If an EMR solution from your PM vendor is not an option, these are some tips on choosing an EMR for your practice.

Identify Work flow

Examine and become familiar with the work flow in your practice.  Consider how patients make appointments, when charts are pulled, check-in, etc.  Keep this in mind when you are researching EMR’s.  Look for ways you can use technology to streamline this process.

For example, many EMR solutions offer an online portal that your patients can use to fill out forms before they get to the practice.  This can cut down administration time allowing you to see more patients per day.

Identify Key User Groups

Identify who will be using the PM/EMR system and what their rolls will be.  Form a committee with a representative from each group to review the EMR software.  When viewing demo’s of the EMR make sure a representative from each group is present so they can give feedback.  Typical groups would be doctor, admin, nurse,  billing, etc.

Identify Key Tasks

Identify the key tasks in your practice.  Make sure that the EMR software you choose addresses these tasks.

More Things To Consider

These are some of the other things that should be considered:

• Does the EMR have a way to update Medicare and Medicaid billing codes?
• Process for scanning old charts.
• Ease of use.
• Is the EMR compatible with e-prescribe?
• How long has the EMR company been around?  (Many new EMR’s will be offered because of the ARRA).
• Market share of the software vendor.

For more help choosing an EMR solution, updating your IT infrastructure or website design, please contact Emergent at 407-834-2700.

Physician using a PC for EMR

The HITECH section of the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) provides incentives for physicians who adopt some type of EMR (electronic medical records).  The incentives consist of reimbursements from Medicare starting in 2011 and ending in 2014.  Those physicians who have not adopted an EMR by 2015 will have their Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement penalized (1%-5%).

In order to qualify for the reimbursement, the EMR must meet the following criteria set forth by the HITECH section of the ARRA:

• The EMR must be certified – The HHS will set forth the criteria for a certified EMR (there is no criteria at the time this article was written).  Experts believe that certification will be based at least partly on the CCHIT certification.
• The EMR system must be used in a “meaningful” manner – Again the term “meaningful use” has not been defined.  Time the EMR has been in use, electronic exchange of information such as e-prescribe and quality reporting capabilities are thought to be items that will define “meaningful use”.

The first reimbursement will be 75% of the Medicare allowed charges per physician capped at $18,000.00, the second is $12,000.00,  then $8,000.00, $4,000.00 and finally $2,000.00.

About Emergent

Emergent, formerly Telecommunication Professionals, Inc., founded in 1988, and located in Orlando Florida,  is a network services, business telephone and data communications company that specializes in technology solutions that give clients a competitive advantage and increased profitability. The company implements technology plans by providing products that fit the client’s needs. Emergent’s mission is to provide cost justification and investment protection.

The company maintains a full staff of factory-trained, certified technicians, sales associates and customer advocates that believe the dimensions of service quality are time and timeliness of the delivery of the service, completeness of the service, courtesy of those giving the service, consistency of the service, accessibility & convenience of obtaining the service, accuracy of the service, and responsiveness to emergencies.

For more information on Emergent call (407) 834-2700 or visit www.askemergent.com.