Some DCs have been hesitant to switch to EHRs due to training, time and costs. Here's why it might be time to rethink.
Posted in Patient Experience on Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Have you held off switching to an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system? Maybe it’s time to rethink. Let’s look at the benefits -- for your patients and for you.
EHR and Your Patients
- EHR systems make patient records portable.
- It’s quick and easy to share information with other healthcare professionals when needed.
- There’s a centralized historical record of visits, conditions, and providers.
- It’s simple to provide information to family members and caregivers.
- Records are updated in a timely fashion.
- Electronic health records are, by their very nature, easier to read and more accurate than handwritten or transcribed.
EHR and You
- It’s quick and easy to share information with other healthcare professionals when necessary.
- There can be a single health record, rather than notes stored in different offices by different providers.
- Information is easily shared with family members and caregivers (with appropriate procedures in place).
- It’s harder to mix up patient information; a form can’t be slipped into the wrong patient file.
- Metadata can be useful in case a claim is filed.
- EHR systems can help meet compliance requirements.
- These systems can keep details from falling through the cracks.
Two things to be mindful of:
- Don’t let your bedside manner fall by the wayside. Include the patient in the conversation as you enter information into the system.
- Remember patients will be able to read their records, so keep notes objective.
When choosing an EHR system, develop a plan that includes allowing for time and appropriate training. Some things to consider:
- Pick a system that works the way you do, rather than trying to change yourself to match a system.
- Be mindful of using shortcuts like templates and auto filled fields; these can backfire.
- Take the time to think through and develop workflows that are appropriate for your specific office.
- Choose an office champion to take the lead.
- Plan for IT support and training.
- The most expensive system is the most expensive system. It doesn't mean it's the best system for you.
If you’re looking for more information on EHR, check out Chiropractical episode 11, available now wherever you listen to podcasts, and our webinar, "Electronic Records from an Attorney’s Perspective," presented May 20, 2021, or available in our webinar library.