Participation is voluntary. The registry allows physicians to access patient records for information about immunizations administered outside their practices. EDI allows the sharing of electronic data in a structured format between computer systems. By using the voice response system, non-computer users can access TOTS patient information and update the statewide registry. This system may also be the ideal choice for sites that administer a low volume of immunizations.
Callers use the keypad of a touch-tone telephone to request information on a patient.
The system can read the requested information over the phone or it can fax the patient's immunization history or school physical form to the caller. By using character recognition and bar code technology, the system can automatically process the form and include the data in the statewide registry. The TOTS computer program is the system's most robust component, allowing health care providers to collect, store, analyze and report immunization data at individual sites. A modem allows a site to dial into the statewide registry to share immunization information. TOTS is designed to protect patient confidentiality and to provide access to statewide registry information.