OPOC uses a Web-based entry format for physicians to document reasons for outpatient visits. OPOC allows MDs to order tests and procedures on outpatients in compliance with third-party payers’ guidelines (e.g., HCFA compliance regulations for Medicare patients). The system makes extensive use of the patient’s institution-wide electronic medical record to probabilistically suggest likely compliant reasons for care, based on currently ordered tests/procedures and previous history of diagnoses and tests performed on the patient, by the physician, and in the current clinic. An intelligent completer assists the clinician in documenting the reasons for the care rendered if the probabilistic suggestions are not correct. This system will be rolled out to all outpatient clinics over 2001-2002.

Primary Contact: Ed Shultz, MD, MS.