Hi Paul,
I can certainly understand your confusion and feel your pain. It was grueling and painful but I will tell you everything and how you can avoid it.
Do you currently get results from Labcorp and Quest in electronic format? Do you use both labs?
I would use the trial version first. I did not use the trial version for Quest because I needed automation in any form or fashion but I used the trial version for Labcorp.
For Labcorp, they had someone come in to install and set up how to order labs via internet. But then there was another download on the server of a program that runs all the time in order to be able to accept labs automatically or you can manually turn on and off. There was a folder installed in AC, simply called Labcorp. So they did a few tests with me but there was something that was not functioning, they were to get back to me and never did. The trial expired. When I tried to use it via the File/Import Labs via AC it said that we did not have an active account so we could not test anymore. That was over a month ago and still have not heard from them. Since we hardly ever use Labcorp, I did not spend any more time on that.
For Quest, the biggest problem was getting Quest to install anything without an invoice. First , a tech came and verified that we had accounts and were able to order and I thought that was it but, it wasn't and our rep did not know any better. So I kept buggin AC and our rep and Quest wanted an invoice from AC, AC did not have an invoice ready and told me to purchase it first by clicking on interfaces and Quest had to install software called "lightning". So then I purchased interface and then told Quest rep that there is a software "lightning" that needs to be on our system so that the interface can work and he then knew what to do. This takes coordination between the lab and AC. Then Quest updated our system with their latest software that does not run in the background or all the time and in addition, Quest has a dedicated computer in our lab that they support. You can only order labs or retrieve results from that computer. After that, we could import labs.
I really don't see anything running in the background on the server and if there is, it is taking up minimal memory space. I think you can set up with your Quest rep how often the labs are reported a day.
It works great now! Oh, by the way, the view of the labs now with the interface is different (it used to be pdf prior to interface). It is in style with Amazing charts reporting, and you have to often click on see notes to see the results.
I would recommend starting process ASAP by telling your Quest Rep that you need the lightning program installed per AC and how soon can you get that? Also, you need to click on trial version for the Quest interface. And then call AC and support will make sure everything is good. Quest can also talk to AC support while they are at your office.
It is 2 fees and 2 separate installs.
I am not familiar with roadrunner so cannot comment.
The interface is working great with automatic download into each patient's imported items. I believe it works by matching name and dob. Quest is currently working on a bridge for us to not have to manually put in the information for demographics for new patients. ( We are still using our old practice management software -eMedware- to bridge with Quest for ordering for the past year.?)
