Going Green: EMRs = Less Paper

One way the medical world can lead is through the development and implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR)/electronic health record (EHR), which can reduce costs and lower your carbon footprint.

Designing an EMRs/EHRs

A well-designed EMR/EHR should:

• Eliminate paper, transcription, filing, paper storage
• Improve operational efficiency
• Reduce overall operational costs
• Improve documentation
• Minimize Compliance Risks
• Improve reporting for statistical data
• Improve quality of care

EMRs/EHRs Hurdles

EMRs/EHRs are still evolving and there are no perfect packages yet. Some of the hurdles to remember:

• Coding has not been perfected. There still needs a “human touch”
• Templates have to be customized per provider / specialty
• Implementation down time
• Annual coding updates typically are not included with contract.

EMRs/EHRs Implementation

The keys to a successful implementation are good planning and patience. The success of your EMR project is more dependent on successfully executing the implementation phase than all other aspects combined.

Key considerations for the selection and implementation of EMRs are:

• Budget carefully. Small clinics that are lean to begin with will either work a lot of weekends or spend a lot of money hiring extra help. Making it half way to your goal with a drained bank account is a horrible place to be. Plan ahead!
• Assign an Internal Project Manager
• Designate a Physician Champion
• Obtain provider buy-in for the EMR before contacting vendors
• Request trial demonstrations of different EMRs. Identify /select product and design that will be user friendly for all medical record users such as providers, coders, and billers
• Get references and talk with other clients before signing a contract
• Request comprehensive, quality education and training to support providers throughout the implementation process
• Interfacing with existing hospital electronic systems
• National certification of approved EMRs

Bottom line: EMRs/EHRs have arrived and are here to stay!