Electronic medical record (EMR) software is the wave of the future for healthcare providers. Patient medical records can be extensive and complex, containing patient demographic and contact information, a summary of medical history, and documentation of each event, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Relevant documents and correspondence are also included. With EMR software, it is possible to store the entire medical record, or any part of it, on a computer. The advantage that EMR software has over traditional paper systems is that they provide greater data availability, transfer, and retrieval. This article will first look at the important components of EMR systems in general, and then it will look at three vendors who not only contain these components, but provide orthopedic practice-specific functionality as well.

The following are important components when considering EMR systems:

• Functionality
  Often, lower-priced EMRs have limited functionality. However, you don’t want to pay for functionality you are not going to use.
• Data structure and organization
  How easy is it to retrieve the information you need? Is there a summary page that is easy to get to and that provides the information you need?
• Record management
  Does the system allow you to create useful reports? Can you scan numerous paper documents into the patient’s chart? If so, how easy is it to review these documents?
• Database integrity
  Are there mechanisms in place to maintain database integrity?
• Data export to other systems
  Does the system use a standardized transfer protocol such as HL7?
• HIPAA compliance
  To be HIPAA compliant, there must be a log of anyone who has viewed or modified the chart, and any modifications of the medical record must be traced. Also, each note, lab report, and scanned document entered into the record must be signed by a physician.
• Communication
  Does the system allow you to fax, mail, or email a recently completed not to other physicians? Is there a way to make hard copies of the chart, and can the software communicate with other offices?

OmniMD offers an EMR solution that addresses the vast information needs of the orthopedics specialty. The orthopedic specific EMR includes clinically-defined templates for common orthopedic complaints, history of present illness, and review of systems. The system also includes orthopedics specific ICD and CPT Codes that are used to capture accurate charges and quickly generate electronic bills. To meet the needs of the orthopedic practice, OmniMD offers the following point-and-click orthopedic-specific templates and forms:

• Fracture Visit
• Initial Adult Ortho Visit
• Orthopedic X-Ray/Plan
• Orthopedic SOAP Note
• Podiatry Visit
• Spine Exam
• Accidental Injury Form
• CMG Extremity Measurements
• Neck & Back History
• Neck & Back A/P
• Neck & Back Physical Exam

As medical specialties and sub-specialties become more complex and the medical field becomes more and more dependent on computers, the pressure on medical practices to keep up with technology will become overwhelming. EMRs are here to stay, and their return on investment is undeniable. EMRs are the wave of the future, and with so many options to choose from, every practitioner should be able to find the system that meets every need.

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