Oregon Immunization ALERT


	Immunization Registries and HIPAA
	Data Exchange Documents
	Order ALERT Supplies online!
	Forecaster FAQs
	ACIP Immunization Algorithms

Provider FAQs

What are the benefits for providers who participate in ALERT?
ALERT can help you in your practice by: Providing consolidated immunization records for new and existing patients in your practice Reducing staff time searching for patient shot records Notifying patients who are past due for immunizations Supplying patient lists for special recalls following disease outbreaks, vaccine shortages, etc. Calculating the immunization status of the provider's patient base Helping to prevent missed opportunities or over-immunization Helping parents stay informed of when shots are due Clarifying complex, changing immunization schedules and emerging vaccine combinations Helping to reduce the spread of vaccine preventable diseases by facilitating the provision of timely immunizations Generating verified immunization reports for schools and child care facilities
What providers may participate in ALERT?
According to the enabling legislation for ALERT, (ORS 433.090), "Provider" means a health care provider licensed to provide health care services in Oregon, managed health care systems, health maintenance organizations, health service contractors, insurance carriers and the Division of Medical Assitance Program (DMAP).
How can providers participate in ALERT?
As defined in ALERT's administrative rules, providers are "authorized users" who may receive ALERT information. So that ALERT may authenticate a provider as an authorized user, please contact ALERT to obtain an authorized user agreement (1-800-980-9431).
How can providers access ALERT?
by using the ALERT Web site, www.immalert.org by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-980-9431 by faxing requests for immunization histories to (971) 673-0276 by emailing requests for immunization histories to OHD.ALERT@state.or.us
What information will providers be able to obtain from ALERT?
Providers will be able to obtain the following information: individual immunization records immunization records for use by schools, child care facilities or colleges a list of all children in their practice due or past-due for shots a list of all children in the registry associated with that particular provider the provider's up-to-date immunization rates current information about vaccines and immunization issues
How will ALERT help with school and child care facility reports?
Providers are able to request immunization reports necessary for a child to attend school or a childcare facility. According to school law ALERT records are considered to be verified records. Schools and childcare facilities are also able to request immunization reports directly from ALERT.
How can providers send immunization records to ALERT?
By mail, submitting hard copy/bar code forms. Through electronic transfer, extracting data from Electronic Medical Records or billing systems. This may require additional consultation with the medical software vendor to create an interface program to ALERT.
Can providers submit the immunization histories of existing patients?
Providers may enter the existing records of all patients in their practice if they choose. It is not required to enter immunization histories, but having complete immunization histories in ALERT maximizes the benefits of maintaining a permanent immunization record in ALERT. With complete information reported to ALERT there will always be an immunization record available for forecasting shots due and accessing records for future employment, travel or school opportunities.
What if providers already enter immunization information into their own computer system?
ALERT will provide specifications that will allow software vendors to build links between existing clinical record or billing systems and ALERT. ALERT staff will work with interested vendors to see that this option is exercised wherever possible.
Will there be training available for providers?
ALERT staff and Immunization Health Educator staff are available to conduct training sessions on data submission, web use, or other topics right in your clinic. Call 1-800-980-9431 to request a training.
What hours will ALERT be available?
The ALERT Web site is available 24 hours a day. ALERT Customer Service staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to assist you. If you cannot find a record ot the website you believe should be available customer service can do a more in depth search for the record.
Can providers give input to ALERT’s development process?
We welcome suggestions, criticisms, comments or requests for updates on ALERT’s progress. Please contact Oregon Immunization ALERT at 1-800-980-9431. Input or questions can also be emailed to OHD.ALERT@state.or.us or faxed to Oregon Immunization ALERT at (971) 673-0276.