The application of information technology (IT) to support the delivery of healthcare has become an essential component of a modern physician practice. Because of the swift evolution of these technologies, doctors and staff must be able to adhere to different workflow and be well trained and motivated to utilize the capabilities of a new system.
Using diagnostically based treatment protocols reduces the opportunities for the “if this, then that” scenario. This bodes well for automation but there is still a need for narrative clinical information from the provider. A small minority of doctors believe that EMRs cannot possibly meet their needs, while most have found that their practice is maximized because of the software capabilities.
In spite of these obstacles, there is a growing knowledge about the application of information technology in medical care. A comprehensive system like Medisoft Clinical EMR from McKesson includes functionalities to support both clinical and business operations. A complete EMR will encompass the following:
- Collection of electronic information pertaining to an individual’s health
- Immediate electronic access (by authorized users) to person and population information
- Provision of knowledge and decision support to enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of patient care
- Support for efficient processes of healthcare delivery
- Built in billing system that in compliant with new codes and protocols
Many lessons have been learned in the past 5 years about best practices guidelines. We offer our expertise as suggestions for strategies and tactics that should contribute to the successful purchase, implementation and ongoing development of EMR systems.
Once you have come to the realization that you want to add and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to your practice, frustration can occur when it’s time to make a choice. Experience has told us that there it is not easy to move from a paper system to an EMR. But, we know that with support from your vendor and good leadership within your organization that implementation can be smooth and positive. Yes, the business processes will change, and change for the better as a result of EMR implementation. Compliance with HIPPA and other regulatory requirements will be simpler to manage and maintain with an EMR than with a paper record. You will have more real time data available to you. And finally, your choice will be only as good as the effort you and your staff invest in the system.
There is great potential for the EMR to enable and facilitate significant improvements in clinical safety and patient outcomes. It is our hope that you are intrigued enough to try this new technology and embrace the cultural shift for healthcare professionals.
Iron Comet Consulting is a Mckesson Platinum certified reseller, medical IT firm and medical billing service based in Stockbridge, Georgia. Our products combine the clinical with the financial to improve workflow and revenue capture. Mckesson’s Medisoft Clinical is a complete physician practice optimization solution. For more information, please visit http://www.ironcomet.com
