Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Kevin Jones
EMR implementation is often no easy task. Leaving behind your practice’s old system of paper medical records, filing, and paper billing systems can be extremely stressful – even if the new system of electronic medical record keeping promises to be more beneficial to office staff and patients in the long run.
To help your office transition to electronic medical records more smoothly, it’s important to organize your office and prepare adequately to have a new system in order. Here are five critical tips to a stress-free EMR implementation and a successful new office.
1. Research your options. By using an EMR consultation website or service you’ll be able to compare EMR systems and equipment and chat with an expert to choose the right system for your practice. Find a vendor that offers excellent support.
2. Have adequate tech support and customer service in place. While a well-planned and well-installed system shouldn’t cause more problems than it solves, there may be a few technical glitches along the way. Having access to tech support makes these problems much easier to handle.
3. Figure out your costs before you jump in. While meaningful use financing means government reimbursement for practices and hospitals who implement and EMR system and can demonstrate its benefit toward the healthcare system, the initial startup costs of replacing a paper system and purchasing new EMR software and equipment can sometimes come as a surprise to a small practice expecting a different price tag. Be sure to research costs and discuss with an expert before starting your EMR implementation. Buying all EMR computers, equipment, software, and services from one location can help keep things simple and help you keep track of costs.
4. Have the right equipment. Your staff may be unfamiliar with the new equipment you present them, so it’s important to train everyone properly and purchase the right equipment. Consider providing multiple options for data entry into the system, as some staffers may have a hard time getting used to the new tools. Scanning, typing, tablet PC’s with handwriting recognition software, and interfaces are all excellent options to consider having in the office. Make sure your entire technological infrastructure is planned and solid. Sometimes there is a gap between EMR hardware and software, creating problems in the long run.
5.Communicate with your staff. Be sure everyone’s clear on how to use the equipment, and let everyone know that they can come to you or to the project manager if they need any help with the new EMR system. Consider posting tech support numbers and local internet support numbers in a central location. Let everyone know that you are all there to help each other, and while some medical staff may be less than comfortable with the new technical equipment, EMR is a smart choice that will benefit both patients and staff.
These are basic guidelines to always keep in mind during an EMR implementation. Remember to do your research on the details or use an EMR consultant to help you with your rollout plan.
To help your office transition to electronic medical records more smoothly, it’s important to organize your office and prepare adequately to have a new system in order. Here are five critical tips to a stress-free EMR implementation and a successful new office.
1. Research your options. By using an EMR consultation website or service you’ll be able to compare EMR systems and equipment and chat with an expert to choose the right system for your practice. Find a vendor that offers excellent support.
2. Have adequate tech support and customer service in place. While a well-planned and well-installed system shouldn’t cause more problems than it solves, there may be a few technical glitches along the way. Having access to tech support makes these problems much easier to handle.
3. Figure out your costs before you jump in. While meaningful use financing means government reimbursement for practices and hospitals who implement and EMR system and can demonstrate its benefit toward the healthcare system, the initial startup costs of replacing a paper system and purchasing new EMR software and equipment can sometimes come as a surprise to a small practice expecting a different price tag. Be sure to research costs and discuss with an expert before starting your EMR implementation. Buying all EMR computers, equipment, software, and services from one location can help keep things simple and help you keep track of costs.
4. Have the right equipment. Your staff may be unfamiliar with the new equipment you present them, so it’s important to train everyone properly and purchase the right equipment. Consider providing multiple options for data entry into the system, as some staffers may have a hard time getting used to the new tools. Scanning, typing, tablet PC’s with handwriting recognition software, and interfaces are all excellent options to consider having in the office. Make sure your entire technological infrastructure is planned and solid. Sometimes there is a gap between EMR hardware and software, creating problems in the long run.
5.Communicate with your staff. Be sure everyone’s clear on how to use the equipment, and let everyone know that they can come to you or to the project manager if they need any help with the new EMR system. Consider posting tech support numbers and local internet support numbers in a central location. Let everyone know that you are all there to help each other, and while some medical staff may be less than comfortable with the new technical equipment, EMR is a smart choice that will benefit both patients and staff.
These are basic guidelines to always keep in mind during an EMR implementation. Remember to do your research on the details or use an EMR consultant to help you with your rollout plan.
Source: http://www.healthtechnologyreview.com/art282_tips_for_a_stress_free_emr_implementation.php
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