Advantages of Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
We are in the midst of a constantly evolving healthcare landscape, and it is becoming necessary to take advantage of every tool at your disposal if your practice is to make money and grow in the future. One of the critical tools at the disposal of any practice is the implementation of an EMR (Electronic Medical Records).
EMRs offer many benefits that not only keep medical practices in the 21st century but keep them apprised of continual changes in health care. Here are the top 10 benefits of using EMR in your medical practice.
1. Realize Space Savings
Paper charts take up space, and as they grow, it becomes necessary to find alternate storage facilities for older chart volumes. EHR software completely replaces paper charts. Not only is limited space now usable for another office function, but endless office supplies like paper, dividers, and chart expenses are eliminated.
2. No more Misfiled or Lost Charts
Finding charts can often be a chore. Filing is a human component, and sometimes, charts can be misfiled. There are also times when the chart is in another location for an office function, restricting workflow. EMRs eliminate the chance of a misfiled or lost chart while also increasing office operations by simultaneously making one chart available electronically to multiple employees.
3. Legible Chart Notes
Anyone who has ever worked in a fast-paced medical practice knows handwriting can be hard to read. The pace is so quick that notes are often written in a manner that makes it hard to decipher. EMR software eliminates the legibility issue because notes are no longer written but typed or picked from multiple choices in a predefined system.
4. Reduced Need for Transcription Staff
Often, multiple employees are kept on staff for jobs such as filing or transcribing. The employment cost can deplete revenue. EMR Software can eliminate most filing tasks or at least reduce them to a point where staff hours can be reduced. In addition, transcription costs are often lowered because the system transcribes predefined notes or notations made by the physician during a patient visit, virtually eliminating the need for a staff transcriptionist.
5. Ability to Recruit Young Physicians
Technology does make many jobs more accessible and more efficient. As a practice grows and tries to recruit additional staff and physicians, technology can be an issue that makes the decision. New doctors are looking for a practice to grow with, and the technology offered in an EMR is something they have grown accustomed to in residency and shows them that practice is progressive and keeps up with industry changes.
6. Lab Interface Fast Tracks Availability of Results
Waiting for radiology or laboratory reports takes time. Employees must print the reports and then place the paper chart in a location for the physician to review. Through an interface between external systems and EMR software, the return time on these reports will be reduced, and employee hours will be reduced by placing the report in the respective chart for the physician to review.
7. Pharmacy Interface Improves Prescription Process
Most pharmacies offer the option of electronic prescriptions for most pharmaceuticals. EMR software can communicate directly to the pharmacy, eliminating the need for a nurse or medical assistant to call the pharmacy with the prescription. It can also reduce callbacks from the pharmacy for clarification of quantities or dosage on prescriptions that are written out quickly or are less than legible.
8. Faster Identification of Interactions and Allergies
Accidents can happen, and sometimes patients may be prescribed medication that is either contraindicated because of an allergy or because they are on another medication that should not be taken with the new choice. Certified Electronic Medical Records software can catch these issues before they become a problem or health emergency.
9. Improves Ability to Handle Unforeseen Disasters
We hope they don’t occur, but floods, fires, hurricanes, or other disasters can destroy patient records. Not only can this shut down a practice, but it can completely disrupt patient treatment. EMR software can back up data daily or weekly to a location onsite or offsite, creating a safe duplicate of information.
10. Improves Coding and Enhances Compliance
EMR Systems can keep up with the ever-changing billing and coding world by updating system data as Medicare, the government, and insurance companies make changes. Proper coding speeds up reimbursement, gives physicians more time to see more patients, and also allows the office to bill for procedures without duplication properly.
Implementing an Electronic Medical Records System has many benefits. The overall improvement of workflow and reimbursement assures that the initial expense is recuperated quickly and the office runs efficiently.
