UPDATE: NextGen Follows First Combined KBM Release with 5.9.1/8.4.1 Enhancements

Recently, NextGen updated its first-ever combined KBM release – version 5.9.1/8.4.1. The team at Med Tech Solutions has put it to the test, and we’re excited to report on our many positive findings! KBM 5.9.1/8.4.1 includes enhancements to Crystal Reports, plus a slew of other EHR improvements, like document signoff and better Radiology AUC functionality. Our favorite enhancement is an automated deactivation process (more on that later). Simplified online scheduling is another significant and positive change. Some great, new PM enhancements are included in the update, as well – including group scheduling, charge posting, a Medicare Replacement Payer alert, and combined history/non-history status reporting.

NextGen responded to client feedback and made the KBM even more functional. MTS has several customers already using the 5.9.1/8.4.1 update and their feedback has been really positive! If you’ve not already done so, MTS encourages our NextGen customers to schedule your upgrade.

Here’s what we liked on the EHR side:

Enhanced CDA viewer with one-click reconciliation and the ability to filter the C-CDA view

The Enhanced CDA viewer lets the user filter the view per, allowing for more customization. This, of course, provides a view that is more relevant to each patient.

Enhanced Crystal Reports now include universalRxPrint and RxFax features

Users told NextGen they don’t need reports that are individualized by state. The new, universal report is easier to use, and allows for consistent reporting.

During the deactivation process, administrators can now assign pending PM Tasks, PAQ and Clinical Tasks to available users

This is our favorite enhancement in this update! As we know, clinics experience occasional turnover. This change enables a clinic administrator to assign a new staff member to a case before deactivation. Previously, admins have had to call support to deactivate manually. This now automates the process and gives clinics more control. It’s a beautiful thing!

Enhanced Radiology AUC Functionality

Users will enjoy the user-friendly changes NextGen has made to the Radiology AUC feature.

Ability to Mark Encounters as Sensitive

Previously, clinics had no way to mark an encounter “sensitive.” The enhancement allows for the “sensitive” label to be added – and this now carries across to KBM.

Ability for multi user document signoff

This is new functionality. Previously, it was not possible for more than one user to sign off on a document. Some clinics had wanted two providers to sign a note. NextGen responded by enabling notes to be signed by multiple users.

Ability to search by date range within the Rosetta Holding Tank

Until now, users could not search by date at all. This absolutely simplifies the search process. MTS likes this enhancement – after all, “Simple” is our middle name! 

NextGen also included a couple of welcome enhancements to its Patient Portal…

Ability to invite patients for enrollment in the portal without using a token

This is so nice! The change takes the “token needed” element out of the equation. Clinics can now invite patients to enroll in their Patient Portal “on the fly!”

Simplified online scheduling outside of the Patient Portal through the use of a link from a web site

NextGen offers a totally new process. This takes real-time appointment scheduling for patients outside of the portal. The previous scheduling function within the Patient Portal was not utilized because it had been “buggy.” Now, providers have the ability to complete online scheduling by throwing a simple link onto their web site. 

And what about enhancements on the PM side? MTS found a lot to like there, as well:

Group Scheduling

Nextgen has made creating or modifying group scheduling better in this update. This can be done without accessing the EHR. Users previously could only schedule individual patients. This enhancement allows for the automatic scheduling of groups of patients.

Charge posting facility name and address when Place of Service is 99

The option to define Place of Service (if other than the provider’s medical facility) was not previously available to users. Now, “Place of Service is 99” can be defined – whether the service is provided in a coffee shop,or on a bridge.

“No show” or Cancellation of Appointment alerts

This is a great function that will help schedulers perform their role more effectively! Users will be happy to be able to track their patients’ attendance manually. Many clinics like to track patients who cancel their appointments or “no show” at the last minute. This new option available on the “Alerts” tab within “Practice Preferences” enables users to track the number of occurrences within each month and create an alert when cancellations become excessive.

Expand 2400 Service Line Level Loops and Segments

By creating a new option in the EDI Claim Profile Library, NextGen has corrected a previous issue with claim files splitting when different renderings and locations were entered by the user.

Medicare Replacement Payer Alert and Indicator in Reports

NextGen offers a new option that alerts users when a patient is over the age of 65 so they can follow a workflow for a Medicare replacement patient. This enhancement had been requested by NextGen users, and NextGen responded by providing this new functionality.

History/Non-History Status Report

Two system reports have now been combined to provide greater efficiency for your business office staff. Users can now resolve offsetting balances automatically – the balances will correct right then and there! This is a huge time-saving enhancement!

Instamed Applying eCheck Payments

Users are now able to apply an eCheck manually or by using a check scanner. When using a check scanner, patient information auto-populates on Instamed’s web form.

TSYS Express No Device Credit Card Payment Processing

Perhaps a minor enhancement, but some users will be glad to learn that TSYS Express no longer requires a swiper for credit card processing.

CCBHC ‘Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic’ Qualifying Encounters

Users now have use of an indicator to flag qualifying encounters, as well as locations. The enhancement should help reduce claim rejections.

NextGen EDI

NextGen has made available an option to auto-address an update. This feature, previously known as “Bad Addresses,” is now called “Fast Forward Reports.” It’s free if providers are registered NextGen users, but EDI is also available for a fee as an add-on service.

Hide Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

By request, providers can now hide these fields by selecting the option in their Practice Preferences. The “hide” feature is available in PM only; the fields indicating gender identity and sexual orientation remain visible in the EHR.

Allow workgroups to be linked to locations

An enhancement to minimize a clinic’s workload: a new dropdown menu within the File Maintenance tab allows users to set up their own workgroups. This will be particularly helpful to specialty groups that work often with tasks related to specific locations.

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NextGen users will be pleased with all of the new enhancements to be discovered in the updated 5.9.1/8.4.1 release. MTS recommends clients upgrade so they can immediately begin taking advantage of all the great new features. Need assistance? Please reach out to your account manager, or contact MTS Support at support@medtechsolutions.com.