Keeping Up with IT Solutions

All practices are facing serious changes brought about by government and healthcare reform, some of which have not been fleshed out clearly enough. In the midst of this flux, practice managers must assess their practice’s performance and needs and make decisions that will affect the continued health and financial success of their business operations.

Calling in a practice management consultant to help your practice wade through the mountains of healthcare reform regulatory requirements—as well as to help keep your practice abreast of normal industry changes, identify opportunities for growth, and prevent potential disasters—is more of a necessity than a luxury these days. But where do you go for guidance when it comes to determining the best electronic medical records (EMRs) or electronic health records (EHRs) for your practice? Even if you are already satisfied with your system(s), this is no time to relax. Constant surveillance of the ever-changing technological world should now be a part of your routine, particularly where reimbursement is concerned.

You might recall the old saying, “You are what you eat.” The adage for your practice today might be better expressed by saying, “You are what your data say.” If you have accurate charge and payment data, you are halfway there. When it comes to medical information technology (IT), how fast you can supply medical records, how accurate those records are, and how good your technical support is when problems arise all play a part in this picture.

To this end, we have listed and described a few EMR software systems that you can use in your practice. Bear in mind that change is occurring rapidly. So even if you are satisfied with your current system, consider reviewing some of the other systems that may solve problems for your practice down the line. If IT demands are dogging your practice, keep this caveat in mind: “Keep up.” The following “bytes” were adapted from a variety of reviews.

ADP AdvancedMD
ADP AdvancedMD (www.advancedmd.com) offers a blog to help improve clinical documentation and facilitate coding for International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification.The company recently released a whitepaper entitled, “A Case for EHR: 5 Status Quo Myths that Hold You Back and Reduce Your Bottom Line.” The idea was to urge practices to adopt change and overcome the myths that reduce their bottom line. The 5 EHR myths outlined in the paper include:

  • Maintaining the existing paper chart system makes sense financially.
  • Paper charge slips are the quickest and easiest way to enter visit charges.
  • Lost charts, orders, and notes are an unavoidable part of a busy private practice.
  • Electronic records are not as secure as paper patient files.
  • Portability of patient records is a luxury reserved for large practices.

Allscripts
Allscripts (http://clientconnect.allscripts.com) provides EHRs for private practices, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Their services include electronic prescribing, care management, and revenue cycle management software. Their products are currently used by more than 180,000 physicians, 1500 hospitals, and 10,000 postacute care organizations. Their website offers online client discussions (through “ClientConnect”), online learning modules, online issue or enhancement requests through their support team, web referrals, and a provider search through an extended-care database.

Benchmark Systems
Benchmark Systems (www.bench mark-systems.com) offers cloud-based software featuring scheduling, EHR, practice management, and billing and collection services. Their templates are customizable and can be set up to function as your practice requires. They also provide a patient portal through which patients can access their own medical records, billing statements, and appointments. Their systems automatically receive and scrub coding information for billing and offer comprehensive revenue-cycle management services. Benchmark operates its own claims clearinghouse, complete with statement processing and electronic remittance management. A variety of administrative processes—such as billing and collection, scheduling appointments, and core accounting functions—can be outsourced to Benchmark’s “Virtual Practice Management Services.”

eClinicalWorks
This software is designed for ambulatory care environments. The system has been touted as usable and efficient, featuring single-click patient accessibility, mobile support, and a patient portal that allows patients to access their billing and scheduling. eClinicalWorks (www.eclinicalworks.com) can be integrated into community or state-wide health record networks. Their cloud-based EHR can be accessed by computer, smartphone, and tablets such as the iPad. They developed the “Care Coordination Medical Record” (CCMR), a platform that supports the components of accountable care. The CCMR provides population health data and health alerts; cost utilization dashboards; clinical quality measures specific to patient-centered medical home and accountable care organization measures; patient engagement via apps on smartphones and patient responses at the point of care; and a patient referral and consultation network.

Epic Systems
This company (www.epic.com) offers a “one patient, one record” approach to simplifying administrative duties. Their “Single Billing Office”—a single bill and payment plan—simplifies accounting, administration, patient follow-up, and can streamline back-office staffing, not to mention that it offers convenience for patients. Patients can access their records via “MyChart,” where they can schedule appointments and access their test results. An interoperable health diary can be connected to or disconnected from MyChart as required or desired. A “Call Management” feature stores patient information and service issues in a central location, allowing users to resolve inquiries from patients and analyzing your practice’s overall customer service effectiveness.

GE Healthcare Centricity EMR and Centricity Group Management
Both products from GE Healthcare (www3.gehealthcare.com) work together to coordinate practice management, while offering a single vendor for service and support. This system provides both clinical and financial management, from practice administration to EMRs, in large practices. It can integrate with medical devices, medical imaging, and other GE Healthcare products. The EMR is designed for community hospitals, academic medical centers, and integrated delivery networks. It features clinical, financial, and administrative software to help manage patient billing, revenue cycles, and closed-loop medication. The system is certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare In­-formation Technology (CCHIT), an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage the adoption of interoperable health information technology. CCHIT certification ensures that an EHR has been thoroughly inspected for functionality, interoperability, and security of patients’ personal health information.

Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
PrimeSUITE (www.greenway medical.com/solutions/primesuite) was designed for easy adaptability to the existing workflow of any office. It is based on a single database that supports all EHR and practice management requirements, ensuring the seamless flow of clinical, administrative, and financial data from one to the other (ie, from registration, scheduling, revenue cycle management, and reporting). Templates are customizable. There are currently 3500 clinical templates available. Users have access to a “Clinical Content Library,” where they can share clinical information with their peers. Efficiencies have been recorded in coding improvements, elimination of transcription and chart expenses, and improved collections.

Kareo
The Kareo EHR (www.kareo.com), designed by a practicing physician for use on the iPad and the web, can keep the physician connected to a patient during an examination while taking and building patient notes. The program is integrated with third parties for prescription and lab orders. It is certified by the Office of the National Coordinator–Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). The system permits transition between the mobile and web versions without restrictions. It was designed on a knowledge base by Epocrates to help physicians readily access clinical information.

MediTouch
This EHR can be accessed as a web-based system and a touchscreen interface. It provides management for charting, medication, electronic prescribing, allergy checks, clinical orders, lab tests, and documents. Forms are customizable. The system can be used as a stand-alone system or with HealthFusion’s practice management system. It is certified by the ONC-ATCB. The system is entirely hosted by HealthFusion (www.healthfusion.com), obviating installation or maintenance of software. It is accessed through a web browser, is usable on iPads, and is being touted as the fastest iPad EHR. It is provided via a monthly subscription, which includes all customer support and training.

meridianEMR and UroChartEHR
Both systems were developed by HealthTronics (http://www.healthtronics.com/physicians/it-solutions/information-technology-solutions-urologists) and offer technology solutions and research data solely for urologists. The meridianEMR system was designed by practicing urologists. It focuses on ease of use and total mobility, and it offers a library of customizable urology templates and content, including practice-level data analytics.

The UroChartEHR was built for speed and to withstand practical daily use. Preprogrammed data and terms were specifically developed for pelvic health practices to afford accurate notes and urology coding linked to office management systems. Economics analyses are built in. Data are backed by relationships with government, pharmaceuticals, clinical trial companies, and payers. The system affords remote access for iPhone, iPad, and the web. It also offers integrated meaningful use tracking tools and support.

Conclusion
Note there are many more options in the market and many specific to urology. Most companies offer resource and support centers. Check with companies directly before making a decision about your practice’s needs. Do your homework in person and online and check with practices that are using the systems for real-world advice.

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