on how autonomous the interface testing has been, it might be necessary to plan some turn-over time to the permanent staff responsible for the interfaces and error logs.

General EpicCare assistance
In addition to interface testing, I have also assisted customers with installing Epic Ambulatory wherever an extra resource has been needed. (See other duties as assigned list) This includes but is not limited to such things as developing or entering Smart Tools, order transmittal, building master files, testing workstation and printers. (It would just take a bit of brush up training to join your CPOE team because the tools are similar to SmartSets.)

Mayo Clinic Reference Lab had this to say about my work at Dean Clinic:

".. this was a very intense project completed in a very short time. If there was a problem, it was taken care of immediately so QA timing wouldn't suffer. You all are really pleasant to work with and I wish all of my interfaces were like this."

Yvonne Philo, Communications Technology Specialist
MML Telecommunications
Mayo Medical Laboratories

"The management staff above me here at Mayo was extremely impressed with the work ethic and determination from the group from Dean Clinic. The fact that this interface was completed, from connectivity to implementation, in 24 days is quite a huge reflection on the staff that worked on this project. All of the people that completed this project, especially the QA testing (the most rigorous portion of the project), worked non-stop to ensure that everything worked as smoothly as possible. It was a great pleasure to be a part of this project and to be able to help in any way possible."

Nicole Vadnais
Project Manager, LSI Team
Mayo Medical Laboratories
Rochester, MN

and from Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York:

"When are you coming back?"

Kristin Myers
Senior Director, Strategic Projects-IT
Mount Sinai