EMR: Going beyond the obvious
By Lana Overturf

Whether you love the idea or are adamantly against it, there is no debate over the fact that electronic medical records (EMR) are gaining greater acceptance in the healthcare industry today.

Perhaps this is thanks to the federally proposed national health information network (NHIN), or maybe it’s due to the rate at which technology is evolving, but it’s making EMRs easier to use and install than ever before. Regardless of the reason for EMR’s recent success, it’s important to note that those who previously have been reluctant to give up their paper charts are now witnessing the rewards being seen by early EMR adopters.

By definition, “electronic medical record” is a term used to describe computer-based patient medical records, and by now, you have undoubtedly heard of all the benefits of using an EMR program. The obvious benefits of using an EMR have been stated time and again: You can virtually eliminate the paper in your office, reduce your overhead, and, of course, increase your revenue.

However, to truly see the value of an EMR, you need to go beyond the obvious.

BETTER PATIENT CARE

Physicians who are already utilizing an EMR system have seen how the solution can help them provide better care to their patients. EMRs allow physicians to set up “alerts” to remind themselves to stay in contact with patients and make sure they stay on course with scheduled exams or ensure they are following up with their primary care physician.

Instantaneous access to patient records results in fewer lost charts. And physicians are able to make a patient’s notes available the same day the exam takes place. With electronic records, patient notes are made immediately available to multiple users and can also be accessed via a remote connection for physicians who are offsite.

Some physicians are concerned that patients might not look favorably on the use of an EMR. Studies have shown that most patients perceive that they are actually receiving better care, based on the fact that the physician is using the latest trends in technology.

SECURITY

Security is, by far, one of the most talked about features of an EMR. EMRs provide unparalleled security for medical records, and have the ability to track every change made to a medical record, essentially providing security to both the physician and the patient.

Given the hurricane activity in the Gulf Coast and Florida last year alone, patients have every reason to be concerned with the safety and security of their medical records. An overwhelming sense of security for physicians and patients lies in the ability for medical information housed within an EMR to be backed up and stored safely.

In the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, physicians who utilize an EMR and back up regularly might lose a couple days worth of information on a handful of patients, whereas physicians who are still using paper records could potentially lose their patient’s entire medical history.

OTHER AREAS OF USE

With an EMR, referral letters offer yet another way to streamline the paperwork side of any busy chiropractic office. Many EMR programs include a built-in referral letter feature. This allows physicians to write referral letters and fax them via integrated faxing software to a patient’s primary care physician very quickly.

This process can often be completed before the patient turns the key in their car.

The ability to print specific patient instruction forms is another benefit of using an EMR. With a listing of hundreds of different patient instructions, physicians can access a database and print out instructions for their patients with a click of the computer’s mouse

Utilizing an EMR also makes processing the paperwork involved with workers’ compensation claims much more efficient. Once an exam is completed, physicians are able to send their documented exam notes to a patient’s insurance company and employer, once again, with a click of the mouse!

Obvious or not, the benefits of an EMR will have a lasting effect on your practice. So choose wisely and you will be reaping the rewards for years to come.

Sidebar:
10 tips on selecting an EMR

Lana Overturf is the communications coordinator for MediNotes Corporation (www.medinotes.com) and has written several articles on the advantages of EMRs. She can be reached at 515-327-8850 or via e-mail at loverturf@medinotes.com