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Shopping for EMR Solutions Online
Industry experts offer tips for evaluating your options.
By Sean McKinney, Contributing Editor |
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When searching for an electronic medical record (EMR) system, comb the net for information to save time and avoid bad decisions. Here's some advice from experts who work for major EMR vendors.
Check Third-party Resources
Tera Roy, specialty director of ophthalmology for NextGen Health, Horsham, Pa., says credible third-party organizations (such as the American Society of Retina Specialties and retina-focused publications) can identify important requirements that will lead you to appropriate vendor Web pages. "Get online to study the vendors' materials and demonstrations before contacting the companies," she recommends.
Mary Ann Fitzhugh, vice president, marketing & business development, Compulink Business Systems, Inc., Westlake Village, Calif., urges you to also pick up the phone. "Ask your colleague in retina care what software they are using," she says. "Go watch them document patient encounters. Does the EMR let them do what they want? What was their implementation like? How long did it take to get productive? How is the vendor support?"
When you contact a vendor, ask for references in retina care. "Make sure the system shows you retina-specific workflow and content," says James Messier, vice president of sales & marketing, Medflow, Charlotte, N.C. "Even eyecare-specific EMR products might not have the content and workflow required for a busy retina practice."
Critical Features
If an EMR doesn't offer drawing and ophthalmoscopy sketching tools, keep surfing. "You need to interpret results in a single and separate report document, a requirement for billing," says Mr. Messier. "You also need to be able to document injections and laser procedures, two high-frequency activities. Finally, you need to self-generate the op-note automatically, again for billing purposes."
Ms. Fitzhugh says the system should integrate well with diagnostic equipment and offer DICOM-compliant image management. "You must be able to pull images directly into the EMR and manage the images effectively, meeting your unique needs," she says. "No two physicians are alike. Workflow customization is a must."
Image management is particularly important for retina specialists, who tend to travel to multiple locations, according to Mr. Messier. "The single biggest point of failure for your system could be the bandwidth of your network or internet connection," he says.
Years of vendor experience in retina is also critical. "Look for world-class support and service," says Ms. Fitzhugh. "Adopting EMR represents a major practice shift."
Ask for vendor experts in workflow, product training and go-live support. "You'll benefit from ophthalmology-specific training classes and documentation, including online training scenarios," Ms. Roy says. "An entire ophthalmology team dedicated to your specialty and the investment protection associated with a financially stable company are essential."
In addition, only accept systems that are CCHIT and ONC-ATCB certified. "This ensures your ability to attest for Meaningful Use and other incentive programs," Ms. Roy notes. "Also, ensure the quote you receive covers all of the products and services you'll need. Ask about maintenance and other monthly fees."
Maintain Long-term Vision
Messier warns against short-sightedness when making final decisions. "Implementing an EMR is a marriage," he says. "If you're not ready to take the plunge, save your time and money. A successful installation includes a good product, a company with the experience to help you make it work, the full commitment of the practice and the leadership to stay with it for the long haul. This is the biggest decision you will ever make for your practice and business."
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