Scout Support HomeTop FAQs for
Knowledge Base - Scout
Providing answers to commonly asked questions, solutions to known problems, and more...
GENERAL USERS ASK...
What is Scout?
The PMS integration is completed by installing an application called Scout on a machine within your practice. Scout is a java-based application that is used to pull and/or receive data, and then securely transmit that data to Covisint. It connects to your PMS database and runs SQL reports to extract information and securely send that data to your portal.
Why does the Scout need 5 GB of space on my server for the install?
The Scout application needs this hard drive space as a temporary store during data processing time. This space is dependent on the number of patient records; the higher the number of records in your PMS the greater amount of space is needed. An estimated 1 GB is required for every 10,000 patient records. The Covisint technician can advise if less or more space is needed.
DATA...
What information will be pulled from my PMS into the portal? How?
The Scout application makes an ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) connection to the PMS's database. It pulls the demographic data needed to create a patient record in the portal and other integrated applications.
What will my data be used for?
The data is used for the services for which your sponsoring organization has contracted.
How often is data pulled from my PMS?
The Scout application checks the patient records that have appointments every 15 minutes for changes, and also runs a complete check at 7:00 pm against all records in the system. These are completely configurable time intervals allowing Covisint to accommodate each office.
What is the CPU load required on my server?
This depends on the number of patient records and the type of PMS. If performance is impacted, a Covisint technician will adjust the time interval that the Scout application uses to check for data changes.
What is the required Internet bandwidth?
This depends on the number of patient records and the type of PMS. If performance is impacted, a Covisint technician will adjust the time interval that the Scout application uses to check for data changes.
Will I notice any system performance issues?
This depends on the number of patient records and the type of PMS. If performance is impacted, a Covisint technician will adjust the time interval that the Scout application uses to check for data changes.
INSTALLATION...
How is the Scout installed?
You will receive an access code from your sponsoring organization. That access code will allow you to download and install the Scout from the Scout Enablement portal to a machine within your practice.
How much of my staff's time is needed for the installation / integration?
Currently, it is estimated to be about 30 minutes per integration. This is the time required to complete the self-installation of the Scout software. As each system is different, this time may vary.
What happens after the Scout is installed?
A technician from Covisint will gain access to the machine upon which Scout was installed. The technician adds the ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) connection information which allows the Scout to talk to the PMS/EMR database. Additional setup may be required for a specific PMS/EMR.
How does Covisint gain access to my PMS system/server remotely?
Once Scout is installed, a secure remote session can be created between the machine and Covisint. When the session is created, an active user is able to postpone the event or chat with the technician to allow it to continue at later time.
OTHER...
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is a secure Internet protocol used to transmit data. It is secured using SSL (i.e., Secure Sockets Layer) and a independent 3rd party that verifies the security. It is employed widely by financial, government, and commercial web sites.
Why should we do a PMS integration?
PMS integration ensures the following by making your office's PMS the source of truth:
- Less data entry needed and less typos made.
- A real time data feed allows for services to be used almost instantly.
- Less or no impact on existing office procedures.
