Frequently asked EMR & EHR questions

1. What does EHR mean?

EHR or Electronic Health Records are digital versions patient's paper chart. Healthcare providers can prevent errors while increasing efficiency through their ability to capture, store, and share patient information digitally. EHR software is becoming more common among many doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. At the same time, EHR popular software offers many benefits, like sharing information with labs and specialists. Many providers still wonder if EHRs are suitable for them, how long it takes to implement, and how much it costs?

If you're seeking Software that offers a holistic view of a patient's health and improves patient care significantly, EHR/EMR software is a valuable asset. It adequately provides a range of features, including:

• Patient information on medical history, medications, immunization, allergies, treatment plans, and lab results.
• Doctors can use this Software to support their decision-making about patient care.
• 24/7 access to documentation and reports.
• Communication through texts, voice diction, and email messages.

2. What is an Electronic Medical Record or EMR?

An electronic medical record (EMR) contains the same information as paper charts, like medical history, diagnoses, medications, vaccination records, and allergies. Using an EMR, doctors can quickly track their patients' data over time and identify those who require follow-up care. In addition, EMR provides a clear insight into customer satisfaction and how well your practice performs.

3. What is the typical time frame for implementing an EHR system?

Unlike other providers, at 1st Providers Choice, we pride ourselves on our fast-tracked implementation. Our EHR, Medical Billing, EMR, and Practice Management Software takes 6-8 weeks to implement from start to finish.

4. What are the benefits of Health Information Exchange (HIE)?

HIE facilitates the coordination of patient care, reduces duplicate treatments, and prevents costly errors. The need for HIE is clear, and the benefits are substantial, as its gaining in popularity among health providers. It also tracks and secures patients' comprehensive medical histories. A few examples of HIE benefits include:

• Increasing patient safety by reducing medication and medical errors.
• Eliminating unnecessary paperwork and handling.
• Providing tools to assist caregivers with clinical decision-making for more effective care and treatment.
• Reduce redundant or unnecessary testing.
• Monitor and report on public health better.
• Allowing healthcare consumers access to their health information.
• Enhance healthcare quality and outcomes.
• Reduce the cost of health care.

5. How does an EHR system improve patient care?

ERHs seamlessly allow physicians to spend more time caring for patients by reducing the time spent manually charting patients, writing prescriptions, and accessing patient histories.

Furthermore, EHR software facilitates:

• Refer to the previous notes.
• Contribute to increased interoperability.
• Improve communication between patients and physicians.

6. What is the appropriate way for physicians to demonstrate proficiency with Electronic Health Records?

EHR proficiency must be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• Participation in a Meaningful Use program.
• Employed by a meaningful use program certified by CMS.
• Credentialed to provide patient care at or under contractual agreement with an eligible hospital.
• Access to The Massachusetts Health Information Highway, "Mass HIway," as either a participant or an authorized user.
• The completion of three hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in EHR-related topics:
  • Core Objectives
  • Menu Objectives
  • Clinical Quality Measures for Meaningful Use.
  
  These three EHR credits may be applied toward the ten risk management CPD credits required.

7. What are the advantages of Electronic Health Records?

A patient's electronic health record contains a myriad of health information about the patient and their health conditions. The advantages include:

• Physicians and care teams share health information securely.
• Caregivers and facilities can exchange clinical data for all clinicians involved in a patient's care.
• Patient health information is readily available at the point of care.
• Quick remote access to patient information.
• With electronic health records, patients have easier access to documents and a complete picture of their overall health.
• Reducing the unnecessary costs associated with paperwork previously used to capture patient information.
• Electronic records can reduce prescriptions and medical errors.

8. How much does an EHR system cost?

Implementation costs for EHR systems vary depending on on-site or in the cloud. Web-based deployments, also called Software as a Service (SaaS), are more affordable because they eliminate infrastructure and support costs.

9. What are the differences between EMR & EHR?

It's easy to understand the difference between EMR and EHR when comparing "medical" and "health." EMRs give a broad view of a patient's medical history, while EHRs provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health.

• EHRs allow the transfer of medical records between specialists, laboratories, imaging centers, emergency rooms, pharmacies, and other miscellaneous practices.
• The primary purpose of EMRs is to diagnose and treat patients.
• EHRs allow only authorized providers and staff from different organizations to access patient information.
• EMRs are not accessible outside the practice.