The utility does not directly interact with any EHR system but it can import data from a tab-delimited file containing patient or visit dataset as long as the tab-delimited file conforms to the specifications.
The utility goes through several steps that require user input before importing data.
Import process flowchart
Configure
This step asks for the source and target files and import options.
Database
Specifies the path and filename of the target database where the imported data will be stored. This is a read-only field and defaults to the database that is currently in use.
Source File
The tab-delimited file where the data will be imported from. It should conform to the file specifications.
Dataset
Specifies the type of data to be imported. Select "Patients" if the tab-delimited file specified in the Source File field contains the list of patients to be imported. Select "Patient Visits" if the tab-delimited file contains the visits of patients.
Overwrite "Yes" Check Box
This option will force the Importer utility to overwrite elements in the database with "Yes"/1 values with any values from the data to be imported except nulls. The default behavior of the Importer is to not overwrite "Yes"/1 values in the database. For example the stored CADLDLCTest value is 1 or "Yes" which means that the measure was performed. If the value to be imported is 0 or "No" and the user indicated not to overwrite "Yes" values in the database then the value to be imported will be discarded. See the file specifications for more information on valid values.
All columns of type INTEGER with valid values between 0 and 5 are affected by this setting with the following exceptions: Gender, HFPCInvalid, DMBPSystolic, DMBPDiastolic, DMLDLCValue & CADLDLCValue. The table below shows the effect of this option to the stored data.
| Overwrite "Yes" Option | Data To Import | Stored Data | Result |
| Checked | 0/No | 1/Yes | 0/No |
| Checked | 3/No – Med. Reasons | 1/Yes | 3/No – Med. Reasons |
| Unchecked | 0/No | 1/Yes | 1/Yes |
| Unchecked | 3/No – Med. Reasons | 1/Yes | 1/Yes |
Overwrite All Dates Check Box
This option will force the Importer utility to overwrite dates in the database that are more recent than the ones to be imported. The default behavior of the Importer is to not overwrite more recent dates in the database.
All columns of type DATE in the patient database are affected by this option. The dates in the patient visit dataset are not affected. The table below shows the effect of this option to the stored data.
| Overwrite All Dates Option | Data To Import | Stored Data | Result |
| Checked | 01/01/2006 | 02/02/2006 | 01/01/2006 |
| Unchecked | 01/01/2006 | 02/02/2006 | 02/02/2006 |
'Save settings on successful import' Check Box
This option will save the import settings into the configuration file after a successful import. The following settings are affected: source file, selected dataset, state of all check boxes in the first step, certification status and selected EHR application. The saved import settings could also be updated or cleared by clicking on the Settings... button. See Modify Import Settings topic for more information.
Certification
Specify in this step the certification status of the software that created the data for the tab-delimited file. See the topic on Certification for more information.
Yes and No Options
Indicates if the EHR that is the source of data in the tab-delimited file is certified. If it is, select "Yes" otherwise select "No".
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Software Information
Specifies the vendor name and software that is the source of data in the tab-delimited file. This list, along with the other options below it, is available only if you selected "Yes" in the previous option.
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Attestation Check Box
Put a check in the attestation check box to acknowledge that the data in the tab-delimited file entirely came from the specified certified EHR. Put a check in this check box even if the actual software that created the tab-delimited file is not certified as long as the data where it came from is certified. Practices are given bonuses on imported data based on the certification of the source of the data and not the creator of the tab-delimited file.
Source File
Specifies the tab-delimited file where the data will be imported from. This is a read-only field and takes its value from the previous step.
Current User
Displays the name of the current user. Only users assigned a role of "Administrator" can use the Importer utility.
Date
Displays the current date based on the system settings where MCMP-PAT is running.
Password
The password of the current user.
Check Data
In this step, the list of patients or visits and the values to be imported are displayed in the grid. The rows with errors and warnings will be listed first. Patients in the source file whose HIC number is not in the database are ignored and will not appear in the list. Each patient or visit and the related information appears in one row. Those with errors are highlighted with a light red background and those with warnings have a dark yellow background.
If a row has an error or warning, clicking the plus sign (+) located to the left of the row will display the detailed list of errors and warnings for that row. The two buttons on the top right of the grid, expands and collapses all errors and warnings.
A maximum of 500 errors and warnings is collected. After 500 errors and/or warnings, no more detailed list of errors and warnings will be associated with the rows. The rows with errors and warnings will still have a light red and dark yellow background respectively.
If a serious error is found, the Importer will not continue the import process. Other minor errors and all warnings are ignored. See the list of import errors and warnings for more information on what can cause them.
Review
This shows the list of options selected in the previous steps. It gives the user another chance to correct the settings before importing the data.
Log
This displays the list of options and the activities performed.
Possible Error Messages
Error Message:
Resolution: Make sure that each record occupies only one line in the tab-delimited file and that there are no spaces in between the lines.
Related Topics
Import Overview
Import Rules and Requirements
Certification
File Specifications
Import Errors
Modify Import Settings
Import Status of Elements