Educational Webinars
Orchard Software sponsors continuing medical educational events for healthcare professionals across the country. You can register for upcoming sessions here, or watch archived webinar recordings at any time, from anywhere. These events are presented by respected professionals in the world of healthcare and research, and managed by Whitehat Communications to ensure a professional environment. All programs are free, and offer P.A.C.E.® Continuing Education Credits for up to six months after the live event. Be sure to check back often for new event postings.   Offset Staff Shortages through LIS Integration Live Event: Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM ET PACE® Credit available until September 30, 2022  |  Florida Lab Credit available Laboratories continue to face changes and challenges that demand that they work efficiently and economically. Today’s Medical Laboratory Professionals work in an already critically short-staffed profession, dealing with a dwindling number of new graduates that does not offset the number of retiring individuals. This scenario results in labs with overworked employees who may feel burned out and frustrated. Consequently, when laboratory professionals are forced to work long hours to meet demands, there is an increased opportunity for errors and a potential detrimental impact on patient care. The complimentary webinar will discuss trends within the healthcare and laboratory markets that are adding to the burden faced by the laboratory profession. The speakers will outline specific efficiencies that are created through an integrated LIS that can help alleviate staff shortages, improve staff satisfaction, and boost cost efficiency. The presenters will describe an example of a laboratory that successfully leveraged their LIS integration to save a substantial amount of tech time and money. Lastly, the speakers will outline specific efficiencies that are created through an integrated LIS that can help alleviate staff shortages, improve staff satisfaction, and boost cost efficiency. This session will: Share a laboratory case study example that highlights the benefits associated with successful implementation of an integrated LIS Examine the myriad benefits achieved by implementing an integrated LIS Identify the cost of errors and burnout in the laboratory Recognize trends within the healthcare and laboratory industries that are adding pressure to laboratory professionals’ jobs Presenters: Matt Modleski Executive VP, Corporate/Business Development, Orchard Software Tony Dilella Laboratory Equipment Sales Specialist, McKesson Medical-Surgical Duane Clark Laboratory Technology Sales Specialist, McKesson Medical-Surgical Laboratory Data is Essential for Your Value-based Contracts: Here’s Why and How Live Event: Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 1:00 PM ET PACE® Credit available until April 12, 2022  |  Florida Lab Credit available   In an effort to curb an unsustainable spending trajectory and improve patient outcomes, our healthcare system is steadily transitioning its reimbursement structure away from fee-for service (FFS) payments to value-based models. Healthcare systems are entering into value-based contracts with payers that incentivize improved patient outcomes and conscientious spending. Laboratory data is an often overlooked source of information that can be valuable in contract negotiation and patient risk documentation. Alongside this change, laboratories are redefining their value proposition to ensure their services align with their organization’s value-based goals. One of the ways that a laboratory increases its value to patients and its parent healthcare organization is by providing data that supports organizational efforts in value-based contracts (VBCs), such as those in the growing Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The laboratory can extract and present key data that identifies and measures the health of chronically-ill patients for quality metrics required by value-based contracts. The webinar will discuss healthcare’s payment model progression as it relates to value-based contracts and define the value of laboratory data in proper documentation of patient status and risk. As a subset of VBCs, Medicare Advantage risk-based contracts will be discussed including an introduction to code sets that are used to predict healthcare spending based on patient diagnoses; and quality measurement systems that are used to measure quality of care. The laboratory’s “value-add” by contributing data to VBC performance along with specific relevant examples will be a key takeaway for attendees. This session will: Illustrate healthcare’s payment model progression—from fee-for service to fully-delegated risk as it relates to value-based contracts Outline the role of laboratory data in successful payor contract performance and in proper documentation of patient health status and risk Explain how laboratory data applies to quality performance metrics Appraise the value that point-of-care testing and metrics bring to value-based contracts, including specific data mining examples Presenter: Matt Modleski Executive VP, Business Development Orchard Software As Executive Vice President of Corporate and Business Development at Orchard Software, Matt is responsible for strengthening Orchard’s corporate relationships and bringing additional value through new business opportunities. Previously, Matt led the operation of more than 70 physician practices and was a key member of the executive team at American Health Network. From 2006 to 2014, he was a partner at Stovall Grainger Modleski, a healthcare consulting firm with expertise in the healthcare environment and competitive positioning. Prior to his work in healthcare sales and marketing, Matt was an accomplished pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded the 355th Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year and also a lead member of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds. Do More with Less: Ease the Burden of Staff Shortages & Boost Lab Productivity Live Event: Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM ET PACE® Credit available until February 10, 2022  |  Florida Lab Credit available Laboratory professionals often feel over-worked and underappreciated and are constantly dealing with staff shortages and healthcare industry changes. Being continually asked to “do more with less” in a challenging career can lead to burnout and frustration. And, this past year, the COVID-19 pandemic created an even greater demand for qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists. Because lab results are vital in providing data to providers, timeliness and accuracy are key factors in the success of medical laboratory professionals. The workforce shortage hampers the ability of laboratories to meet testing demands, which can pose problems for patient care. As job openings continue to outpace new graduates, labs are challenged to innovate and find new ways to improve overall efficiency and productivity in order to “do more with less.” This webinar will discuss the current healthcare and laboratory landscape and the ongoing shortage of qualified laboratory professionals. The speaker will share methods that successful labs are using to adapt and thrive within a dynamic healthcare environment, including recruitment and retention examples. Lastly, the webinar will delve into the concept of leveraging your Laboratory Information System (LIS) to boost productivity, with a special focus on the value and benefit of result autoverification. This session will: Describe relevant trends within the current healthcare and laboratory industry markets Define reasons for the shortage of trained laboratory professionals and explore staff retention strategies Recognize tactics being used by successful laboratories to thrive in a dynamic healthcare landscape Examine the value of your LIS as a productivity tool, including appraisal of the benefits of result autoverification Presenter: Kim Futrell, MT(ASCP), MSHI Sr Strategic Marketing Manager Orchard Software Kim has a bachelor’s degree in biology, is an ASCP-certified Medical Technologist, and has a Master of Science in Health Informatics. With Orchard Software, Kim is a contributing author for numerous laboratory-related magazines and Orchard’s white papers series, intended to educate and inform laboratorians of current, relevant industry topics and promote the value and importance of the laboratory. Laboratory Data Sharing and Interoperability: Responding to a Pandemic Live Event: Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 1:00 PM ET PACE® Credit available until November 13, 2021  |  Florida Lab Credit available Despite technologies in place, the U.S. healthcare system has been slow to embrace data sharing and interoperability. This lack of connected systems and inability to effectively communicate among providers and healthcare organizations has been illuminated by the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Laboratories manage a tremendous amount of patient data, making them central players in an interoperable system, and integral in a pandemic response. Laboratory professionals who understand the importance of interoperability across healthcare can begin to make changes that advance that initiative. This webinar will contrast the pandemic responses of the U.S. and South Korea, including the differences in the two countries and reasons behind the dissimilarities in COVID-19 mitigation. While the pandemic responses are expected to differ, the speakers will point out some of the lessons that the U.S. can learn from South Korea’s pandemic response. In addition, we will discuss the overall importance of data sharing to the healthcare system, particularly during a global health emergency such as the coronavirus. Lastly, we will expound upon the laboratories central role in healthcare data sharing and pandemic response, as well as share some action items that can help move to a more interoperable system. This session will: Review the successful components of South Korea’s COVID-19 response & identify differences in the U.S. response Describe the role of interoperable systems to a pandemic response & the value to healthcare overall Define the current barriers to interoperability adoption in the U.S. Evaluate the lessons learned from South Korea’s pandemic response that can be applied to the U.S. Examine the laboratory’s role in data sharing as it relates to pandemic response & to overall healthcare interoperability Presenters: Kim Futrell, MT(ASCP), MSHI Sr Strategic Marketing Manager Orchard Software Kim has a bachelor’s degree in biology, is an ASCP-certified Medical Technologist, and has a Master of Science in Health Informatics. With Orchard Software, Kim is a contributing author for numerous laboratory-related magazines and Orchard’s white papers series, intended to educate and inform laboratorians of current, relevant industry topics and promote the value and importance of the laboratory. Matt Modleski Executive Vice President of Business Development Orchard Software Matt is responsible for strengthening Orchard’s corporate relationships and bringing additional value through new business opportunities. Previously, Matt led the operation of more than 70 physician practices and was a key member of the executive team at American Health Network. From 2006 to 2014, he was a partner at Stovall Grainger Modleski, a healthcare consulting firm with expertise in the healthcare environment and competitive positioning. Fifty Shades of COVID-19 Testing & the Need for Speed Live Event: Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 1:00 PM EDT PACE® Credit available until March 24, 2021  |  Florida Lab Credit available The U.S. found itself unprepared to act quickly in response to spread of COVID-19 across the U.S. Many laboratories are still struggling to ramp up testing and speed turnaround times to help diminish disease spread. There remains much uncertainty about test reliability and many unknowns about COVID-19 immunity and its ability to re-infect those who have tested positive. Rapid and accurate integrated laboratory testing that enables quick contact tracing and immediate quarantine is part of the solution to help quickly reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Rapid point-of-care (POC) COVID-19 test results are being recognized as a key component to address the turnaround time challenges inherent in PCR testing when the lab is not located locally. This webinar will describe the progression of COVID-19 testing (from PCR to POCT), touching on the different uses of viral testing versus antibody testing, and the challenges that laboratories face in reporting accurate, timely results. The discussion will include the value of rapid integrated POCT test results to aid in effective contact tracing and disease prevention; and will highlight the importance of the laboratory’s role in addressing this pandemic. This session will: Describe the history and progression of COVID-19 testing from PCR through POCT Define COVID-19 testing challenges and roadblocks Evaluate the importance of rapid results in disease management (e.g., contact tracing, prevention, containment) Identify the role of integrated POCT in the COVID-19 pandemic response Recognize the laboratory’s vital role and its future outlook Presenter: Matt Modleski Executive VP, Business Development Orchard Software As Executive Vice President of Corporate and Business Development at Orchard Software, Matt is responsible for strengthening Orchard’s corporate relationships and bringing additional value through new business opportunities. Previously, Matt led the operation of more than 70 physician practices and was a key member of the executive team at American Health Network. From 2006 to 2014, he was a partner at Stovall Grainger Modleski, a healthcare consulting firm with expertise in the healthcare environment and competitive positioning. Prior to his work in healthcare sales and marketing, Matt was an accomplished pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded the 355th Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year and also a lead member of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds. The Role of POCT in the World of Value-based Contracts Live Event: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 1:00 PM EDT PACE® Credit available until September 18, 2020  |  Florida Lab Credit available In spite of a continued rise in U.S. healthcare spending, patient outcomes are poor when compared to other developed countries. In an effort to curb an unsustainable spending trajectory and improve patient outcomes, our healthcare system is transitioning its reimbursement structure away from fee-for service (FFS) payments to value-based models. Healthcare systems are entering into value-based contracts with payers that incentivize improved patient outcomes and conscientious spending. Alongside this change, laboratories need to re-evaluate their value proposition and ensure they are providing service that aligns with their organization’s value-based goals. One of the ways that a laboratory increases its value to patients and its parent healthcare organization is by making the organization successful in value-based contracts (VBCs), such as those in the growing Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The laboratory’s role is in impacting total cost of care and providing data for quality metrics that are required in value-based contracts. As an example, the lab’s ability to extract and present key data that can identify and measure the health of a chronically-ill patient is a key quality metric in a value-based contract. The webinar will discuss healthcare’s payment model progression from fee-for service to fully-delegated risk and identify the key components of a value-based contract (VBC). Discussion will further breakdown the key elements measured in VBCs related to both cost and quality. As a subset of VBCs, Medicare Advantage risk-based contracts will be discussed including an introduction to code sets that are used to predict healthcare spending based on patient diagnoses; and quality measurement systems that are used to measure quality of care.The laboratory’s “value-add” by tying POCT to VBC performance along with specific relevant examples will be a key takeaway for participants. This session will: Illustrate healthcare’s payment model progression—from fee-for service to fully-delegated risk Identify the key components of a value-based contract Describe the aspects of Medicare Advantage (MA) as a subset of a value-based contract Appraise the value that POCT brings to value-based contracts with real-life examples Presenter: Matt Modleski Executive VP, Business Development Orchard Software As Executive Vice President of Corporate and Business Development at Orchard Software, Matt is responsible for strengthening Orchard’s corporate relationships and bringing additional value through new business opportunities. Previously, Matt led the operation of more than 70 physician practices and was a key member of the executive team at American Health Network. From 2006 to 2014, he was a partner at Stovall Grainger Modleski, a healthcare consulting firm with expertise in the healthcare environment and competitive positioning. Prior to his work in healthcare sales and marketing, Matt was an accomplished pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded the 355th Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year and also a lead member of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds.   Continuing Education Credit: One P.A.C.E.® credit-hour will be provided for this complimentary basic level session. Orchard Software is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This session is approved for 1 Florida CE credit. Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel approved number: 50-12563     Additional Educational Resources Sponsored by Orchard Software Orchard's commitment to education extends to our sponsorship of the long-running point of care group webinars, which are produced by Whitehat Communications and free to the point of care and laboratory community. You can register for the 2021 sessions a by visiting: 2021 Point of Care Group Webinars   © 2021 | Whitehat Communications, a division of Martek Inc.