By Valerie Mellema

You may have heard of electronic medical record software reducing overhead costs and minimizing wasteful expenses. Is it really true though that you can actually increase your revenue using EHR software? Yes, because the same measures that allow you to streamline your operation also help facilitate new patients and new business, not to mention retain your patient base. How is this possible?

Electronic health records software improves charge capture for one. When regular paper charts are used many services can be easily lost. If they are never billed, you lose out on that money. Erroneous data can also be entered into the system that will cost you some much needed income. An EMR solution increases revenue because it is capable of capturing charges for all services. This is thanks to highly advanced computer equipment that can track every individual service and payment. Automated charge capture is one of the most important features for guaranteeing income.

An EMR system can also maximize billing. When you use a paper chart system, it’s customary for physicians to down code (use a lower billing code) just to ensure they stay within legal limits. They do this instead of using the appropriate level of code, which gives them more money. You can easily use E&M billing codes which are programmed to stay within legal limits. (And this feature is constantly updated, since your system connects to the Internet) You can make more money and not have to worry about the threat of a lawsuit, an audit or rejected claims.

Medical software can help you to improve office productivity, since it saves physicians literally several minutes a day that they would spend dictating and reviewing transcripts. With this specialized EMR software, you can automatically generate progress notes and save several minutes a day for each session. In the end, such effective time management can let you schedule in another patient.

Web-based EMR software can help you with health maintenance reminders so you can better keep track of patients due for annual check up. This software can also provide computerized checks so that you can minimize bank charges. Lastly, the software can increase your sources of income as it allows you integration with higher quality payers and organizations.

There are many EMR incentives to look into. Even if you can’t justify the expense of a program for time management sake, don’t overlook the potential for increased profit. Certified EMR software may give you that competitive edge you need to excel in business.

Above article publish on http://ezinearticles.com/?Increase-Your-Revenues-by-Implementing-EMR-Software!&id=2794653

Without the help of technology, keep any kind of records can be a nightmare. Over time, the mountain of records just keep building and building, until the entire system becomes unmanageable. Records get lost or buried, and they become impossible to find. This happens to many businesses that require record keeping like medical practices or financial companies. Aware of the benefits presented by technology, many medical practices are starting to adopt Electronic Medical Records systems. Such systems allow medical records to be filed away electronically so that they can be retrieved quickly and efficiently by anyone who needs access to the information. In general, there are 3 types of EMR software solutions that a medical practice can choose to adopt. 1) Web based software solutions. 2) Custom built solutions 3) Off the shelf, standalone solutions. Web based software solutions. Web based software is easy to adopt. There is usually minimal installation and integration issues, and all you need is an Internet connection and you will be able to access the information you want to. The problem with web based software solutions is that since it is on a public network, there is always the concern of security. Medical records are private and sensitive information. So they should be kept as securely as possible. And the Internet hardly appears to be the ideal place. Custom built solutions. Custom built software solutions give you exactly what you want. You have full control over how the software works. Since you have the best understanding of how your business works, designing your custom built software seems to make sense. However, custom built software solutions often cost a lot more than other types of software solutions. That’s because the solution is developed solely for you. Also, there is the development time frame to think about. A custom built software can take months or sometimes years to perfect. Off the shelf, standalone solutions. Given the drawbacks of the first two software options, off the shelf standalone solution seems to be the logical choice. The pricing is definitely much more affordable, and you get to use the software immediately. Standalone EMR software may be developed by a programming language such as Java. They work on multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac, and even Linux. There are no additional components required, and all you have to do is to install the software in the computers. Established EMR software often has a more comprehensive feature list. That means there is no need for you to define your own feature list. You just install and use. Some features that you should look out for include Automated data backup, E&M code suggestor, Intra-office instant messaging (great for communications), Patient scheduler, Patient tracker, Problem list and more. When choosing EMR software, you can always evaluate the software by requesting for a trial period and access to any demo materials available. That way, you can make better decisions down the road.

Above article publish on http://mehealthcareer.com/article/2010/01/18/emr-software-helps-physicians-be-more-productive/

By, Molly Merrill

CHICAGO – HIMSS Analytics EMR Adoption Model is gaining interest internationally, according to Dave Garets, the company’s CEO and president.

HIMSS Analytics, a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Chicago-based Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, collects IT data on every non-federal hospital in the country and some hospitals in Canada through an annual study that tracks the implementation and adoption of electronic medical record applications.

Garets said the HIMSS Analytics EMR Model, which rates hospitals on a scale from 0 to 7, is garnering interest in some European and Middle Eastern countries and Australia. With slight modifications, he said, the model has the ability to work on an international level.

“The model has gotten international acceptance because it is a standard way of doing it,” he said. “It makes sense to most everybody.”

When data indicates a hospital has reached Stage 6, HIMSS Analytics contacts the CIO to make an independent validation. Garets said half of those phone calls lead to a determination that the hospital isn’t at Stage 6 yet.

“What’s striking about Stage 6 hospitals is the amount of different vendors that are represented. It’s a very nice thing because it shows it’s not the software, it’s what you do with it,” said Garets.

When a hospital’s data suggests it has reached Stage 7 – the highest level of the model – HIMSS Analytics performs an on-site visit. Garets said nothing is off limits during this visit, and HIMSS Analytics officials have the freedom to look at the hospital’s IT systems in action.

Garets said only one hospital has not met the Stage 7 requirements after a site visit.

“As more healthcare organizations move toward EMR implementation, the Stage 7 hospitals offer valuable best practices focused on using EMR applications to improve patient safety, clinical outcomes and patient care delivery efficiency,” said Mike Davis, HIMSS Analytics’ executive vice president.

Above article publish on http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/himss-analytics-looking-go-international-its-emr-adoption-model

By Peter Polack

A good electronic medical records system must be able to demonstrate a process for maintaining the legal integrity of its records. Here we cover some of the top considerations when moving your practice from paper to digital.

As a practice makes the transition from paper to electronic medical records, they may encounter a variety of legal concerns. Some important decisions must be made to ensure the legal integrity of digital records. Additionally, there will be some surprises in store regarding compliance, privacy, and security. In matters of electronic medical records, the best offense is a good defense. Here are some issues to consider:

When you write a medical exam on a piece of paper and sign it, you’ve created a legal document. By now you are probably well aware of the importance of documentation, and the dangers which alterations to medical records invite. A paper chart’s integrity is usually rather simple to determine. However, an electronic chart is often more complicated. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, an electronic record must be stored in a legally correct manner - otherwise it may be considered hearsay, challenged as legally invalid.

So, why is this important? Well, if your electronic medical records don’t meet the Federal or State requirements for a medical record, payors can deny a claim. Or, even worse, you may subject your practice to an increased risk of an adverse outcome in litigation. It’s not only important to be sure your electronic medical records are not altered, but you also need the ability to demonstrate the procedures which prove this fact.

How do you make sure an electronic record cannot be altered? The ideal system must balance the user’s desires, including ability to correct mistakes and make changes, with the legal integrity of the record itself.

- Does your EMR system “time stamp” each entry to produce an audit trail? This could include an unalterable record of every entry and event in order to prove the validity of the record.

- Does it restrict access to certain templates or features? You wouldn’t want a front desk employee changing patients’ intraocular pressures, for example.

- Does the system keep track of which person documented what? You wouldn’t want your name associated with another user’s entry.

- Does it have a strict but not too time-consuming security protocol? Some solutions include alphanumeric passwords that are changed periodically, biometric access, and automatic logout after a period of inactivity.

- Does it have a secure yet practical “lock-out” feature? A typical one might allow the doctor to make changes at the end of the day, but after 24 hours the record locks. This may seem a bit harsh, but it could actually serve to protect you by preventing unauthorized changes.

Above article publish on http://www.buzzle.com/articles/some-of-the-legal-issues-with-electronic-medical-records.html

One of the growing trends for healthcare practices in 2010 is the adoption of electronic medical records (“EMR”). By managing the selection and adoption of EMR correctly, practices will save money in the long-term.

Well-researched and efficient management of the selection and adoption process will help a healthcare practice cut costs and reduce frustration. The following are five key strategies to follow:

• Make sure you have a full understanding of what an EMR can really be expected to do before you buy a product.
• Obtain input from all of areas of the practice, including administrative and clinical support staff, regarding what is needed in terms of EMR.
• Use the opportunity to change workflow rather than try to make the tool work just like the practice.
• Do not worry about accommodating every single person’s ideas regarding how the software should look and work – focus on the overall picture.
• Do not try to save money by skimping on training – proper use of EMR is essential for efficiency and cutting costs.

An EMR can be a great tool that improves a healthcare practice’s efficiency, reduces costs, and increases revenue. By taking the time to make a careful EMR selection and following the above strategies, the practice will greatly benefit from the product.

Above article publish on: http://pvwlaw.wordpress.com/2010/01/01/how-to-control-the-costs-of-adopting-electronic-medical-records/