The hard work and hassle of ditching paper documentation is not in vain.
Question: Our office is weighing the pros and cons of transitioning to electronic medical records (EMRs). We know the process is a huge undertaking that often results in even lower productivity and more confusion. So, is making the change really worth it?
Answer: If you haven’t witnessed or lead a conversion from paper records to an electronic medical record (EMR) system, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the potential downsides. But experts agree that yes, going electronic is worth it. Here are a few reasons why:
1. You Open More Cash Inlets. Many research studies pull their data via electronic records. So, if you can’t tune in to participate, opportunities for cash perks will fly by. “Grant money and incentive programs are available, for example, and they want data in the electronic form,” points out Francine Wheelock, PT, MPA, manager of clinical systems for MaineGeneral Health.
Just look at nationwide push for value-based purchasing and outcome data, and expect to go electronic if you want to be in the loop.
Stay alert: Last year, the federal government launched the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which plans to pay eligible healthcare professionals incentives for the “meaningful use” of certain EMRs.
“SLPs, OTs and PTs are not eligible for the incentive payment,” confirms Kate Romanow, director of health care regulatory advocacy for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. But they may be eligible in the future, so therapists “may want to consider implementing EHRs now,” she says.
Plus, you can enhance coordination of care with healthcare providers who are eligible for HITECH incentives and are adopting EHRs, points out Sarah Nicholls, assistant director for payment policy and advocacy for the American Physical Therapy Association. So, “think about your business interactions today with those that are eligible.”
2. Quality of Care Gets a Boost. Electronic systems often offer access to a database of national outcomes data from users of the same software — a jewel for measuring and improving your care. Another perk: Many of the systems will connect you to research on best practices for treating certain diagnoses, Wheelock notes. “Thus, an EMR can really help drive evidence-based practice.”
Electronic systems can also help standardize your care.“For example, if your practice sees the same diagnoses very frequently, you could build shells for care plans so that you have some standardization of care to start with, Wheelock adds.
3. Your Clients Expect EMRs. If you work for a rehab agency or are an independent contractor, whoever’s buying your rehab services wants to see a modern operation. “Switching to an EMR is important because when a customer wants you as the vendor to do so, you need to continue to meet the customer’s expectation,” says Kate Brewer, PT, MBA,GCS, VP of Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency in Greenfield, Wis.
Another thought: A more modern feel in your clinic may also help attract new patients who are shopping around for a therapist and are alert to small details like being current with the times.
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