Will it work?
When it comes to EMR (electronic medical record) integration, that’s one of the most common questions asked by decision makers at medical facilities of all sizes.
It’s an important question. Why would you invest money in a new record management system if it creates confusion and wastes precious time?
In short: Yes, it can — thousands of medical facilities are already integrated. And they’re enjoying the benefits of digital medical records, such as instant accessibility and improved charge capturing capabilities.
Seamless EMR Integration
Though seemingly a giant leap into the 21st century, adopting EMRs into your practice can be a straightforward process with immediate results. Much of that comes down to the work you do before making the transition.
EMR software is a valuable investment for anesthesiologists as it:
- Streamlines daily operations
- Compliments workflows
- Integrates with existing technology
- Modernizes traditional medical records
- Adapts to new standards
Streamlined Daily Operations
One of the biggest benefits anesthesia practices see from EMRs is improved efficiency in almost every aspect of their work.
On the patient care side, the EMR is designed to fit in with your existing workflow, providing as little disruption to interactions with a patient as possible. Searches for lost pens and fumbling through bulky paper files are things of the past. EMRs allow for effortless data captured that’s logged exactly as it needs to be.
When it’s time to bill for services, invoices are practically completed with accurate information. That’s because information taken during patient treatment is automatically added to billing forms in the correct format. Insurance companies have a hard time finding a reason to reject your reimbursement.
Designed to Stay Out of Your Way
As the old adage goes: Time is money.
With traditional anesthesia paper charting, time is lost sourcing a patient’s file, locating the correct documents, or even photocopying a new form.
Designed for the busy medical professional, EMR software eliminates these issues.
EMR software dashboards centralize everything you’ll need to navigate between and access patient records and forms. And it can be customized to your specific needs, meaning you’ll have everything you need and nothing you don’t.
As an added bonus, EMR software is safely accessible no matter where you are. This is especially important for anesthesiologists who work at multiple sites — you’ll never forget an anesthesia record sheet again.
An Accompaniment, Not Total Replacement
While good EMR software captures information easily, great EMR software has one feature that stands out: integration with your existing technology.
Be it a desktop computer, your hospital’s current EHR system, or even mandated reporting software, EMRs are designed to interface with the tools you’re already using. That means you won’t have to purchase new equipment or additional software to maintain business as usual.
The bottom line: Adopting EMR at your practice doesn’t mean a total and disruptive overhaul to your day-to-day.
Giving New Life to Old Documents
Just because you’ve switched over to digital record management doesn’t mean your old paper files are entirely obsolete. Your old paper files can be the foundation of your new EMR system.
Every digital document needs a template. What better template than the one you’re already using? EMRs can mirror your existing paper charts, reducing the learning curve associated with using new software. As an added benefit, patients’ paper medical records can easily — and securely — be digitized and added to their new EMR files. That means their medical history is not lost in the transition or stored in several different places.
Real-Time Adaptability to Current Standards
From billing procedures to patient care best practices, medical regulations change all the time.
EMR software can, too.
As new standards are implemented, EMR software can quickly be adjusted and used immediately system wide. You’ll only need to update them once, too. No one at your practice needs to worry about filling out an obsolete form or being out of compliance with standards such as MACRA.
What’s more, EMR software customization allows you to tailor forms and templates to your practice’s exact needs.
Adopting EMRs at Your Healthcare Facility
With combined functionality and ease of use, executives at healthcare facilities of all sizes wonder how they lived without EMRs.
EMR integration isn’t just about making an investment in the latest technology — it’s about bringing improved efficiencies for better patient outcomes to your practice.
