Your Electronic Medical Records Transition Will Pay Off

By Author: Nancy Rose
Total Articles: 53
Comment this article

Five reasons your electronic medical records transition will pay off


The hard work hassle of ignoring paper documentation is not in vain.


Question: Our office is measuring the pros and cons of transitioning to electronic medical records (EMRs). We know the process is a huge understanding that often results in much more lower productivity and more confusion. As such, is making the change really worth it?


Answer: If you haven't seen or lead a conversion from paper records to an EMR system, it is easy to get weighed down by the potential downsides. However, experts agree that yes, going electronic is worth it. Here's why:


You open more cash inlets. Many research studies pull their data through electronic records. As such, if you cannot tune in to participate, opportunities for cash incentives will go away. Grant money and incentive programs are available, for instance, and they want data in the electronic forum, according to Francine Wheelock, PT, MPA, manager of clinical systems for MaineGeneral ...
... Health.
Just take a look at nationwide push for value-based purchasing and outcome data, and expect to go electronic if you want to be in the network.


Stay cautious: In 2009, the federal government unveiled the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which intends to pay qualified healthcare professionals incentives for the meaningful use" of some EMRs.


Kate Romanow, director of health care regulatory advocacy for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association confirms, SLPs, OTs and PTs aren't eligible for the incentive payment." However they may be eligible in the future; as such therapists may want to consider implementing EHRs now."


In addition, you can boost your coordination of care with healthcare providers who are qualified for HITECH incentives and adopting EHRs, says Sarah Nicholls, assistant director for payment policy and advocacy for the American Physical Therapy Association. As such, think about your business communications today with those that are eligible."


2. Quality of care gets a boost up. Electronic systems often offer access to a database of national outcomes data from users of the same software - electronic systems oftentimes offer access to a database of national outcomes data from users of the same software - a jewel for weighing and enhancing your care. Another perk: Many of the systems will connect you to investigate best practices for treating some diagnoses, notes Wheelock. Therefore, an EMR can really help drive evidence-based practice."


Electronic systems can also aid to standardize your care. For instance, if your practice witnesses the same diagnoses very often, you could build shells for care plans so that you have some standardization of care to start with, adds Wheelock.


3. Your clients anticipate EMRs. If you work for a rehab agency or for that matter if you're an independent contractor, whoever is buying your rehab services wants to see a modern operation. Switching to an EMR is important because when a customer wants you as the vendor to do so, you need to continue to meet the customer's expectation," according to Kate Brewer, PT, MBA, GCA, VP of Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency in Greenfield, Wis.


Yet another thought: A more modern feel in your clinic may also draw new patients who are shopping around for a therapist and are alert to little details like being up to date with the times.