Question: Can the PAs (or other Mid-Level users) at my facility use NewCrop to meet our e-Prescribe MU2 measure?
Answer: Yes, they certainly can! These users will positively affect the numerator of the associated report, increasing your overall report metrics.
As facilities begin to implement the NextGen Inpatient Clinicals ePrescribing third party product, NewCrop, many system administrators have been unaware of how a PA (Physician’s Assistant) or other Mid-Level user will be able to utilize the application. Simply put, they will access and use the application in the same manner that an MD/DO would use the system.
The setup for these users is the same, too. To confirm a Mid-Level Provider is set up correctly, an administrator would ensure that the correct information is entered into the Provider Admin screen, just as it is entered for a full provider: this includes the full name, phone, fax, DEA number, License/State, Ordering Privileges and the NPI number.
Access the NextGen Inpatient Clinicals application with an administrator-type user, click Admin Tools > Database > Provider Admin > Provider Admin. Search for the mid-level user’s code or enter a new code to create a new user. Ensure that all the referenced fields are correctly completed. Click Save.
The PA or Mid-Level’s provider code will be attached to the User Name, in the Edit/Create User screen, accessed via Admin Tools > Users > Edit/Crete User. As with normal user setup, the PA/Mid-Level would then require a cosign by another Provider.
When the user is ready to enter discharge medications, via the Reconciliation screen, and electronically transmit medications, the process is the same for PAs, Mid-Levels or full Providers. Please review eRX NewCrop Reference Guide, available on the NextGen Healthcare Knowledge Exchange, for more information on completing the ePrescribe process.
Although the provider who is required to cosign the PA/Mid-Level’s orders does NOT need to sign off on the electronically transmitted medications in NewCrop, the MD/DO will still sign the discharge medication orders that were created, using the PAQ (Provider Approval Queue) in NextGen Inpatient Clinicals. This process does not change from the current practice, regardless if the facility is using e-Prescribe or not.
The associated Meaningful Use Stage 2 Core and Menu Objective report, titled ePrescribe Discharge Medications, will calculate the same way, whether the user was a MD, PA, or other Mid-Level type user. Please refer to the document titled NGC 2.6 – ePrescribe MU Reporting, available on the NextGen Healthcare Knowledge Exchange, for more information on MU reporting metrics.
Please speak with your account representative for more information on implementing NewCrop within your facility.