UMass Memorial Health integrates AEYE Health's AEYE-DS into its EMR system
Within 4 months of AEYE-DS's deployment, diabetic retinopathy screening adherence increased from 29 percent to 49 percent.
(Image credit: AdobeStock/Georgie)
AEYE Health and UMass Memorial Health (UMMH) integrated AEYE Health's AEYE-DS, an AI-based autonomous diagnostic screening solution, into UMMH's EMR system. The goals of this integration are to enhance diabetic eye care by improving screening processes and adherence, reduce ophthalmology wait times, and boost quality and performance markers.1
According to the press release, within 4 months of AEYE-DS's deployment, diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening adherence increased from 29 percent to 49 percent and the average screening time was reduced by 75 percent, with the process taking only 1 to 2 minutes on average. Importantly, the immediate diagnosis and real-time discussion with primary care providers allowed for patient education about the importance of retinal health and blood glucose control.The success of this initiative was due in large part to the integration of AEYE-DS into UMMH's existing electronic medical records (EMR) system.1
Additionally, the AI exam was successfully reimbursed under CPT 92229, with the vast majority of claims being approved. Increased patient adherence also led to meaningful improvements in quality measures, including enhanced HEDIS performance.
The press release1 notes that this collaboration is dedicated to the late James Ledwith, MD, a family medicine physician with UMass Memorial Health and an assistant professor of family medicine & community health at UMass Chan Medical School. His leadership, passion, and vision were instrumental in establishing the partnership between UMass Memorial Health and AEYE Health. Dr. Ledwith's contributions to diabetic care have left a profound and lasting impact on both organizations and the patients they serve. His memory continues to inspire innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of better healthcare outcomes.
Zack Dvey-Aharon, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of AEYE Health, commented in the press release1, saying, "Our partnership with UMass Memorial Health has been transformative. By integrating AEYE-DS into their primary care workflow - including via the clinic's EMR - we're not only improving patient outcomes but also driving operational efficiencies. Dr. Ledwith's vision and leadership played a crucial role in this success, and we are honored to continue advancing diabetic eye care in his memory."
Juan Ding, OD, PhD, from the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at UMass Memorial Health spoke to the importance of the integration into the current EMR system, saying, "The seamless EMR integration has further optimized our operations. We are grateful for Dr. Ledwith's pivotal contributions, which have made this progress possible. And we will always remember him dearly."1
Following the deployment of the AEYE-DS desktop solution, UMass Memorial Health is also integrating AEYE Health's newly FDA-cleared solution with a handheld device to perform portable screenings.1
