Tag: emr software

Wrong Reason Not to Choose Cloud EHR

A Doctor mentioned today he does not want to use cloud EMR.

Reason? A colleague ‘lost data on the cloud’.

I’m not really sure what that means, but I have a sneaky suspicion that the vendor of that particular cloud EMR system did not provide data when the doctor wanted it, or that the EMR vendor was holding data hostage for a large fee.

In fact, client/server systems are more prone to losing data in the traditional sense. The solution to that problem of not getting the data from a cloud EMR vendor is not to use client-server systems but to do a better job of negotiating upfront and incorporating associated data extraction fees into the contract.

I have seen too many cloud EMR vendors holding doctors’ data hostage and demanding a large sum of money if the doctor wants to switch their EMR system.

What should you do?

Don’t jump from the frying pan to the fire. If you think cloud systems are a problem with your data, client-server systems are even worse – unless you spend a lot of resources managing the infrastructure internally.

EMR Productivity Conundrum – What if?

There is no doubt about the benefits of EMR to everyone. Public Health, Government, Patients and Providers – private practice as well as hospital based.

Yet, why do Providers continue complaining about EMR?

What if there was a way to continue working with paper the same way as providers did in the exam room with patients?

 

EMR Productivity Conundrum

There is no doubt about the benefits of EMR to everyone. Public Health, Government, Patients and Providers – private practice as well as hospital based.

Yet, why do Providers continue complaining about EMR?

There is one very simple reason.

Inefficiencies at Point of Care. This is a collection of following:

  • Reduces eye contact with patient
  • Too much attention to computer, software and clicking
  • Spending too much time on inefficient software than paying attention to patients.

In other words, the weakest link is the first one – data entry, data collection. What if this single point of contention had a solution? What if we removed the weakest link and made it stronger? I am not suggesting getting rid of or eliminating EMR at all, because we all know the benefits of EMR downstream.

What if there was a way to continue working with paper the same way as providers did in the exam room with patients AND figure out a way to get all the data into EMR without an exorbitant expense? (I am not suggesting scribes in case you are wondering)

I would like to know your views.

EMR Differentiator / EMR Success – It is All About Implementation

EMR Differentiator/EMR Success

For those of you who are looking for an EMR software, the number one question you should ask the vendor is, ‘Why is your EMR software different’?

For those of you who have already chosen an EMR software, do you consider your implementation successful?

By various counts, anywhere from 50-70% of clinics are considering switching their EHR software. Some Electronic health record implementations are on schedule with all stakeholders of the practice fully involved in achieving their set goals. Others struggle at the onset and eventually stall; leading to partial or no success.

What is the reason for Failure?

Is it the people involved or the implementation process, or is something wrong with the product? My extensive experience working with providers and clinics for the last 18 years has taught me – it is not that simple.

People, Processes, and Tools

Processes are the binding agent. You need to have the right people, starting with leadership in the practice and having the best Tool (EMR software) for your clinic. Best EMR Software is one that works with your workflow, and technological comfort.

Where it fails most of the time, however, is Processes. I am not going to write in detail about how to do implementation here, but I am going to point out a very important aspect of the Implementation process.

Vendor Involvement.

Too many times, vendors allow practices to dictate the process, whereas practices look for guidance and best practices from the vendor. Vendors should be leading this. I was speaking with a company recently that had decided to take this head-on by putting money where its mouth is. They decided to refund part of the implementation fee if the practice works with the vendor to do proper implementation within an agreed-upon time frame. This simple assertion means that people and tools have to be excellent and someone is willing to take the bull by the horns to project-manage the entire process.  I like this proactive approach and will be eager to learn the outcomes.

How to Select the Perfect EMR / EHR Software?

When you want to select an EHR System or EMR system for your practice, don’t get tied up into small details of functionality, features, etc.

There is really only ONE thing you need to evaluate all systems against.

WILL THIS SYSTEM ALLOW ME TO GO HOME – HALF AN HOUR, 45 MINUTES, ONE HOUR  EARLY EVERY DAY?

Of course, it goes without saying that going home early does not mean taking work home.

There are 3 reasons why providers have to stay back.

1.       Finish Charts – paper or Electronic

2.       Financial worries – pending accounts receivables, accounts aging. … and third

3.       Staffing worries and stress.

Of course, we can’t do much about staffing issues, although, some vendors will be able to help you with that – which you should keep in mind.

So, benchmark all your EMR software systems with respect to this simple criteria – can I go home early?