In an unusual and what appears to be unprecedented announcement by a medical malpractice carrier, Midwest Medical Insurance Company (MMIC) earlier this week announced it will offer a premium credit to any solo physician or physician group policyholder who implements and uses electronic medical records software. The credit begins January 1, 2008.
Why the special discount? According to a press release, the MMIC board of directors strongly believes that EMR software improves the quality of care through better patient safety. "As a physician-owned insurance company, our goal is to help our physicians reduce loss frequency and severity," their CEO said. "Offering the premium credit just makes good business sense."
We agree, as countless studies have shown electronic medical records software reduces errors and improves overall quality of care when the EMR is fully utilized.
To receive premium credits of 2% to 5%, a physician group must meet the following requirements:
* The EMR system must be certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT), the recognized certification authority for EMR systems.
* The physician group must have implemented or plan to implement the latest vendor updates for their system. (No old school EMR systems, please.)
* At least 75% of the physicians in the group must be using the EMR or EHR.
* The group must have been using the EMR or EHR for at least a year.
* The group must be using at least two of the six EMR's functions listed on the application.
What do you think about this announcement? Will a 2-5% discount on malpractice insurance encourage physicians to implement electronic medical records in their practice, or is this yet another plastic carrot promising to boost healthcare IT adoption rates? Share your comments.
Note that electronic health records are the same as electronic medical records here - we use them interchangeably.
Showing posts with label ehr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ehr. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
EMR Cost Savings Tool: Use This Tool to Estimate the Expected Cost Savings from an Electronic Medical Records System
If you're concerned about the cost of an electronic medical records software system (EMR system), or want to accurately estimate your return on investment (ROI) of your EMR, this cost savings tool should help.
It was designed by a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization under the DOQ-IT program. The spreadsheet helps quantify potential monthly savings as a result of an EMR or EHR implementation. Simply answer a few questions and see whether or not your electronic health records software is worth the initial investment.
Additional benefits associated with improved clinical care process and efficiencies may or may not be represented by a dollar amount in this tool. The worksheet represents the areas of EHR or EMR use where common efficiencies and saving are realized. A full ROI request should be performed with your electronic medical records EMR vendor during the contracting phase of your EHR implementation.
It was designed by a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization under the DOQ-IT program. The spreadsheet helps quantify potential monthly savings as a result of an EMR or EHR implementation. Simply answer a few questions and see whether or not your electronic health records software is worth the initial investment.
Additional benefits associated with improved clinical care process and efficiencies may or may not be represented by a dollar amount in this tool. The worksheet represents the areas of EHR or EMR use where common efficiencies and saving are realized. A full ROI request should be performed with your electronic medical records EMR vendor during the contracting phase of your EHR implementation.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Study: When it Comes to Electronic Medical Records, Osteopathic Physicians Say Cost is Biggest Hurdle
A new research study by the American Osteopathic Association and the Medical Group Management Association finds the cost of an electronic medical records (EMR) software keeps doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) from transitioning to electronic medical records. In some cases, the costs kept physicians from fully utilizing EMRs they had already installed.
The study shows larger medical groups (at least 51 full-time doctors) tend to have more funds available for information technology investment, and adopt electronic health or medical records systems at a rate of 55.1 percent. The rate was much lower (25 percent) in solo physician practices.
What's keeping physicians from adopting EMR or EHR systems? According to this study, a “lack of capital resources to invest in an EHR”. Researchers found that the median EHR/EMR purchase and implementation cost was $20,000 per physician, with an additional $250 per month per physician for maintenance.
Affordable EMR Software Options: Is ASP Right for You?
Of those that had moved to an electronic medical records system, nine out of ten respondents said they would not go back to paper medical records. Among AOA members, “improved access to medical record information” ranked highest as a potential benefit to their medical practices. Other high-ranking benefits with more direct impact on practice financials were “improved accuracy for coding evaluation and management procedures” and “improved charge capture.”
Overcoming Financial Fears Important When Considering an Electronic Medical Records System
This research also seems to support the theory that although these software systems can be expensive, they lower practice costs in the long run. Of those with systems, 22.3 percent said their practice costs had decreased. To be fair, an almost identical percentage of DOs claimed their practice costs had increased. The balance wasn't sure.
Is There a Business Case for Electronic Medical Records?
MGMA conducted the study of AOA members in spring 2006, although the results were released in August 2007.
The study shows larger medical groups (at least 51 full-time doctors) tend to have more funds available for information technology investment, and adopt electronic health or medical records systems at a rate of 55.1 percent. The rate was much lower (25 percent) in solo physician practices.
What's keeping physicians from adopting EMR or EHR systems? According to this study, a “lack of capital resources to invest in an EHR”. Researchers found that the median EHR/EMR purchase and implementation cost was $20,000 per physician, with an additional $250 per month per physician for maintenance.
Affordable EMR Software Options: Is ASP Right for You?
Of those that had moved to an electronic medical records system, nine out of ten respondents said they would not go back to paper medical records. Among AOA members, “improved access to medical record information” ranked highest as a potential benefit to their medical practices. Other high-ranking benefits with more direct impact on practice financials were “improved accuracy for coding evaluation and management procedures” and “improved charge capture.”
Overcoming Financial Fears Important When Considering an Electronic Medical Records System
This research also seems to support the theory that although these software systems can be expensive, they lower practice costs in the long run. Of those with systems, 22.3 percent said their practice costs had decreased. To be fair, an almost identical percentage of DOs claimed their practice costs had increased. The balance wasn't sure.
Is There a Business Case for Electronic Medical Records?
MGMA conducted the study of AOA members in spring 2006, although the results were released in August 2007.
Monday, August 13, 2007
AAP Notes Special Functions for Pediatric EHR Systems
A new report in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics explains that while clinical information systems, such as electronic health records, typically are designed for adult care, unique functionality requirements are needed to support pediatric care. The report includes EHR functions for pediatrics in areas such as:
* Immunization management;
* Growth tracking;
* Medication dosing;
* Patient identification;
* Norms of pediatric measurement data changing over time;
* Privacy;
* Pediatric terminology; and
* Accuracy of the data being collected and presented.
Electronic medical records functions should enable the registration of infants without Social Security numbers and support a temporary and prenatal identifier that links to the postnatal record, according to the report. EHRs also should support changes in an infant's name and the retrieval of data when previous names are searched, the report said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously published a policy statement on the rationale and functionality requirements for electronic prescribing systems for pediatrics.
* Immunization management;
* Growth tracking;
* Medication dosing;
* Patient identification;
* Norms of pediatric measurement data changing over time;
* Privacy;
* Pediatric terminology; and
* Accuracy of the data being collected and presented.
Electronic medical records functions should enable the registration of infants without Social Security numbers and support a temporary and prenatal identifier that links to the postnatal record, according to the report. EHRs also should support changes in an infant's name and the retrieval of data when previous names are searched, the report said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously published a policy statement on the rationale and functionality requirements for electronic prescribing systems for pediatrics.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Electronic Medical Records Implementation Strategies
There are two schools of thought when it comes to implementing an electronic medical records (EMR) system.
One camp says you should take baby steps; learn to crawl before you try to run. We'll call this the incremental approach. The other group advises making the transition to electronic records all at once; face your fears, work out the kinks and enjoy your new software. Let's call this one the big bang approach.
Each implementation strategy has benefits and drawbacks, especially depending upon the size and type of physician office that will use the EMR. The incremental approach tends to lend itself best to larger physician practices, multi-specialty groups and environments where "office politics" runs high. It also works well when you're implementing a very complex electronic medical record system. The big bang approach, on the other hand, tends to work well with small (fewer than 10 physicians) practices, or offices where strong leadership exists.
Here are some of the pros and cons associated with both implementation strategies. If you're considering an electronic medical record purchase, think about which approach might work best in your practice.
The Incremental Implementation Strategy
The Pros
• Reduces "change shock" to staff and physicians
• Spreads out costs of software and implementation over a longer period of time
• Portions of EMR functionality are rolled out in phases across all units
• In many cases, the project is less likely to lose momentum
The Cons
• Total training, implementation costs may be higher
• Longer overall implementation of your electronic medical record
• ROI is not achieved as quickly
• Morale may decrease as implementation lags
• You may introduce a training lag if implementation phases are too far apart from training sessions
The Big Bang Implementation Strategy
The Pros
• Everyone goes live at once
• Paper processes cease shortly after the EMR is "turned on"
• You're less likely to end up with a dual system
• You'll shorten the parallel paper/EMR operation period
• ROI is achieved more quickly
• When it is over, it's over!
The Cons
• If you choose a complex electronic medical record system, there's a higher risk of blow up
• You'll likely encounter significant productivity reduction when you begin using the software system, and this could last for up to three months
• Inadequate planning may jeopardize full implementation
• Staff or physicians resistant to change may become overwhelmed
No matter the strategy you choose, it's important to stay focused (and committed!) to successfully implementing your electronic medical record system. Even the most affordable EMRs represent a considerable time and financial investment. With a little strategic planning, you'll get the most out of your software.
One camp says you should take baby steps; learn to crawl before you try to run. We'll call this the incremental approach. The other group advises making the transition to electronic records all at once; face your fears, work out the kinks and enjoy your new software. Let's call this one the big bang approach.
Each implementation strategy has benefits and drawbacks, especially depending upon the size and type of physician office that will use the EMR. The incremental approach tends to lend itself best to larger physician practices, multi-specialty groups and environments where "office politics" runs high. It also works well when you're implementing a very complex electronic medical record system. The big bang approach, on the other hand, tends to work well with small (fewer than 10 physicians) practices, or offices where strong leadership exists.
Here are some of the pros and cons associated with both implementation strategies. If you're considering an electronic medical record purchase, think about which approach might work best in your practice.
The Incremental Implementation Strategy
The Pros
• Reduces "change shock" to staff and physicians
• Spreads out costs of software and implementation over a longer period of time
• Portions of EMR functionality are rolled out in phases across all units
• In many cases, the project is less likely to lose momentum
The Cons
• Total training, implementation costs may be higher
• Longer overall implementation of your electronic medical record
• ROI is not achieved as quickly
• Morale may decrease as implementation lags
• You may introduce a training lag if implementation phases are too far apart from training sessions
The Big Bang Implementation Strategy
The Pros
• Everyone goes live at once
• Paper processes cease shortly after the EMR is "turned on"
• You're less likely to end up with a dual system
• You'll shorten the parallel paper/EMR operation period
• ROI is achieved more quickly
• When it is over, it's over!
The Cons
• If you choose a complex electronic medical record system, there's a higher risk of blow up
• You'll likely encounter significant productivity reduction when you begin using the software system, and this could last for up to three months
• Inadequate planning may jeopardize full implementation
• Staff or physicians resistant to change may become overwhelmed
No matter the strategy you choose, it's important to stay focused (and committed!) to successfully implementing your electronic medical record system. Even the most affordable EMRs represent a considerable time and financial investment. With a little strategic planning, you'll get the most out of your software.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Doctors: When Did You Adopt an Electronic Health Record System?
Of the 36% of physicians with an electronic health record (EHR) system surveyed by Medical Economics, more than half (58%) have had their EHRs for more than two years. Only a small group (6%) of respondents said their practice had adopted an EHR within the past six months.
The survey also found that of the 65% of physicians without an EHR system in place, approximately one in three (30%) said they planned to adopt an EHR system within the next year.
What were the top three reasons for adopting an EHR system? Physician respondents cited better documentation, improved access to records and enhanced quality of care, according to the survey. The ability to defend a malpractice suit was ranked as the least important reason by survey respondents.
The results are based on a December 2006 survey of 548 physicians, and were published in Medical Economics.
The survey also found that of the 65% of physicians without an EHR system in place, approximately one in three (30%) said they planned to adopt an EHR system within the next year.
What were the top three reasons for adopting an EHR system? Physician respondents cited better documentation, improved access to records and enhanced quality of care, according to the survey. The ability to defend a malpractice suit was ranked as the least important reason by survey respondents.
The results are based on a December 2006 survey of 548 physicians, and were published in Medical Economics.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Helpful Advice When Choosing an EMR
There are many electronic health records and electronic medical records software packages on the market, and in some cases, the variety of software options makes the selection process overwhelming. Here's some advice: Don't choose an electronic medical record (EMR) software system before reviewing these helpful tips!
Vendor Software Licenses: When you purchase an EMR or EHR system, part of the price almost always includes a software license. These licenses usually take one of two forms - concurrent or named-based. If your EMR is one of the new ASP (monthly rental agreement) based systems, you don't really purchase a software license. Instead, you rent the license, usually for a low fee. However, the same issues exist for determining the number of ASP licenses as with a traditional EHR license purchase.
Possible Red Flags:
1. The EMR software vendor doesn't specify the type of license ini the quote.
2. Software functionality is not specified.
3. The EHR company doesn't specify the period of time the license is in force.
Interfaces: Software programs that allow data from the electronic health record system to flow back and forth between external applications. These applications can either reside outside the physician practice (think lab applications) or can be
another system within the doctor's office, such as a medical billing system.
Possible Red Flags:
1. One-way or two-way interface is not specified.
2. The EHR's data format is not specified (structured or non-structured).
3. Additional license costs, if any, not specified.
4. The EMR company promises an interface, but it is not currently available.
Clinical Documentation Features to Consider When Selecting an EMR or EHR System
Implementation Services: Consulting services offered by the electronic medical record vendor. These services will provide planning and actual implementation of an EHR software system for the physician practice.
Possible Red Flags:
1. The EMR vendor can’t commit to a project plan with milestones.
2. Only the EHR vendor can customize templates.
3. Software implementation is not broken into small enough tasks.
Training Services: Consulting services offered by the electronic health record company. They provide hands on training for how to use the EMR in the physician office.
Possible Red Flags:
1. There is no cost listed for future EHR training.
2. The EMR vendor offers no formal training plan.
3. There is no definition of what training expenses will be reimbursed, along with limits.
Support and Maintenance: EHR support and maintenance costs typically represent 15-20% of the software license fee. Where the actual license are often a one-time fee, the support and maintenance costs are renewed on a yearly basis. This yearly fee
basically covers two areas: 1)any upgrades or new releases; and 2)customer service and support. If you select an ASP-based (web-based) electronic medical record system, you don't usually pay a yearly support fee because those services are built into the monthly rental fee you pay for the medical software.
It should be noted that both vendor EHR software and third party EMR software will need support, so it is important to determine which components the support costs cover. Also, some EMR/EHR vendors might have more than one service level agreement representing different support options at different costs.
Potential Red Flags:
1. No support agreement from the electronic health record company.
2. No guarantees of service or reliability.
3. No cap on renewal percentage increases.
4. No software escrow costs offered.
5. The EMR company charges extra for database schema.
6. There are added maintenance costs for third party products.
7. The EHR company will not offer support for third party products.
8. No support offered for previous EHR/EMR software versions or releases.
Payment Terms: EHR implementation typically involves a number of phases and takes time. Things can go wrong. Therefore, the payment terms should reflect milestone-based payments. This means should pay the EMR vendor percentages of the total as major parts of the project plan are successfully completed.
Potential Red Flags:
1. The electronic medical records company wants all or most of the payment up front.
2. The EMR vendor is not willing to agree to final payment when system is accepted.
3. The EHR company has no policy or process for payment refunds or reductions.
A Business Case for Electronic Health Records
Service Level, Hours of Support: Most EMR or EHR companies will offer several ways to communicate and resolve software problems. Typical methods include email, telephone, and online chat. In some cases, a specialist will visit the physician office to help resolve an issue with the electronic health records software. Ask whether remote diagnostics and/or on site visits by support analysts are available.
Potential Red Flags:
1. “Normal business hours” are specified instead of detailed days and hours.
2. The company offers no "after hours" support to physicians.
Financing Alternatives: Electronic medical record or electronic health record systems can be expensive, depending on the type of medical software system you choose. (The exception is when you buy an ASP (web-based or online-based) EMR, where the physician user pays a monthly fee instead of an up-front license fee.) EHR or EMR vendors should offer you the option of leasing or financing your system.
Potential Red Flags:
1. The EMR company passes you off to a third-party finance partner and is not involved in the process.
Editor's Note: The terms "Electronic Medical Records", "Electronic Health Records", "EHR" and "EMR" are used interchangeably in this article. For more information like this, click here.
Vendor Software Licenses: When you purchase an EMR or EHR system, part of the price almost always includes a software license. These licenses usually take one of two forms - concurrent or named-based. If your EMR is one of the new ASP (monthly rental agreement) based systems, you don't really purchase a software license. Instead, you rent the license, usually for a low fee. However, the same issues exist for determining the number of ASP licenses as with a traditional EHR license purchase.
Possible Red Flags:
1. The EMR software vendor doesn't specify the type of license ini the quote.
2. Software functionality is not specified.
3. The EHR company doesn't specify the period of time the license is in force.
Interfaces: Software programs that allow data from the electronic health record system to flow back and forth between external applications. These applications can either reside outside the physician practice (think lab applications) or can be
another system within the doctor's office, such as a medical billing system.
Possible Red Flags:
1. One-way or two-way interface is not specified.
2. The EHR's data format is not specified (structured or non-structured).
3. Additional license costs, if any, not specified.
4. The EMR company promises an interface, but it is not currently available.
Clinical Documentation Features to Consider When Selecting an EMR or EHR System
Implementation Services: Consulting services offered by the electronic medical record vendor. These services will provide planning and actual implementation of an EHR software system for the physician practice.
Possible Red Flags:
1. The EMR vendor can’t commit to a project plan with milestones.
2. Only the EHR vendor can customize templates.
3. Software implementation is not broken into small enough tasks.
Training Services: Consulting services offered by the electronic health record company. They provide hands on training for how to use the EMR in the physician office.
Possible Red Flags:
1. There is no cost listed for future EHR training.
2. The EMR vendor offers no formal training plan.
3. There is no definition of what training expenses will be reimbursed, along with limits.
Support and Maintenance: EHR support and maintenance costs typically represent 15-20% of the software license fee. Where the actual license are often a one-time fee, the support and maintenance costs are renewed on a yearly basis. This yearly fee
basically covers two areas: 1)any upgrades or new releases; and 2)customer service and support. If you select an ASP-based (web-based) electronic medical record system, you don't usually pay a yearly support fee because those services are built into the monthly rental fee you pay for the medical software.
It should be noted that both vendor EHR software and third party EMR software will need support, so it is important to determine which components the support costs cover. Also, some EMR/EHR vendors might have more than one service level agreement representing different support options at different costs.
Potential Red Flags:
1. No support agreement from the electronic health record company.
2. No guarantees of service or reliability.
3. No cap on renewal percentage increases.
4. No software escrow costs offered.
5. The EMR company charges extra for database schema.
6. There are added maintenance costs for third party products.
7. The EHR company will not offer support for third party products.
8. No support offered for previous EHR/EMR software versions or releases.
Payment Terms: EHR implementation typically involves a number of phases and takes time. Things can go wrong. Therefore, the payment terms should reflect milestone-based payments. This means should pay the EMR vendor percentages of the total as major parts of the project plan are successfully completed.
Potential Red Flags:
1. The electronic medical records company wants all or most of the payment up front.
2. The EMR vendor is not willing to agree to final payment when system is accepted.
3. The EHR company has no policy or process for payment refunds or reductions.
A Business Case for Electronic Health Records
Service Level, Hours of Support: Most EMR or EHR companies will offer several ways to communicate and resolve software problems. Typical methods include email, telephone, and online chat. In some cases, a specialist will visit the physician office to help resolve an issue with the electronic health records software. Ask whether remote diagnostics and/or on site visits by support analysts are available.
Potential Red Flags:
1. “Normal business hours” are specified instead of detailed days and hours.
2. The company offers no "after hours" support to physicians.
Financing Alternatives: Electronic medical record or electronic health record systems can be expensive, depending on the type of medical software system you choose. (The exception is when you buy an ASP (web-based or online-based) EMR, where the physician user pays a monthly fee instead of an up-front license fee.) EHR or EMR vendors should offer you the option of leasing or financing your system.
Potential Red Flags:
1. The EMR company passes you off to a third-party finance partner and is not involved in the process.
Editor's Note: The terms "Electronic Medical Records", "Electronic Health Records", "EHR" and "EMR" are used interchangeably in this article. For more information like this, click here.
Friday, July 13, 2007
EMRs Quickly Pay for Themselves, Study Finds
Electronic health record systems quickly create enough cost reductions to pay for the cost of the systems, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, HealthDay News/Forbes reports.
The authors analyzed the return on investment of EMR systems at five physician offices representing 28 health care providers, comparing the costs of tasks such as pulling patient charts and data transcription before and after the medical software was installed.
What did they find? Using EHRs reduced costs by almost $400,000 per year, and nearly all of the savings were associated with reducing the amount of time for manually pulling charts. The initial investment was recouped within the first 16 months.
"Health care providers most frequently cite cost as a primary obstacle to adopting an [EHR] system," the authors wrote. "Until this point, evidence supporting a positive return on investment for [EHR] technologies has been largely anecdotal."
The authors analyzed the return on investment of EMR systems at five physician offices representing 28 health care providers, comparing the costs of tasks such as pulling patient charts and data transcription before and after the medical software was installed.
What did they find? Using EHRs reduced costs by almost $400,000 per year, and nearly all of the savings were associated with reducing the amount of time for manually pulling charts. The initial investment was recouped within the first 16 months.
"Health care providers most frequently cite cost as a primary obstacle to adopting an [EHR] system," the authors wrote. "Until this point, evidence supporting a positive return on investment for [EHR] technologies has been largely anecdotal."
Monday, July 2, 2007
Selecting an EMR/EHR Software System: Clinical Documentation Considerations
Last week, we highlighted some of the clinical management features you should consider before deciding on an EMR or practice management software system. Today, we'll outline a few important clinical documentation considerations.
1. Does the software system have a web-based patient interviewing software that can be incorporated into a note?
2. Does the EMR have an integrated transcription solution with macros, carbon copy, and distribution features, and full line-count reporting?
3. Is there a scanning solution integrated with the EHR/EMR?
4. Can the user annotate, mark-up, and sign scanned documents (e.g., ophthalmology or dermatology)?
5. Does the IT system have a demonstrated ability to eliminate transcription using templates and/or speech recognition?
6. Can the EMR user print the entire patient record?
7. Does the system have the ability to provide real-time billing updates and notification back into Practice Management System without any manual intervention (e.g., changes to insurance, situational data elements, and special billing functions)?
8. Does the EMR feature automated tasks to remind physicians of missing charges and to complete reconciliation features to the Practice Management System?
9. Can the user carry forward review of systems, problem list, medication, etc., from the patient's last visit?
10. Does the EHR have the ability to flexibly document conditions including expanding details (severity, location, etc.) for each clinical finding?
11. Can the user document the patient visit using pre-built templates?
Stay tuned for more "advice" later this month, when we'll outline some other important considerations when shopping around for your medical software system.
1. Does the software system have a web-based patient interviewing software that can be incorporated into a note?
2. Does the EMR have an integrated transcription solution with macros, carbon copy, and distribution features, and full line-count reporting?
3. Is there a scanning solution integrated with the EHR/EMR?
4. Can the user annotate, mark-up, and sign scanned documents (e.g., ophthalmology or dermatology)?
5. Does the IT system have a demonstrated ability to eliminate transcription using templates and/or speech recognition?
6. Can the EMR user print the entire patient record?
7. Does the system have the ability to provide real-time billing updates and notification back into Practice Management System without any manual intervention (e.g., changes to insurance, situational data elements, and special billing functions)?
8. Does the EMR feature automated tasks to remind physicians of missing charges and to complete reconciliation features to the Practice Management System?
9. Can the user carry forward review of systems, problem list, medication, etc., from the patient's last visit?
10. Does the EHR have the ability to flexibly document conditions including expanding details (severity, location, etc.) for each clinical finding?
11. Can the user document the patient visit using pre-built templates?
Stay tuned for more "advice" later this month, when we'll outline some other important considerations when shopping around for your medical software system.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Considering an EMR or EHR Software System? Clinical Management Features to Consider
If you are thinking about buying an electronic medical record (EMR) or electronic health record (EHR) software system for your physician practice, make sure you do your homework. Even the most affordable medical software systems require a few thousand dollars of your money, making it important that the software you select meets your expectations.
Following are some of the clinical management features you should consider before deciding on a medical or practice management software system. If the EMR or EHR vendor doesn't discuss one of these features, it's a good idea to ask them yourself.
1. Does the EMR software have the ability to enter all demographic and registration information in Practice Management System and transfer it to EHR without any data entry needed into EHR?
2. Can the user customize the patient demographic fields to display any number of Practice Management System fields to the clinician?
3. Can the physician or medical support staff quickly and easily switch from one patient record to another?
4. Is it possible to organize the screen and to customize tabs or modules according to user preferences?
5. Does the EHR software have the ability to display a patient summary or “face” sheet, including patient demographics, problems, medications, allergies, health maintenance, encounter listing, patient tasks, recent encounters, patient picture, and personal profile?
6. Will the EMR display and manage health maintenance alerts including chronic disease reminders per patient?
7. Does the EHR system notify to physician of critical lab and other test results for immediate attention, with a prioritization alert?
In Office Medication Dispensing
8. Does the medical software system check each orderable item for medical necessity and duplication?
9. Can the physician fax or electronically transmit prescriptions to the patient's pharmacy?
10. Will the EMR automatically alert the user when a prescription conflicts with a documented allergy, or when one prescription medication conflicts with another?
11. Does the EMR/EHR have the ability to easily search and report on prescribed medications in case of a drug recall?
12. Is the EMR/EHR software recommend best practice(s) based on current medical literature?
The right electronic medical records software system can save a physician practice time and money, while also improving patient outcomes. But it's important to ask the right questions when doing your homework. Later this month, we'll outline clinical documentation features to consider.
Have we missed any important clinical management features? Post a comment.
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