Successful EMR Implementation

Successful EMR Implementation

Switching from paper medical records to digital ones is an imminent change that U.S. healthcare providers are facing. Here you will see how some fears associated with that change are alleviated, and how a straightforward path to implementation can be defined.

Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationEMR MandateAs we approach the second quarter of 2014, deadlines for implementation loom. With penalties starting as early as January 2015, there is literally no time left for procrastination.IncentivesIndividual physicians can earn up to $44,000 in compensation Hospitals can earn a $2 million base amount plus other fixed amounts.PenaltiesIncentives cease after 2015Physicians assessed 1% penalty (reduction in benefit payments) each year until 5% is reachedHospitals face deductions to benefit payments on an annual basis.

Image 1Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationSuccessful Implementation SavingsAside from penalties and incentives, there are other tangible savings associated with adoption of electronic medical records.TimeStudies show that over 74% of EMR users report an increase in efficiency, saving them an average of 61 minutes per work day. (Max, 2012)MoneyIncreased coding accuracy in billing and reimbursement results in revenue gainsPatient numbers can increase due to increased efficiencyCostly materials and transcription staff can be reduced

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Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationEMR pays for itselfMany small providers feel that the huge initial investment will hurt tremendously. According to one study, the average practice paid for its initial and cumulative ongoing EHR costs within two and a half years and began to reap more than $23,000 in net benefits per provider per year. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.)

Another benefit, as noted in a Harvard study, is the potential for reduced malpractice claims. In fact, the rate of malpractice claims when EMRs were used was about one-sixth the rate when EMRs were not used. (Quinn, Kats, Kleinman, Bates & Simon, 2012)Image 3

Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationImproved Quality of CareMany physicians currently using EMR systems say that have experienced much improvement in their jobs, and some have even been inspired to re-open closed practices. EMRs don't just contain or transmit information; they "compute" it, and can manipulate the data in ways that can benefit the patient. EMRsHave built-in safeguards against potential adverse effectsSupport diagnostic and evidence-based decisions at point of careProvide clinical alerts and remindersReduce unnecessary and repeat testing

Image 4Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationResolving Communications IssuesMany caregivers feel that looking at a computer screen rather than the patient will reduce communication and the interpersonal experience. One way to address this issue is to share and explain relevant parts of the EMR with the patient, such as medication lists and care plans.

Another often mentioned benefit is the secure e-mail system inherent in many EMRs. They claim that communication in-between visits enhances their relationship by increasing accessibility to the physician. Additionally, follow-up reports by the patient can result in stronger adherence to care plans. (O'Malley, Cohen & Grossman, 2010)Image 6

Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationCloud SolutionsA popular solution for small and rural practices is to choose a cloud-based EMR system, provided they have reliable Internet access. Many pros are associated with using cloud-based systems, including:Lower up-front costsNo server hardware to purchase/house/maintainHost companies typically provide better securityVendors more likely to meet HIPAA requirementsResponsibility of meeting Meaningful Use lies with vendorPotential to work from homeIn fact, many practices currently use cloud services unknowingly, as in the case of multiple offices using a centralized data center. (Polack, 2011)

Top 10 Cloud-based EMRs

Image 5Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationFederal Resources for Rural ProvidersMany people affected by the challenges of EMR adoption work in small and rural practices. They are more likely to face inadequate Internet access, lack of skilled IT staff, and insufficient financial capital. Fortunately, the U.S. Government has several resources designed specifically for rural caregivers. These include:Regional Extension Centers which provide training, support, and technical services.Rural Assistance Center which offers free services regarding programs and funding.Community College Consortium which offers non-degree Health IT training programs that can be completed in six months.Rural Health Care Pilot Program which attempts to create a nationwide broadband network dedicated to health care, connecting public and private nonprofit health care providers in rural and urban locations

Regional Extension CentersRural Assistance CenterCommunity College ConsortiumCindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationThe Patients PerspectiveMany patients have experienced improvements from providers use of EMRs. Cited amongst these are:Ability to analyze data and see trends in personal health historyNo redundant data entry or insurance formsAbility to view lab results onlineHaving online access to their own records:Increases their knowledge of their own healthPrepares them for office visits and enabled them to ask more intelligent questionsIs a valuable supplement between visits to remember what was discussed(Terry, 2013)Another interesting aspect is the portable EMR, as demonstrated in the video and on the website below:

Kaiser Permanente Introduces Portable Electronic Medical Records Portable EMRs

Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationStories of EMR SuccessMany physicians just cannot say enough about the benefits they gain from using electronic records. A few favorites from Dr. James Salwitz and Dr. William Soper:Quality of medical care is multiplied, probably exponentially, because of clarity, accuracy, speed and the quality of communication.The time needed to create extraordinary medical records is cut at least in half.The EMR allows printing of legible and complete prescriptions reducing the likelihood for errors. It has made me a better doctor, reduced my overhead, made my staff happy and pleased my patients. (Soper, 2002) and (Salwitz, 2014)

Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationBiggest Benefits From Successful ImplementationVarious resources extoll the virtues of electronic records, from physicians to patients to hospital stakeholders. Some additional gains not aforementioned are:Improved coordination of healthcare servicesPromoting preventative medicineBetter clinical decision makingHigher integrity of recordsMuch easier review of extensive recordsRemote access to records(American Psychological Association, 2012)

Image 7References Image 1

EMRO. (2012).Emr mandate 2014 deadline penalty. Retrieved from http://electronicmedicalrecordsmandate.org/electronic-medical-records-mandate/emr-mandate-2014-deadline Image 2

Thorman, C. (2009, December 22). Dont wait for the government to start your ehr implementation. Retrieved from http://blog.softwareadvice.com/articles/medical/dont-wait-for-the-government-to-start-your-ehr-implementation-1122209/Image 3http://www.visolve.com/healthcare_services/electronic-medical-records/emr-roi.phpImage 4Jamoom, E., Patel, V., King, J., & Furukawa, M. (2013, September).Physician experience with electronic health record systems that meet meaningful use criteria: Namcs physician workflow survey, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db129.htmImage 5http://www.baptistdocs.com/tools-demos/ehr-in-the-cloud-or-in-your-office/

Image 6O'Malley, A., Cohen, G., & Grossman, J. (2010, April).Electronic medical records and communication with patients and other clinicians: Are we talking less?. Retrieved from http://www.hschange.com/CONTENT/1125/Image 7Neal, H. (2011, September 9).Benefits of electronic medical records (emr) software | 2011 physician survey. Retrieved from http://blog.softwareadvice.com/articles/medical/benefits-of-emr-software-survey-1081611/Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR ImplementationReferencesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.).How can a return on investment arise from an ehr implementation?. Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/toolbox/Childrenstoolbox/DevelopingPediatricEHRs/roifromehr.htmlQuinn, M., Kats, A., Kleinman, K., Bates, D., & Simon, S. (2012, August 13).The relationship between electronic health records and malpractice claims. Retrieved from http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1203517Soper, W. (2002, October).Why i love my emr. Retrieved from http://thepcmh.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/why_I_love_my_emr.28571631.pdfSalwitz, J. (2014).Actually, i love my emr. Retrieved from http://thehealthcareblog.com/blog/2014/01/13/actually-i-love-my-emr/Polack, P. (2011, May 18). Pros and cons of cloud based or web based emr systems. Retrieved from http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/05/pros-cons-cloud-based-web-based-emr-systems.htmlTerry, K. (2013, April 2). Patients like online health records access, study says. Retrieved from http://www.informationweek.com/healthcare/electronic-health-records/patients-like-online-health-records-access-study-says/d/d-id/1109360?American Psychological Association. (2012, May).The advantages of electronic health records. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/05/electronic-records.aspx

Max. (2012, October 10).Future of medical records now on a tablet. Retrieved from http://www.ipadenclosures.com/blog/posts/future-of-medical-records-now-on-a-tablet

Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation