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The pros and cons of electronic medical records software#

Practice Fusion is a cloud-based EHR system that securely stores data on external servers and can be accessed with any device that has an internet connection, whereas server-based EHR systems store data on either a personal server or in a data center. An EMR (electronic medical record) is a digital version of a chart with patient information stored in a computer and an EHR (electronic health record) is a digital record of health information. There are many different systems and choices available for every level of health care, as well as the support necessary to make the conversion as seamless as possible.Although some clinicians use the terms EHR and EMR interchangeably, the benefits they offer vary greatly. When looking at the change from old cumbersome paper health records to the new electronic health records systems, there are pros and cons.

This will make it easier to get information when needed, switching between providers and when records are needed in emergency situations.

Availability – One of the most significant pros for the new electronic health records is that patients will eventually have access to their medical records online through secured connections.

While the change in billing may present some “bumps” in the road, an electronic health records system can facilitate the change more smoothly.

Coding – Changes are coming in billing and coding as the United States switches from ICD-9 to ICD-10.

Multiple office staff will be able to work in the same chart simultaneously reducing staff hours, and orders for imaging and laboratory tests, as well as the results will be in electronic form and can be sent directly to the patient’s electronic health records without staff intervention or delay. Prescriptions will be sent electronically reducing wait times.

Task Management – Electronic health records will streamline the office procedures necessary to keep up with changes in patient records.This will reduce billing errors, coding errors, and rejected claims while increasing revenue. Billing – While methods of billing will initially change, electronic health records will present a more uniform method of billing and submitting to insurance companies.There is also an additional financial bonus for practices in rural and underserved areas. Eligible professionals who qualify under Medicaid can receive up to $63,000 in incentives.

Financial Incentives – Eligible medical professionals who qualify under Medicare and take advantage of implementing a certified electronic health records system by demonstrating meaningful use of the system can receive up to $45,000 in incentives.

While the cons may seem to be significant, they are short lived and off set over a period of time and as the new systems gain more use. This will also include the cost of an offsite backup storage system to protect the integrity of the electronic health records in the case of a disaster. The initial money for the system, the training and the hardware needed can be significant.

Cost – Perhaps one of the biggest deterrents for making the switch to electronic health records is the cost.

Older paper charts that are not scanned to electronic form will still need to be stored for a period of time. Most paper charts will need to be scanned into electronic form and placed in the new patient records.

Conversion – Old paper records do not just disappear.

The pros and cons of electronic medical records software#

This will include initial education and practice on the electronic health records system or software put in place. All office staff will have to adjust from the way documentation in records is made to patient billing. Staff Education – Not only will physicians and other medical practitioners have to adjust the way they have approached patient care.Weighing the risk versus benefit of both sides will show that, although there may be a few reasons that validate some level of apprehension in converting, they are short lived and the pros offer many positives for the future of health care and the success of medical practices in a changing environment.Ĭonverting an office to electronic medical records will present some initial growing pains. Pros and Cons of Electronic Health RecordsĪs with any dramatic change in modes of operation, the conversion from paper records to electronic records brings with it pros and cons.