Kyle Crow, Regional VP of Sales

Managing Oracle Cerner Upgrades through Planning, Experience and Software

When managing new code and Lights On Network compliance during an Oracle Cerner® system upgrade, it is essential to focus on key areas to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Here are five important areas to consider:

  1. Comprehensive Planning and Documentation: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the specific code and network changes required for the upgrade. This plan should include a detailed timeline, roles, responsibilities, and communication strategies. Document all the necessary steps, configurations, and updates to ensure consistency and provide a reference for future audits or compliance checks.
  2. Testing and Validation: Thoroughly test the new code and network configurations in a controlled environment before deploying them in the live production system. Conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the upgraded system meets compliance requirements, operates smoothly, and delivers expected results. Validate the changes against predefined compliance standards and ensure they align with regulatory guidelines.
  3. Change Control and Version Management: Implement a robust change control process to manage the introduction of new code and network changes. Establish strict version management protocols to track and document all modifications. This helps maintain an audit trail, enables easy rollback if needed, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
  4. Collaboration and Communication: Ensure effective collaboration and communication between the technical teams, compliance officers, and stakeholders involved in the upgrade process. Regularly share progress updates, address concerns, and ensure that everyone understands the compliance implications of the new code and network changes. Transparency and open lines of communication foster a shared understanding and help identify and address compliance gaps promptly.
  5. Ongoing Monitoring and Auditing: Continuously monitor the upgraded Oracle Cerner system after the code and network changes have been implemented. Use monitoring tools and regular audits to assess compliance adherence and identify any potential issues or deviations. This proactive approach allows for prompt remediation of non-compliant areas and ensures ongoing compliance in the post-upgrade environment.Engage with compliance experts, leverage vendor resources, and participate in industry forums to stay informed about evolving compliance requirements related to Oracle Cerner system upgrades.

    Are you confident that Lights On Network is providing sufficient visibility to how your Oracle Cerner system is functioning? Are there reliable sensors and alerting present today to allow for real-time system auditing? Can you take proactive measures to optimize your Oracle Cerner EHR, improve the end-user experience, and dramatically reduce the risk of unplanned downtimes? If any of these questions highlight current gaps for your organization, Softek can help. Our software provides unparalleled visibility to fine tune your Oracle Cerner system and can identify and resolve potential issues before end users or Lights On Network would notice.

What does Softek® do?

Softek’s mission is to help hospital systems get the most out of their investment in Oracle Cerner Millennium®. We do this by providing innovative software solutions and consulting services that can achieve more together than either can alone.

At Softek, our team of innovators and software developers brings expertise beyond the ordinary to every client. Our experts are involved with Oracle Cerner Millennium® hospitals throughout the country, consulting clients so they can optimize system performance and revenue integrity.

Softek delivers a full suite of consulting services and software solutions to assess and optimize EMR system performance, including revenue cycle integrity and patient accounting.

Softek was awarded 2021 Best in KLAS for Revenue Cycle Optimization.

Let’s talk about how you can get the most out of your Oracle Cerner Millennium® system.