In a nutshell, an electronic medical record is a computer based system designed to replace paper charts. As we will examine together, there is much more to this concept.
Why should you listen to a technology geek?
That's easy. I run a service that helps educators train EMR implementers on the concepts, functions, and usage of EMR systems. I am involved in the open source movement and have contributed code to the OpenEMR project which is a certified EMR product that fulfills the meaningful use criteria as specified by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Additionally I have personal and professional ties to the healthcare industry, and an interest in helping providers use technology to achieve better outcomes.
Additionally I have personal and professional ties to the healthcare industry, and an interest in helping providers use technology to achieve better outcomes.
What is it going to do for your practice?
There are several things an EHR will do for your practice. In theory and EHR system will save you time and money. In practical terms, I think we are still working towards that goal. However, what it will immediately do for you is create a new level of organization and communication compared to paper charts. There are some great things on the horizon with EHR, for example when Health Information Exchanges are fully and properly implemented, medical errors will decrease and patient continuity of care will increase. With the ever changing status of reimbursement, the integrated billing features of EHR will help stay on top of things. Looking at this as a patient myself, the proper use of a patient portal for communications and education is huge and the provider who uses it effectively will gain my loyalty.
Presently, there are positive incentive programs for on-boarding EHR systems up through 2014, and from 2015 and onward there are negative incentives built into medicare payments for providers who are not demonstrating EHR meaningful use.
On moving from paper to electronic, the immediate gains will be noticeable in scheduling patients, review of systems, providing continuity of care between providers in the same practice,
e-prescribing, and an increased efficiency in coding and billing.
Short term the biggest thing you will notice is a change in your workflow. For providers who have recently completed training, this won't be a life changer, however for providers who have been in practice for some time there will be an adjustment period in moving from paper to digital. I look at it this way: I grew up with stamps, rotary telephones and broadcast television. Now I use email, a smart phone, and Netflix. We are all capable of adapting, and once adapted its hard to imagine doing things the old way.
Presently, there are positive incentive programs for on-boarding EHR systems up through 2014, and from 2015 and onward there are negative incentives built into medicare payments for providers who are not demonstrating EHR meaningful use.
On moving from paper to electronic, the immediate gains will be noticeable in scheduling patients, review of systems, providing continuity of care between providers in the same practice,
e-prescribing, and an increased efficiency in coding and billing.
Short term the biggest thing you will notice is a change in your workflow. For providers who have recently completed training, this won't be a life changer, however for providers who have been in practice for some time there will be an adjustment period in moving from paper to digital. I look at it this way: I grew up with stamps, rotary telephones and broadcast television. Now I use email, a smart phone, and Netflix. We are all capable of adapting, and once adapted its hard to imagine doing things the old way.
How should you select one?
There are a few key points to look at, and while cost seems like it should be an obvious one, its not your first priority. To elaborate, the cost of the system will pale in comparison to the efficiencies or losses in productivity that will be realized with the system that you select. Basing a decision on cost alone will only lead you heartache down the road.
Selection is a topic that deserves its own article. The next article will be based around the criteria for selection. In the meantime, think about this:
Usability should be the number one selection criteria. If your vendor is the most expensive or if they are free it doesn't matter if its not usable. As we will discuss there are many implications surrounding the implementation of an EMR. If you wind up not using the EMR, then all efforts leading up to that initial implementation equate to time, resources and money lost.
Hopefully the next article will instill food for thought that will lead to a good choice and successful adoption.
There are a few key points to look at, and while cost seems like it should be an obvious one, its not your first priority. To elaborate, the cost of the system will pale in comparison to the efficiencies or losses in productivity that will be realized with the system that you select. Basing a decision on cost alone will only lead you heartache down the road.
Selection is a topic that deserves its own article. The next article will be based around the criteria for selection. In the meantime, think about this:
Usability should be the number one selection criteria. If your vendor is the most expensive or if they are free it doesn't matter if its not usable. As we will discuss there are many implications surrounding the implementation of an EMR. If you wind up not using the EMR, then all efforts leading up to that initial implementation equate to time, resources and money lost.
Hopefully the next article will instill food for thought that will lead to a good choice and successful adoption.
