EHR Usability Factors

There are approximately 500,000 total providers and 5,100 hospitals throughout the United States eligible for "incentives" on implementing EHR for their practice. However, only a handful of them have implemented the system so far. With such a low market penetration, the data suggests that the U.S. healthcare system still has a long way to go in achieving one hundred percent adoption of EHR technology.

Currently, there are several factors that negatively impact EHR adoption, but dissatisfaction with usability is surfacing with greater frequency. EHR usability is typically associated with user satisfaction, but usability is actually more aligned with physician and patient workflow integration.

Here are five elements every physician and practice administrator should consider when evaluating EHR usability:

1. Physician and Patient Workflow Support

2. Degree of Difficulty

3. Flexibility

4. Efficiency

5. Effectiveness

When it comes to determining EHR platform usability, it's a process that's ultimately driven by the medical professional and their patient. As with any business, the customer is always right, and EHR technology is no different.

EMR - HIPAA Guidelines As Regards Data Security

Implementing an EMR system for the practice could be of great help and benefit for both doctors as well as patients, however, patient data security is a very important issue that can not be ignored. HIPAA has set certain guidelines as regards patient data security when using an EMR system.

Usually there are four areas to examine when it comes to EMR data security:

-Physical Security – can your computers with patient data be stolen?
Put your computer server in a secure room, locked

-User Security - can anybody log on to the patient database?
Use an EMR with user management and permissions

-System Security – what happens on a hard drive crash?
Make regular back-ups and store them in a secure place

-Network Security – can unauthorized persons outside your facility access patient data?
Employ a computer specialist.

There are HIPAA penalities in case when there are violations when using EMR system as regards patient data security. The penalities can go up to $250,000 and five years in jail depending upon the seriousness of violation of security norms.

Meaningful Use and Certified EMR

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is the new buzz word in the healthcare industrty. The implementation of the EMR software across different practices is facing numerous problems including the initial cost of the software license. In order to give relief to practioners and hospitals providing services under medicare and medicad plans, the US government has announced special incentive program. However, it can not be availed unless n until the providers meet certain meaningful use criteria.

The meaningful use criteria is nothing but a set of meanignful use objectives: Use Computer Provider Order Entry (CPOE), Implement drug/allergy checks, Maintain an up-to-date problem list of current and active diagnoses based on ICD-9-CM or SNOMED CT®, E-prescribing (EP only), Maintain active medication/allergy list and so on.

The EMR software must be capable of performing the above tasks. The software must have the provision for automated checking, reporting and management features. There are numerous vendors offering different versions of EMR softwars, however, a certified EMR guarantees the availability of above mentioned features plus other standard features as required by the practice or hospital for smooth functioning.

In order to avail meaningful use benefits (financial as well as improved patient quality), adoption of certifed EMR is a must have!

How Do I Start Implementing a Meaningful Use Project?

How Do I Start Implementing a Meaningful Use Project?

A relatively newer technological called Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is all set to transform the healthcare industry. The technology promises to make life easier for both - doctors as well as patients. Looking into the unmatched advantages that the newer technology can deliver, practices have started to think about the implementation of the "meaningful use" project. However, the biggest question in front of most of them being - how do I start implementing a meaningful use project?

Here are the necessary guidelines as regards starting with a new meaningful use project:

- Adopting a certified electronic medical record system (certified emr system)

- Develop A Meaningful Use Process Specifically For Your Practice

- Tracking Data For Attestation

Last but not least, the change can be painful, however, the practice needs to be determined to make this transitional process (from manual to automation) implementing a meaningful use project a grand success!

Meaningful Use

Is Meaningful Use Beneficial To Patients?

"Meaningful use" refers to practices that should be used by doctors and hospitals using electronic medical records. Physicians and hospitals have been directed as to what tasks they should be using their EHR, what constitutes certified EHR technology, and how the government measures this criteria. To qualify for specific incentives, hospitals and physicians must use "certified EHR technology" in a meaningful manner during the Stage 1 (2011) EHR adoption period.

But there is much more to it than that; 'meaningful use' of electronic medical record keeping is designed to benefit both the patient and their caregiver. Meaningful use refers to doctors, hospitals and clinics that have been able to significantly improve the quality of patient care through the use of electronic records.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), "meaningful use" is defined as using an EHR for the following objectives:

• Improving quality, safety, efficiency, care coordination, population and public health;
• Reducing health disparities;
• Engaging patients and their families; and,
• Ensuring adequate privacy and security protections for personal health information

Combining EMR and Billing Systems

Typically, EMR and billing systems have remained separate in physician clinics, each with their own collection of problems. Why not have two systems in one? By integrating physical therapy billing solutions and EMR documentation into one comprehensive software program, overall benefits can be gained in a Physician clinic.

Physical therapy billing management combined with a reputable EMR program can improve efficiency at the front desk and lessen the possibilities of coding and financial errors. Here are a few great reasons PT clinics should consider an integrated billing and EMR documentation system.

       Reduction in Errors

       Increased Efficiency

       Easy Accessibility of Resources

      Quick Reimbursement

      Better ROI For The Practice

EMR Development and Its Standardization

The trend of EMR implementation is catching up owing to the unmatched advantages it can deliver for the practice as well as patients. Implementing EMR system can help save time and money, making clerical work and physical therapy practices better for both PTs and patients. However, the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) industry has to understand that better usability yields more adoption. According to industry experts usability can be improved to a great extent with the standardization in EMR development.

There are different vendors offering different versions of EMR. Each vendor providing different layout, features and so on. With hundreds of different specialties requiring different types of tests and workflows, at times, it becomes very difficult for the practice to decide upon a right EMR for their clinic.

Certification of EMR to some extent ensures availability of standard features, however, more efforts are required as regards standardization of layout, features and other functionality in EMR.

EMR System Implementation - Best Practices

 

Electronic version of patient medical records is called EMR. It helps easy management, retrieval, processing and analysis. The success of EMR implementation depends on many factors. However, the process starts with the selection of right EMR for the practice. In order to select a right EMR one must have knowledge as regards the standard features a system must possess.

Standard EMR systems in the market are typically equipped with the following functions:

    Patient Demographics
    Visit/encounter notes
    Patient medications/prescriptions
    Presenting complaint
    Physical exam/review of symptoms
    Past medical history
    Problem lists
    Procedure/operative notes
    Laboratory results
    Drug interaction warnings
    Radiology/imaging results
    Consult/reports from specialists
    Referrals to specialists
    Drug reference information
    Immunization tracking
    Drug formularies
    Clinical guidelines and protocols
    Integration with practice billing system
    Claims Processing

At first, a physician practice... planning to implement an EMR system must evaluate the requriements of the practice, so that a right EMR can be implemented. 

EMR: For Better Health Services

EMR (electronic medical records) has become a must have for today's healthcare industry. Truly speaking, EMR software is widely recognized for providing solutions for the highest level of healthcare services and patient care.The software can reduce the actual time spent in billing, preparing reports, clearances and all other kind of paper works. Accurate record keeping and faster paper work are some of the many attributes of the software. There are many other practical applications of the software like security, which can keep your medical records protected at all times. 

Electronic medical records (EMR) software is specifically built to ease out the demanding work style of medical professionals. With the aid of EMR tools, the health professionals can utilize their time wisely in meeting the needs of patients instead of searching and updating medical records. It wouldn't be wrong to say that "EMR is for better health services".

Advantages of Web Based EMR

Digitization of patient medical records (EMR) has great advantages for both doctors as well as patients. The EMR solution has become a must have as it leverages unmatched advantages. The trend of EMR implementation is catching up, however, the success depends to a large extent in selecting a right EMR for the practice. A large no. of EMR's are available including Desktop and Web EMR's. There is often a confusion as regards Desktop Vs Web EMR.

As the data is stored centrally a web EMR offers great flexibility. The data can be accessed from any where and at any point of time. At times of emergency a web based EMR can prove to be a boon as the patient data can be shared across different medical setups for immediate diagnosis and treatment. A web based EMR provides with all the features as like a desktop EMR plus the capabilities of internet connectivity.

EMR For Doctors and Patients

EMR (Electronic Medical Record) is a new age solution for the healthcare industry. It aims at converting medical setups into a paperless office. The advantages of going digital or paperless are many - at first it helps to speed up the whole process of patient record keeping, the readily available forms can be filled up easily with detailed information. The information is stored in a digital format that helps in easy retrieval at times of emergency. 

Electronic medical records or EMR helps to bring down the cost of managing the patient records. The cost advantage ultimatley helps to build up ROI for the practice. The speedy process helps to save time, which ultimately helps to add up to the productivity and quality of patient care. This way EMR solutions are beneficial to both doctors as well as patients. It wouldn't be wrong to say that "EMR is for both doctors as well as patients". 

Instant Medicare Eligibility Verification

Medicare is a public health program administered by the US "Dept. of health and human services". The program provides for hospital care, medical and prescription insurance for Americans over the age of 65. Before a person is put on to medicare facility, it is advisable to verify the eligibility to avoid any sort of confusion or disappointment at a later stage of treatment. The manual process of verification is a time consuming and may lead into errors creating problems for both doctors as well as patients.

The new age health IT solutions like roster manager or medicare eligibility manager seems to be an answer to the problem. The solution helps to instantly verify the medicare eligibility of the patients, thus, helping to avoid all sorts of confusion at a later stage of treatment. It extends satisfaction to both doctors as well as patients. 

Role of Roster Manager in Roster Data Management

Claims management is a complex task involving a large number of formalities to be managed. A smallest error results into the rejection of the claim or sent back for correction. The process often takes days and months before the reimbursement could be received. This creates problems for both doctors as well as patients. Often the delay plays as a spoil sport.

One biggest difficulty is the management of roster data. A large amount of data needs to be updates, sent for processing and so on. This is a tedious and time consuming task; an error would result into rejection or delay in the process of reimbursement of medical claim. There seems to be an answer to this problem by way of a new age health IT solution like roster manager. The roster manager helps to manage the roster data from health plans. It takes any format from health plan and allows you to put edits on eligibility when verifying by your physicians.

Practice Management System Helps Doctor's Clinic Run Smoothly

A doctor's clinic is not only confined to patients treatment but the clinic has to take care of a number of ancillary tasks associated with patients. The tasks normally include patient appointment scheduling, patient record creation and maintenance, updating records with treatments, billing the patient, entering medical claim details and forwarding for processing. Once the claims is submitted the clinic or the hospital has to follow-up on claims and reimbursement. These tasks consume the maximum time resources of healthcare professionals and their staff. Here comes the role of new age health IT solutions like practice management system.

The main purpose of practice management software is to smoothly run medical practice transactions and increase productivity. More importantly, it serves to the satisfaction of the patients as it answers to a clinic or hospital's constant need to do billing and scheduling of appointments. For a growing medical practice, this serves as a very useful tool in organizing patient files and fostering tighter doctor-patient relations.

The Role of Online Patinet Scheduling

Clinic management is not an easy task; the process starts with the the patient calling in for fixing up the doctor appointment. The patient appointment scheduling task may look simple, however, its a tedious process wherein it involves issuing appointments, cancellations, re-fixation and much more. The manual system of managing patient appointments is time consuming and often results into confusion due to errors committed during the process of scheduling. Its a big frustration for both doctors as well as patients.

The new age IT systems like online scheduler software is giving a new lease of life to both doctors as well as patients. Online scheduler software eliminates the need of being available on the phone for appointments and eligibility checks. Patients can view the availability of their physician and schedule their own appointment online by selecting an available time slot. Online patient scheduling service helps physicians and receptionists to spend more time taking care of patients and delivering quality treatment.

Role of Certifed EMR in Meaningful Use

EMR is a wonderful software that is all set to transform the healthcare industry. It is all set to replace the age old practice of manually maintaining the patient records. The EMR software ensures the healthcare industry with more accurate and detailed patient records. As the records are stored in a digital format, there is flexibility of storing them centrally. The centrally stored data can be easily accessed from any where at times of emergency. There are huge long term advantages of EMR implementation if used in a right manner. When you talk about right manner we are talking about its meaningful use. 

Meaningful use of EMR is nothing but a responsibility on the part of healthcare professionals and hospitals as regards using the software optimally. The EMR software needs to be used in a manner that it promotes better quality of healthcare service to the patients. There are many vendors and many versions of emr applications available, hence it becomes difficult to decide up on the best EMR system for the practice. A certified EMR software would ensure that the system is in compliance with the HIPAA as well as the healthcare industry requirements. A certified EMR software would also ensure that the system can be effectively used for its meaningful use.

Claims Management System For Speedy Claims Reimbursement

Claims processing is a complex task, it involves a no. of formalities to be taken care of. It is an additional burden on healthcare professionals and hospitals but we can not deny its importance in getting claims reimbursement. It involves eligibility verification, coding, filling up diagnosis / treatment and other patient details. It usually consumes majority time of healthcare professionals and their staff. Often the manual system leads into a number of errors resulting into denial of claims or delay in reimbursement. 

The new age health IT solutions like claims management system are claiming to be of great help and support. The system provides with easy to use ready data entry form. A chart to select the medical codes, online verification, error handling and much more. 

The important features include:

    * Check for errors of coding and billing
    * Send you an EOB (explanation of benefits)
    * Pre-adjudicate the claim to make it accurate
    * File the processed claim with the insurance company
    * Provide you electronic eligibility details and claim status
    * Receive denied claims and re-adjudicate them as recommended to get them approved

A fully-functional claims management provides the users with numerous functionality that ensures speedy claims reimbursement at reduced costs.

EMR Software Implementation - A Tough Decision

 

It is said that information technology is changing the world and so is the healthcare industry. New age health IT tools like EMR software are all set to transform the healthcare industry. However, its a tough decision for any healthcare professional or hospital to think about EMR software implementation. It involves a no. of considerations on the part of healthcare professionals as well as hospitals. At first, the question is all about the cost of purchasing the hardware, software license and training. The other most difficult thing being ... switching from age old manual system to the new age hi-tech application. 

It becomes really very difficult to unlearn something and to learn newer way and means of accomplishing certain tasks. At times, the EMR software may result into consumption of more time and money as compared to older manual system as it involves training time and cost. It is always a touch decision to implement something new, however, the important thing is that we need to weigh both the sides advantages and disadvantages. As far as EMR (electronic medical records) software is considered there could be some inital cost of implementation and time spent on training but the long term benefits of implementation are huge. EMR software implementation may be a touch but a fruitful decision for the long run.

Healthcare Management - Not An Easy Task

Healthcare management is not an easy task, there is so much to manage, there is so much to take care. The work starts with issuing appointments to the patients and continues with claims submission - reimbursement process. It is said that doctors and the clinic staff spends majority of their time in managing their back end activities else other wise the time could be effectively used in providing patient services. This will not only add to the quantity of service delivered but will also bring about improvement in the quality of patient service provided.

Information technology has provided a helping hand to each n every industry and healthcare industry is not an exception to the rule. New age healthcare management solutions like claims management system, EMR (electronic medical records) system, practice management systems, roster manager and more are proving to be of great help and support. These health IT solutions are making the life of healthcare professionals easier by facilitating the management of back end operations at ease. They help in saving time, to cut -down the cost, to bring about increase in productivity and to bring about improvement in the quality of patient service.

EMR Integration

Healthcare IT solutions like EMR is changing the way doctors used to manage patient records. The process of going paperless is considered to be beneficial to both doctors as well as patients. Truly speaking, the long term benefits are huge for the practice as well as patients. The biggest difficulty or drawback of manual process of maintaining patient records is non-access to patient medical records at times when patients move on to some other physician for treatment. However, the situation is changing due to advanced emr systems that provide digitization of records, central storage and integration. 

Integration of EMR system plays a very important role. The interoperability feature helps the emr system to get connected with other healthcare it solutions like claims processing system, practice management system, billing system and so on. This gives great power and flexibility to the emr system, it is the integration feature that makes emr system a wonderful piece of software that would benefit both doctors as well as patients.

Certified EMR - For Stimulus Package and Meaningful Use

EMR applications are all set to storm the healthcare industry. It has become an indespendable part of a physicians professional life. It serves numberous advantages, however, the selection of a right emr software is not an easy task. Often clinics and hospitals are confused between different vendors, different versions and certified and uncertified softwares. Truly speaking, choosing a right emr application is the first step in the implementation of emr application. 

For sure before implementing the emr application one has to look for the features as required by the practice. A very important aspect of emr application being its certification. It is must to implement a emr application that which is certified to avail the stimulus package announced by the US government. Also, such an application is considered to be developed in lines with HIPAA and industry requirements. It is believed that a certified emr application would help the practice to achieve meaningful use, which is a must requirement for meaningful use as well as long term benefits.

EMR Software - What To Consider?

Managing the healthcare practice is very complex in nature and at the top of that physicians are also burdened with the daunting task of managing the patient records. It is believed that physicians and their clinic staff spend maximum time in handling the patient records and other papers. Valuable time is spent in back end operations, which otherwise could be utilized in providing more quantity and better quality of patient service. Here, comes the role of healthcare it solutions like EMR Software (Electronic Medical Records).

Now, a very important question as to what one should consider when looking for an emr software for the practice? There are many vendors providing different versions of software for the practice and hospitals. This often creates a situation of confustion, truly speaking not all electronic medical softwares are alike and may not necessarily benefit the practice. In fact, a practice has to carefully analyze the requirements of the practice and then accordingly look for a certified software that would meet their requirements.

Medicare Eligibility Manager

Medicare is a public health program administered by the US "Dept. of health and human services". The program provides for hospital care, medical and prescription insurance for Americans over the age of 65. As soon as a person avails the benefit under medicare program, he or she is required to put across the claim. The first step starts with verifying the eligibility.

The manual process is time consuming and often results into errors, however, technology solutions like roster manager is making life easier for both doctors as well as patients. The roster manager provides with the capability of online verification. It also helps to manage roster data from different health plans. It takes any format from health plan and allows to put edits on eligibility when verifying by physicians.

Online Patient Scheduling - Promoting Flawless Medical Management

The healthcare industry is under tremendous pressure for want of quantity and quality of service. In this situation smart healthcare management is very important to ease out the burden. Healthcare IT solutions are giving a new lease of life to both doctors as well as patients. There is so much to manage when it comes to the healthcare industry. If we just talk about one of the functions like patient scheduling; doctors are often burdened with the task of managing the appointments. 

Online patient scheduling solutions are helping both doctors as well as patients. Here doctors are relieved of the burden of managing the appointments and patients are also relieved of time constraints. They are able to look into the available slots online and to fix up the appointments. This saves lot of time and confusions at both the ends. It wouldn't be wrong to say that healthcare it solutions like online patient scheduling are promoting flawless medical management.

Online Scheduler - Automating Your Appointments

 

 

Appointment scheduling is a tedious task; a time consuming process. Doctors often spend a lot of time looking into their available slots, scheduling patients and managing the over all patient appointments. Introduction of healthcare it solutions like online scheduler software is making life easier for both doctors as well as patients. Online Scheduler eliminates the need of being available on the phone for appointments and eligibility checks.

Online scheduler provides patients with the capability to view the availability of their physician and schedule their own appointment online by selecting an available time slot. This service helps physicians and receptionists to spend more time taking care of patients and delivering quality treatment.

How Beneficial Is Certified EMR?

EMR is a gift of advanced IT technology and considered to be a boon for the healthcare industry. However, the benefits from the implementation would come if and only if a right emr system is choosen for the practice. There are hundreds of vendors providing emr solution for physicians as well as hospitals. Not all emr's are of required standard and here comes the difficulty. An emr must provide with the basic as well as certain advanced features. It should also meet the reqirements of the practice and above all should comply with HIPAA guidelines. 

It becomes really very difficult for a healthcare professional or a hospital setup to look into all these guidelines and requirements. A certified emr ensures that the system is equipped with standard features as well as it complies with HIPAA guidelines. This makes it easy for healthcare professionals in deciding up on the system for the practice. A certified emr would be helpful, however, it is dvisable that a healthcare professional also makes a list of requriements that would best suit his or her practice.

Meaning Use EMR, Stage 1

"Meaningful use of emr" is an important condition to avail the benefits of incentive program or the stimulus package announced by US government. Meaningful use emr sets responsibility on the part of healthcare professionals as regards its usability. Truly speaking, without meaningful use of emr system, a practice can not derive the ultimate benefits of the system. The long term benefits would come if and only if the system is used with the motive of its "meaningful use". 

The meaningful use emr program is divided into three stages, each defining different standards of the "meaningful use" of an EMR system and making different rules. As far as the stage 1 is concerned the applicants must fulfill twenty out of twenty-five objectives in order to qualify for incentives. Meaningful Use Stage 1 began in 2011 and will likely run through 2012.

Technology Helping Claims Reimbursement

Claims reimbursement is not an easy task, it involves a step ladder process. Often the papers are sent back for correction or at times the claims also get rejected. Even if claims are reimbursed it takes weeks for the patient to receive the payment. However, healthcare it solutions like claims processing system are helping doctors as well as patients with the daunting task of claims reimbursement. 

A standard claims procesisng system is equipped with features that help to check the eligibility on real time basis. It also provides with readily available treatment and service codes, thus, eliminating the risk of error in coding. One click submission and status update are other important features offered by the new age technology. This way technolgy is helping to cut down the time spent with reimbursement and also to cut down the cost of processing.

Practice Management System - Explore The Options

A practice management system is a new age tool for physicians. It is a software tool that promises to automate the practice. A physician has to go through a number of basic tasks - appointment scheduling, patient record creation, diagnosis / treatment papers, claims submission and so on. The process is very tedious and time consuming in nature. Often, doctors and their clinic staff spend maximum time in managing the patient - doctor - patient life cycle. The manual process is not only time consuming but is also subjected to a no. of errors and negligence. 

A fully-functional practice management system ensures to make life easier for physicians by automating all the functions of the practice. It takes care of the entire lifecycle and provides with unmatched benefits to both doctors as well as patients. It helps to add to the productivity on a large scale, brings about improvement in patient quality service, and in the end better revenues for the practice.

Is Free EMR Software Worthful?

Today, EMR software have become a must have for clinics and hospitals. Even the US government has made it compulsory for the physicians treating medicare and medicaid patients. Truly speaking, the advantages of a successful implementation of emr are huge. The software promises to make life easier for both doctors as well as patients. However, there are a no. of hurdles in the process of emr implementation and one such being high initial investment.

There are many vendors offering different versions of emr software including free emrs available for installation. However, one needs to be very careful as far as choosing emr is concerned. The first step in the process of implementation starts with choosing the right emr for the practice. A free emr is a basic emr which only serves as an electronic filing cabinet and does not provide for any additional benefits. Also there are doubts that a free emr would comply with HIPAA guidelines. Also there is hardly any support available after installation, which is very much required to adapt to the newer system. Hence, the question "Is Free EMR Software Worthful?" is worth thinking 10 times.

Roster Manager - For Realtime Claims Eligibilty Verification

Roster manager is an important component of any claims processing system. It provides with real time claims eligibility verification. This features helps to manage roster data from various health plans. A standard roster manager is also capable of taking any format from health plan and to provide with the capability of putting edits on eligibility. The roster manager feature could be of great help and support to the healthcare professionals. 

There are hundreds of vendors providing claims processing systems, however, not all CMS are equally capable. Many don't even refer to roster manager at all, hence, in order to leverage the ultimate benefits of technology it is very important to select a claims processing system that is equipped with advanced features like roster manager.

Healthcare Management - How Good Is Your Strategy?

Healthcare industry is very complex in nature with so much to manage all around. Added to this is the tremendous pressure on the industry for more quantity of service. Sqeezing margins due to the rising costs; all these and many more factors are causing great difficulty in the management of healthcare practice (or hospital setups). Here comes the question as to "how good is your healthcare management strategy"?

Smart healthcare management is the need of the hour, which emphasizes on making the best use of advanced healthcare it solutions like electronic medical records (emr), practice management system, claims processing system and more. Information technology is delivering its unmatched advantages to each and every industry, however, till date healthcare industry has made least out of IT. Now it is the time for the healthcare industry to realize the power of technology and make the best use of it. The productivity, quality of service, and revenues of a healthcare setup would ultimately depend on their "healthcare management strategy".

Electronic Medical Records and Privacy Concerns

Electronic medical record systems are all set to transform the healthcare industry. The US government is keen on converting the clinic and hospitals into paperless process. However, there are certain hurdles in the implementation of emr and one such being "privacy concerns". Doctors feel that as the patient records are stored centrally, they can be accessed by any one and from anywhere. This might create difficulties in the long run... and may not ultimately benefit the practice.

There are always positive and negative sides of innovation, however, we need to understand as to which side is heavier. Looking into wide spread advantages of electronic medical records, the issue of pravicy seems to be manageable. More over, standard emr systems are intelligent piece of softwares that have in built capabilities of handling data theft and other security issues. Also, HIPAA has been designing a number of policies as regards the access of patient data. This ensures that a careful implementation would not harm the practice and instead would benefit the practice in the long run. 

Choosing The Right EMR Solution

The first step in the successful implementation of EMR is choosing the right EMR for your practice. There are hundreds of vendors each providing different emr options. Truly speaking, not all emr solutions are alike, they differ in capabilities. Above all each practice his its own requirements or modus operandi, hence, not every emr solution would fit into the requirements of a specific practice. Implementation of a solution that which does not go with the working process of a practice would result into lot of confusions and delays. Instead of saving time and money such a solution would result into more spendings. 

EMR could prove to be a boon, if and only if right emr solution is choosen for the practice. Every practice has to comply with certain standard process, however, they also have their own way of working. As they are used to it for years, it really becomes very difficult to switch to a newer system all of a sudden. Here comes the need for customization. There are many vendors that offer customization in their existing emr system; they make changes in their system as per the requirements of a specific practice. This helps the practice to easily adapt to automation and unleash the ultimate advantages of technology.

EMR and Its Meaningful Use

EMR (electronic medical record) refers to the medical records in a digital format. It is a gift of advanced information technology to do away with the "paper" format. The records are maintained on computers in digital format with the help of integrated EMR systems based on healthcare industry requirements and HIPAA guidelines. The system provides with the ready base for entering, grouping and analyzing data that facilititates in the process of diagnosis and treatment.  

EMR systems deliver unmatched advantages as compared to age old manual process of creating  medical records. Due to readily available detailed data entry forms, the patient data can be stored in detail, the system provides with various checks and validations, thus minizing the possibility of committing errors to a great extent. The biggest advantage it serves is the centralization of data, so that the patient data can be accessed from any where, which could be of great help at times of emergency.

The EMR system helps to speed up the overall process, saves time, helps to cut down the cost, brings about increase in the revenue and much more.  However, its ultimate benefits would come if and only if there is "meaningful use" of emr. Meaningful use is nothing but a sense of responsibility towards patients and the healthcare industry on the part of the practitioners (& hospitals) using it.

Online Prescription - The Many Benefits

Its been never easy getting the illness treated - fixing an appointment with the doctor, getting a prescription and then visiting the corner side drug store. Information technology has found its place in each and every facet of our life and healthcare industry can not be an exception to the rule. Healthcare management solutions like online prescriptions (eprescribing) is gaining momentum across healthcare professionals, online pharmacies and of course with the patients. 

The online prescription solutions helps both healthcare professionals as well as patients. For sure the healthcare professionals are able to cater to the needs of a large no. of patients irrespective of their location. It saves a lot of time for them as well and also record keeping becomes easy as compared to the conventional system of consultation. Patients are able to get timely medication as there is no need for them to wait day for the appointment. They can get the prescription right from their home or any place and from any proven healthcare professional.

Online prescription (or eprescribing) is considered to be gaining tremendous response from physicians, online pharmacies as well as patients. The trend is catching up... for the many benefits it delivers... !

Practice Management System For Improved Productivity

A physicians clinic is not only confined to treating patients but it starts with the initial process of appointment scheduling, patient registration and recording detailed illness history. The process is very tedious and time consuming... for physicians who maintain the records on their own it consumes the major protion of their time resources.

An efficient practice management system can make life easy for physicians. A fully functional system is capable of delivering a host of benefits to the user. At first, it provides with the necessary appointment scheduling module that makes it very easy to maintain patient appointments. The interoperability feature allows the system to function effectively with the emr system so that the patient record management tasks can be digitized. 

In short, a fully functional practice management system is capable of delivering a large no. of advantages that can help the practice to streamline the overall back end processes with an improvement in the productivity of the practice.

Preparing To Implement An EMR

Preparing to imeplement an EMR ?

If yes... need a pre-planning for successful implementation. Digitization of patient records could be of great help and support to the physicians. It could save great amount of time and cost that which is spent in managing the records. Above all the ultimate benefits are improved patient safety and care. The digitization helps to record the information in detail, accurate and timely availability.

Though EMR systems are considered to be a boon for the healthcare industry, the successful implementation by an large depends on pre-planning. There are a large number of EMR's available in the market today, however, not all EMRs at par with industry requriements. The physician desirous to implement needs to make a checklist as to the requirements of the practice as well as the availability of features with various emr systems. 

The EMR system has to be simple, complete (fully functional) and hipaa compliant. The vendor must also provide with the necessary training and after sales support. Once assured... the system can be implemented for better productivity and quality of service.

Electronic Medical Records: Unleash The Power Of Digital Technology

Patient records play a very important role in the process of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The age old practice of manually recording the patient details now seems to be creating a lot of difficulties for the physicians / hospitals. The rising pressure on the healthcare industry is one of the main reasons, however, introduction of advanced digital technology is giving a new lease of life to the healthcare industry in the form of healthcare management systems like electronic medical records. 

The digitization of patient records with the help of electronic medical records system is coupled with numerous advantages as against the convention method of patient record management. The system ensures detailed patient information, accuracy and centralization of data that would ultimately benefit the practice with more time resources in hand, cost advantage and above all detailed - error free records available at any point of time from any where.

Healthcare Management Solutions: A Revolution In The Healthcare Industry

US health care system is one of the best health care systems in the world, however, there is tremendous pressure on the system basically because of rising population, stress and fast paced day - day life. Till date, the industry used to depend entirely on the skills of health care professionals and was reluctant in implementing information technology solutions. Of course, we can not deny the importance of skilled health care professionals, however, the rising pressure has started affecting the quality of patient service and ultimately ROI.

It is the time now to implement healthcare management solutions to replace the age old methods of managing the practice. There is always a yes / no to anything that which is introduced in the market and healthcare industry is not an exception to the rule. Healthcare management solutions can benefit both physicians (hospitals) as well as patients to a great extent. Physicians would be able to save time and money in managing the pracitce and the end result would benefit the patients with better quality of service.

Healthcare IT Solutions – Streamline Your Workflow

The healthcare industry is composed of several sectors that are dedicated towards the well being of the patients. The industry in itself is very complex to handle. The management of the healthcare industry is a very tedious task involving a number of back end and support functions. The volume of the back-end operations is so large that it consumes a majority of the time of support staff and healthcare professionals. There seems to be an answer to all this by way of healthcare it solutions. 

Information technology has become a part of our day to day life; a large no. of manual tasks has been replaced with automated processes. Practically each and every field has been experiencing the benefits of information technology. Till date, healthcare industry was doubtful as regards the implementation of information technology for the very simple reason that it relies more on the talent of the healthcare professionals. However, the industry has realized the importance of healthcare it solutions.

A no. of sectors laid the very basic foundation of the healthcare industry namely: clinical research & documentation, pharmacy, healthcare facilities, diagnostics, patient information and so on. Each function has its own importance and its own complexities. Manual processes are time consuming and often result into errors. Introduction of healthcare it solutions are believed to be transforming the healthcare industry.

The world is changing and so is the healthcare industry; it wouldn’t be wrong to say that healthcare it solutions is all set to streamline the healthcare work flow.

Healthcare IT Solutions Market USA: Insights and Opportunities

Information technology has found its applications in each and every industry and US healthcare industry is not an exception to the rule. Till date, the investments in the healthcare IT solutions was very low, for the very reason that the healthcare industry was of the opinion that it has nothing to do with information technology. The industry believed that the qualification, knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals are the only requirements, however, the industry has realized that healthcare IT solutions can extend an helping hand in achieving reduction in costs, saving time, improving productivity and most importantly, improving patient care.

Healthcare IT solutions include a number of software, hardware and networking solutions for individual providers, managed healthcare, hospitals, medical billing companies and health insurance providers. The main concern among providers is that the system should be in a position to streamline the whole process of practice/patient management. It should also bring about the reduction in costs and time spent with improved patient care. Much attention in the healthcare IT market has focused on opportunities to expand the use of electronic medical record (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Healthcare IT solutions like EMR/EHR systems come in different versions and capabilities. There are instances when the requirements for a particular practice may differ from the requirements of another practice. According to a recent research report from CompTIA, 34 percent of healthcare providers report using a comprehensive EMR system, while 16 percent says they’re using a partial system. The remaining 29 percent are either evaluating their options or 20 percent have not yet started the process of implementation of EMR. However, in case of implementation of EMR the satisfaction rate is higher among doctors as compared to any other healthcare systems.

Among the developed nations, US has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. At approximately 17% of GDP, the U.S. healthcare market represents one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of the U.S. economy. The healthcare administration is a tedious task, and thus showing an urgent need from the healthcare IT solutions industry for IT systems that can streamline the whole process of healthcare industry. According to certain research studies, almost half of the US healthcare professionals are poised to double their IT investments in the next 12 months. This provides with a tremendous opportunity for healthcare IT companies to bring about IT products and solutions in the market that best suits the industry. 

Tags: Healthcare Management | EMR | Practice Management

EMR - A Paperless Clinic, Improved Patient Care & Increased Revenue

Electronic Medical Records (EMR); its all about automation, taking advantage of information technology, converting a physicians clinic into a paperless facility,  bringing about improvement in patient care, integration of patient history, test results, diagnosis, treatment, eligibility verification, submission of claims, smooth patient management and last but not least “increased revenue”.

The world is changing and why not a physicians clinic? People are taking advantage of information technology in each and every field may be service industry, manufacturing industry, educational field and so on. Till date, healthcare industry had minimum investment on information technology; however, the situation is changing with systems like electronic medical records (EMR) being introduced in the market.

The healthcare industry or a physician’s clinic can not be an exception to the rule. The healthcare industry has understood the importance of the role of information technology. The healthcare industry is getting transformed through IT (information technology).  A no. of clinical tests, medical and surgical procedures have become possible due to the use of IT systems. A physician’s clinic or a hospital has also understood the advantages that they can fetch through the implementation of IT system like electronic medical records (EMR).

The healthcare IT systems like electronic medical records (EMR), practice management system (PMS) and more are changing the way of life of medical professionals as well as patients. For healthcare professionals it is the ease of patient & practice management, improved revenues where as patients are getting better care and safety. The health IT systems are capable of managing the patient information in a better way thus reducing the chances of errors. Physicians are getting more time to spend on diagnosis and treatment ensuring better care and safety.

It wouldn’t be wrong to conclude that healthcare IT systems like electronic medical records (EMR) is a win – win situation for both physicians as well as patients.

Evaluating Existing Practice Management System (PMS)

A practice management system has become a must have for today’s physician’s office. A good system helps to speed up the overall process of practice management. The tasks can be managed with minimum efforts and a large no. of man hours can be saved. The practice management system not only helps in saving time and money but it also helps the healthcare professionals to concentrate on their core line of service, thereby resulting into improved quality of service and overall patient satisfaction.

Not all practice management systems are alike. They differ on various parameters – technical issues, functionality, legal requirements & security issues. Hence, not all systems can deliver desired results. The system also needs to be updated from time – time by the vendor taking into consideration the laws & policies passed by the government. New & improved technology is often introduced in the market; the system needs to be updated with the advanced technology so that the system is in a position to compete in the market.

A practice might have already implemented a particular practice management system; however, it would be advisable to evaluate the existing system on various parameters. If the system does not meet the desired level of competency it should be upgraded or a newer system must be implemented. It is true the migration to a newer system is not an easy task as it involves cost as well as time resources, however, an incompetent system would result into wastage of resources rather than achieving optimum use.

In order to evaluate an existing practice management system it is advisable:

-    to assess areas of operations essential to your office efficiency
-    to use your distinct assessment to evaluate potential practice management systems
-    to manually score and summarize evaluation results
-    to compare the performance of individual practice management systems
-    to use overall results to select a practice management system

One may also make use of a no. of online evaluation tools that provide with the different categories and sub options to choose from. A person has to review each feature (sub-option) by choosing from the available options like essential, useful and not necessary to rank each feature. The final score chart can be used to decide as to level of competency of the practice management system. 

Tags: Healthcare Management | EMR | Practice Management 

Benefits of Using Practice Management System (PMS)

A practice management system (PMS) is an integrated medical software designed for the use by doctor’s & physician’s office. The system aims at simplifying the process of practice management by providing a number of functionality including appointment scheduling, patient record maintenance, claims management, billing management and more.

Often doctors and physicians are confused as to the implementation of the practice management system. Initially it involves purchase and implementation cost. Training is also an important factor – people once used to the manual system find it difficult to switch over to the newer automated system. However, the implementation of the system results into a no. of benefits.

Benefits of Implementation of Practice Management System are as follows - Increased Patient Volume, Enhanced Productivity, Minimization of Claim Rejection, Elimination of Errors, Expedition of Payments, Reduction in Denials, Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Increased Customer Satisfaction.

 It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the end result of a well-planned practice management system is enhanced productivity, improved revenue, better profit margins and patient satisfaction.

Tags: Healthcare Management | EMR | Practice Management