Direct, how do I get it? (continued)

Continued from Monday ...

In addition to the two types of Direct solution - integrated and standalone - there are two license types: individual and organizational. One state mini-grant program was based on the Provider’s state license number, so the Direct addresses awarded were individual addresses. However, communications tend to be better received at an administrative level in the practice than by the individual doctor, especially if the practice is a multi-doctor office. It’s a staff member who will check, receive and route a Continuity of Care Document (CCD) to the doctor who’ll actually be seeing the patient.

This last point perhaps begs the question, “Why would doctors want an individual address and not just an organizational one?” The answer is the directory listing. If the doctor wants to be individually listed in the directory, then an individual address is required. The reasons why you may want an individual listing are many but e-prescribing once again offers a good analogy. 

We know that a Provider pays for an eRX license based on the NPI# and, in some states, DEA # as well. Any Provider can also have a Provider Agent and the Provider Agent does not pay. Strictly speaking, a practice could use one doctor for all prescriptions with every other doctor logging in as a Provider Agent. However, the Rx will be filled under the licensed Provider’s name. Most doctors don’t want the name of a partner doctor showing up on their prescriptions, therefore, they will purchase their own license. Similarly, doctors will want the option of having a PHI communication (Protected Health Information) sent to them individually not always to the practice’s admin address. 

Lastly, if you've been following our discussion around care teams, there’s the question of ECPs going to PCPs to establish the sharing of Summary of Care Records (SCR is the new term for CCD). In all likelihood, many PCPs will not know about Direct. If the PCP is tied into a health system, the process of beginning to share SCRs outside the health system or HIE may be very convoluted. We anticipate that ECPs will need to help PCPs “go Direct”. To facilitate this and remove the sales barrier of having to buy a Direct license, your HISP (as ours has done) may offer a 90-day free trial to the PCP. All going well and the value proven, the PCP will purchase a license at the conclusion of the 90-day trial period.

Wishing you the best as you pursue Direct and position yourself as a local leader and "must-have" eye care provider for care coordinators everywhere around you. Remember, if you need help along the way, that's what the National Eye Care Communications Project is all about. It's open for all. Learn more here and join us for a webinar or working session every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 8pm Eastern. 

Alistair Jackson, M.Ed.