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Help and Frequently Asked Questions

When requesting tests online:

DO DO NOT
Request tests online through CLIMS Remote Order whenever possible Send printed or hand filled copies with unvalidated fields and potential errors
Include collection date, patient's name, date of birth and New York State county of residence Omit pertinent required information when submitting single or bulk requests
Search for test names in the test catalog Write test name in notes
Call or email for prior test approval when indicated Send specimens without a paper IDR and online test request through Remote Order Entry
Include printed Shipping Manifest with samples after requesting online Ship without the associated Shiping Manifest for processing in the labs
Contact laboratories with questions Send inappropriately packaged specimens or leaky specimens

Frequently Asked Questions

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Enrollment
I don’t have an HCS Account or access to the CLIMS Application

You must first enroll in the Health Commerce System to gain access to online submissions and reports.

Each user must have their own account

  1. Access the HCS
  2. Select ‘Create an HCS Account’ and follow the instructions  
  3. Request access to the CLIMS application by:
    • If you are from a licensed clinical laboratory or county health department 
      • Contact your HCS Coordinator to assign you to the appropriate Wadsworth results coordinator and/or Remote Order Entry.  
      • If you do not know who your HCS Coordinator is, contact the Commerce Accounts Management Unit (CAMU) at 1-866-259-1890, option 1 (M-F 8:00AM – 4:45PM)
    • All other users 

If you have any questions regarding enrollment, the submission process, or accessing electronic reports, refer to the Help and Frequently Asked Questions.


I have an HCS account, but do not have access to the CLIMS application
  1. Request access to the CLIMS application by:
    • If you are from a licensed clinical laboratory or county health department 
      • Contact your HCS Coordinator to assign you to the appropriate Facility Results and/or Remote Order Entry roles.  
      • If you do not know who your HCS Coordinator is, contact the Commerce Accounts Management Unit (CAMU) at 1-866-259-1890, option 1 (M-F 8:00AM – 4:45PM)
    • All other users 

If you have any questions regarding enrollment, the submission process, or accessing electronic reports, refer to the Help and Frequently Asked Questions.


I have a HCS account with access to the CLIMS Application

You are already enrolled. Now you may Request Tests and Access Reports online using your web browser through CLIMS Remote Order Entry.


I am still unable to complete documentation online

Follow the instructions at the bottom of the Request Tests page.

Electronic Test Request/Reporting
What is a Remote Order Entry (ROE)?

The Remote Order Entry is a method of requesting tests online using your web browser at the Wadsworth Center Division of Infectious Diseases Laboratories.  


Does requesting tests online require me to download anything?

No, online test requests are created and submitted using any internet browser through the Health Commerce System. 


What technology will I need to complete an electronic test request?

Internet access and a web browser with access to the Health Commerce System.


Is requesting tests online required?

Requesting tests online is not currently required, but highly recommended for faster turnaround of results and for minimizing errors or missing information with the IDR and COVID spreadsheet upload. The bulk upload error checks the files for all of the required information.  


How will signing up for online test requests entry benefit me?

Signing up for online test requests will allow you to safely and securely submit patient and testing information and help you to receive results sooner as well as allow you to validate all of your information for errors prior to submitting.


How do I automatically import the Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS) information through electronic test requests for individual tests?

After selecting the type of specimen, enter the ECLRS accession number into the bottom field.


What if I cannot find the test I’m looking for when I send an online test request?

If you cannot find the test you’re looking for, please contact the Wadsworth Center at (518) 474-8660 or outreachsupport@health.ny.gov for further instructions on how to request the test. 


If I request a test online, do I still need to complete the Infectious Diseases Requisition?

No, simply print the shipping manifest after submitting the Remote Order test request or uploading the spreadsheet. After you press 'place this order' for single test requests there will be a prompt to print the document. For bulk orders there is an option to print from the shipping manifest. 

 


Can anyone at my organization access the reports?

No, only employees with permission granted can access the reports. 


Can I download my electronic reports?

Yes, you can download your reports with the option to be organized by: county, Wadsworth accession ID, patient name, lab, report date, received date, collection date, and facility.  


Can I print my electronic reports?

Yes, you can print reports with the option to be organized by: county, Wadsworth accession ID, patient name, lab, report date, received date, collection date, and facility.  


What technology will I need to complete online tests requests?

Internet access and a web browser with access to the Health Commerce System. You will also be allowed to upload a CSV or an Excel spreadsheet for bulk IDR submission. 


How do I access electronic specimen reports?
  1. Request or sign on to a Health Commerce System (HCS) account.
  2. Gain access to the CLIMS application through the HCS account.
  3. Launch the CLIMS application and select “specimen reports” from the top of the list.

For additional information regarding access to electronic specimen reports go to Request Tests.


What types of specimen reports are available online?

All Division of Infectious Diseases reports are currently available online using your web browser.


What is a Wadsworth Electronic Specimen Report?

A paperless system that securely allows users to view and print the results from Wadsworth Center Laboratories, through the New York State Health Commerce System (HCS).


Can Wadsworth fax the reports to the submitter?

No, the reports will be made available online.


What is Health Commerce System (HCS)?

The Health Commerce System (HCS) is a secure website that allows for web-based communication with the New York State Department of Health. Every user accessing the Health Commerce System must have their own account.


What is the Wadsworth Center Laboratory Information Management System (CLIMS)?

CLIMS is a specimen tracking and reporting system used by the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center, Division of Infectious Diseases Laboratories.


What if my organization does not have HCS?

Please contact outreachsupport@health.ny.gov for further instructions on creating an HCS account for your facility.


Can I grant access to specific employees?

Yes, the Health Commerce System (HCS) Coordinator for your facility can grant access to any employee with an HCS account.  You can allow employees to send remote orders, review reports or both. 

Training Resources

 

If you have further questions, please contact outreachsupport@health.ny.gov.