Welcome to Scalabull's interfacing services! If you are seeking to create an interface and can't find the answers to your questions in this FAQ or in our setup process guide, please reach out to us at support@scalabull.com.
Foreword: Please note that all interface requests must be approved by your laboratory before Scalabull can implement an interface. Approval is not guaranteed - see below: 'will my interface request be approved?'.
FAQ:
1. Do you already have an existing connection with my lab? We have existing connections with hundreds of labs; it's likely we have already connected with your lab, or with a warehouse provider that is connected with your lab. Due to these warehouses that spider-web across the industry, modern interfacing is consistent regardless of which lab you are interfacing with (or which EHR you use). We don't recommend relying on information about prior lab connections, because it rarely affects 'approval' or 'setup time'.
2. How do I request a new interface? For new interface requests, see the 'new request guide' below.
3. Can you connect with my lab or radiology provider? Interfaces are standard across the entire US - all laboratories and radiology providers use the same HL7 technology. We have full support for this technology and have successfully created every interface that was approved by a laboratory.
3. Will my interface request be approved? This is decided by your laboratory, typically by your laboratory sales representative or sales division. Over the years, we have aggregated some tips that may help you through this process:
- The reason labs need to approve/deny requests is because HL7 interfaces are time-consuming and costly to create. Labs cannot connect every customer.
- High-volume customers are much more likely to be approved. If your practice orders at least 30 tests per month, it's likely the lab will approve your request.
- Good personal relationships with your lab tend to help.
4. How long will my interface setup take? For Scalabull interfaces, this varies between labs. Quest and LabCorp are typically the fastest - with setup times between 1 and 2 weeks being common after approval. Most other labs take less than 6 weeks after approval.
5. Results-only versus bi-directional? Lab interfaces can be configured to flow in two directions: you can receive results into your EHR, and you can send orders from your EHR. Many labs opt only to set up results sending because ordering is more complex. We typically push for bi-directional interfacing wherever possible to create the simplest workflow for customers.
6. What is the status of my interface request? See the interface request process 'here' to ensure you've gotten approval from your lab. If your interface request was already approved, please contact support@scalabull.com.