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Scanner Setup

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This article is meant to be a reference for barcode scanning for myAvatar and for RxConnect and is current as of March 2018.

Barcode scanners

These barcode scanners are recommended, with one being preferred.

  • ZEBRA DS8108 – costs approximately $300.00 each - PREFERRED - the holder for this scanner is highly recommended. (When in the holder the scanner scans anything held under the scanner.)
  • LS4208 – costs approximately $300.00 each

Note: any bar code scanner that can scan standard medication bar codes and is supported by RxScan will work.(List current as of March 2018)

The above models are corded models. Wireless models are more expensive but allow the user more freedom for movement.

If purchasing a scanner other than the above, please contact Netsmart so that we can make sure that it is supported by RxScan and get the initialization codes for your scanner.

If you have the Honeywell Xenon 1900 scanner the bar code initialization sheet is below under the "Setting up the chosen scanner" portion of this document.

Opticon OPI 3601 and L-46X Initialization and Scan Codes

NDC Translator and the Symbol Scanner

What NDC Translator Does

When a barcode containing an NDC is scanned, the NDC Translator software interprets, parses and converts the raw data in the barcode to the 11-digit NDC number.  his technology works seamlessly with the application and can eliminate or reduce medication errors.

Installing NDC Translator

Under normal conditions, NDC Translator will install within 20 seconds, after which a License ID must be entered in order to access your assigned license or licenses. For the instructions and overview of the installation, consult pages 3-5 of the NDC Translator Installation Guide & Scanner Setup Manual. (Your license number is to be given to your by your Netsmart implementer or Client Account Executive.)

NOTE: if you would like your system to update automatically, make sure that port 1725 is open and can access the internet and that you have rights to update programs.

Configuring Your Symbol Scanner

In order for the Symbol scanner to work with NDC Translator, the scanner must be configured, or programmed, with a series of configuration barcodes. These configuration barcodes can be found on pages 9 and 10 of the NDC Translator Installation Guide & Scanner Setup Manual. These are the only required barcodes to be scanned, unless otherwise advised by an RxScan Technical Support Specialist.

Setting up the chosen scanner

Refer to these documents:

RxScan setup document

Generate Sample Bar Codes for Testing: https://www.barcodesinc.com/generator/index.php

Required registry settings for barcode scanning in myAvatar eMAR

Enable Medication and Quantity Checking - Recommended setting is '3'. This will fill in the Medication and the quantity automatically in the administration screen of the eMAR.

Use Override Code for IV Labels - Recommended setting is 'N'. Change to 'Y' only if an override notification is required.

Support Medication ID - Set to 'Y', 'R', or 'O'. Recommended setting is 'Y'.

Other Recommendations

Pharmacy

  • RxConnect version 6.7 will have a Bar Code Scan screen that will indicate for each item scanned in the pharmacy whether the item is in Micromedex, in their templates, in their drug master file, and in the inner or outer wrap.
  • The pharmacy should order medications that are available in Micromedex.

RxScan

RxScan technical support - (800) 572-2648, extension 205.

Micromedex 

Technical support - mdx.techsupp@truvenhealth.com. Send an email to this address to request that an NDC number be added to their Redbook database.

Barcoding and generic items

If you use generic items from re-packagers or little-known companies, determine if the “savings” outweighs the potential problems that may result with barcoding these items. For example, the medication may cost $5.00 per 1000 but the option that will scan successfully and is available might be $7.50 per 1000 tablets. If the pharmacist and the nurse both have to get involved to use the one that saves $2.50, perhaps it is not a worthwhile savings and purchasing an item that will readily scan would be preferable.