EMR Software And How It Can Benefit Your Medical Practice

Rather you are a physician, a dentist, or chiropractor; the day of the electronic medical record is upon us.

Not so long ago, all medical practices maintained paper charts for all patients. In fact it is estimated that today, less than 30% of offices have gone to a true electronic medical record.

The Obama Administration is determined to change the way medical offices maintain their patient charts by providing incentives to implement electronic medical record software. The stimulus package signed into law on February 17, 2009 by President Obama offers monetary incentives for medical offices to convert their paper charts to a certified medical record. To be eligible for these incentives the qualified physician’s office must also utilize the EMR in a “meaningful” way. Meaningful, is defined by legislation as:

· Using certified EMR technology that includes electronic prescribing of medications

· Using EMR technology that allows electronic exchange of health information

· Eligible professionals must submit information for the period on the clinical quality measures and other measures selected by the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, also known as HHS

Starting in 2011, “meaningful” users can earn up to $44,000 under the Medicare plan and up to $64,000 from Medicaid.

Although the stimulus package may give an additional incentive for medical offices to convert their paper charts to EMR technology, it is not the only cost effective benefit of electronic medical record software.

EMRs have time saving features built into the technology, such as templates for quickly documenting specific protocols based on diagnoses and procedures. The point-n-click or touch-screen technology is making physicians and physician extenders more productive and able to handle a larger caseload. The need for dictation and transcription is a task of the past. The cost effectiveness of this alone should motivate the most frugal practice to consider converting to an EMR.

Administrative, clerical, and supply costs are also slashed by the implementation of an EMR. Patient data is available at the fingertips of all users from any preprogrammed PC, laptop, or thin client. Time, salaries, and paper costs decrease by not having the need to search for patient charts and there is virtually no filing, copying, or re-filing involved. As an added bonus, more than one user can view charts simultaneously. This gives the practice improved access and control to better focus on quality of care.

Once physicians and office managers realize what value an electronic medical record can provide their medical practice, they are often excited to get the implementation in place. Not only time is saved, but thousands of dollars as well.

Any medical office that has not yet considered and researched the implementation of an electronic medical record should consider the cost, time, and productivity advantages of an EMR. Transitioning to electronic medical record software takes time and planning. For this reason, it is extremely important to choose a reputable and experienced vendor, as you are not only purchasing the EMR software, you are purchasing assistance with setup and ongoing support.