Tech Thursday – What will the paperless medical revolution look like?
Tech Thursday
“What will the paperless medical revolution look like?”
By Erin Stevenson
Posted: 12/03/2009 01:30:25 AM PST
The medical revolution is here…and you are invited. Spurred by President Obama’s “HITECH” program, health care providers can earn a sizable subsidy by giving up paper charts and exchanging or updating medical records digitally (health care providers include “Eligible Practitioners” which includes MDs, DDSs, PAs, Certified Mid-Wives, Community Clinics, Indian Health Services and rural health services managed by an “Eligible Provider” i.e. PA.). The past way of handling your office, is not forgotten, it is redefined – the future is exciting. And it may work out that your out-of-pocket costs will come close to near zero. However, certain tax breaks allowing for 100% write-off of software and hardware (IRS Code 179) expires at the end of the year (it may be renewed, but as of this writing, no action has been taken). Another incentive to consider is that beginning next year, physicians will have to endure a 21.2% cut in their Medicare reimbursements, making the transition to a more cost efficient digital system all the more attractive (and without a “doc fix”, that reimbursement cut will rise to 40% by 2016). Check our website for continually updated news on the HITECH program.
The promise is better quality patient care, easier exchange of records, fewer medical mistakes, lower cost to the patient, and a better bottom line for the provider.
Choosing a system with both a smooth transition with minimum disruption or loss of productivity is a tall order. The system should be easy-to-use, customizable, talk to other digital systems and not interrupted by internet failure, fiber optic cable, too many bugs, or hackers.
Fortunately many medical software providers allow many choices. With numerous ways to configure a system, there are easy-to-learn and use-proven systems that allow a small practice to grow. Unfortunately some systems have caused as many as 20% of practitioners to revert to their old methods of paper charting.
Many potholes can be avoided by taking the time to investigate the strengths and failures of systems available. Hiring an informed consultant who can successfully guide you through the maze for a good and lasting solution to meet your immediate needs, long term growth, and an impressive return-on-investment is a good start, too.
Consultants will use four models from which you will choose: SAAS, Web-based, Web-enabled, or Client-Server. From the chart below you will see the options each choice gives you.
All must meet the same criteria, satisfy revenue, provide timely information, quick response to data requests, minimize human resources, minimize downtime, satisfy regulatory/compliance issues, and inter-operational ability with other systems.
Rules of Thumb:
1. Avoid purchasing interfaced systems – The potential for disrupting the flow of Current Procedural Terminology, (also known as CPTs-the most widely accepted medical terms used by health care providers to report medical procedures and services under public and private health insurance programs) or ICD-9 (the ninth version of the International Classification of Diseases) codes is high. [There’s a new expanded ICD being developed and will be available in 2013]
2. Don’t overlook point of care usability –Physicians and other providers want quick documentation of patient information without interrupting aspect of visit.
3. Make upfront “apples to apples” comparison for best EHR systems and solutions.
Remember comparing EHR or (Electronic Health Records) systems demands a comprehensive review of all associated costs to your practice for a 3-year period including: Software fees, annual upgrade and support, hardware costs for all care providers, third-party database fees, implementation, installation, training fees for appropriate hours, and other costs related to your patients.
4. Don’t purchase an EHR from a company who doesn’t provide end-to-end solutions or support.
Some EHR companies do everything possible to get you hooked, because once you hooked, you really are hooked. Therefore, I strongly suggest that you purchase an EHR from a company that supports all aspects including software, hardware, training and support. They should always be one call away. Their ability to handle all of your requests will greatly increase your overall success and provide a maximum return-on-investment.
5. Don’t underestimate the importance of templates.
Many EHR systems force you to create your own templates. This is a time-consuming task. Physicians and users who have a library of templates are far ahead in documenting patient encounters especially in the first few days of implementation.
The Redwood Technology Consortium (redwoodtech.org) is a good place for the local medical profession to look for technology-related education and developments.
Erin Stevenson is a Digital Healthcare Consultant. He has an Advanced HIPAA Certification, including Security Levels I & II and Dual Membership in HIMSS [National and Regional] and is a member of the Redwood Technology Consortium. Visit www.redwoodmedicalconsulting.com for more information.
“Congrats. You guys are truly an example of progress and forward thinking for the second decade of the 21st century and web 2.0 in medicine. Keep up the great work!”
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“In spite of the fact that I had never used an EMR in my 38 years of practice, Practice Fusion is very easy to learn. I really don’t understand why every physician does not take advantage of Practice Fusion’s free product and support.”