Electronic Health Records: Considerations Large and Small

Electronic Health Records: Considerations Large and Small

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is pushing for adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMR)/Electronic Health Records (EHR) for every physician by 2014. The sooner a doctor complies, the more financial incentive she will receive.

Unfortunately for physicians, a time frame for EMR is established, with little else to go on.
There are hundreds of EMR systems to select from, and a doctor can expect a call from most of these software vendors. This puts the “time saving” benefit of EMR immediately into question.
And just what is the EMR to do? To qualify for funds, an EMR system must show “meaningful use”. The final definition of “meaningful use” will not be firmed up until Spring-Summer 2010.
Other considerations which can cause apprehension include the complete overhaul of a paper based workflow, cost, multiple EMR evaluations, and the selection of a web based or Client Server platform. Also, be sure to fully understand how your existing patient data will be converted into the EMR system.

The list continues. In making a choice of EMR systems, one must consider the longevity of the EMR vendor, provisions related to switching from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and guarantees for upgrades to remain compliant. Also looming on the horizon are Personal Health Records (PHR), smart phone applications, and open source EMR initiatives. And by the way…is now the time to consider outsourcing of your billing operations? Several Revenue Cycle Management services can provide an approved EMR at a low cost in exchange for your business.

Creating On-line patient portals for scheduling, education, registration, reminders and communications should be considered prior to making a choice of an EMR system. A patient/practice portal can deliver immediate gratification and encourage all staff members as to the benefit of the new EMR technology. Electronic Prescriptions are a must. And, do not overlook the need to slowly scan and convert your existing paper charts into a digital format.
And, for those physicians that are retiring prior to the 2014 deadline for EMR compliance consider this: Selection of an EMR can serve to increase the value of your practice, maintain and gain more patients, provide value of a fully trained staff and allow you to be eligible for the current maximum financial incentives.

More and more, we are hearing from patients that want the convenience provided by Electronic Health Records. Already, EMR vendors are providing “on-demand” access to patient records on-line or through a portable thumb drive and other small devices. In the words of more than one patient, ‘If a doctor does not offer patients the convenience of an EMR, I will go to one who does”.