Today’s allergy specialists have relied heavily on electronic records for quite some time. From complete sets of medical records to advanced spirometry machines, the accuracy and reliability of these data systems are paramount for delivering high quality patient care. The sophisticated technology is undermined, however, if some pieces of the allergist’s arsenal aren’t integrated into a comprehensive Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system

THE ALLERGISTS EMR’S

The EMR needs of allergists may vary widely. To choose the extent to which you want all of your data incorporated into one system will depend on how the EMR System will integrate into your office setting. For example, if you do physical exams, spirometry and observation all in different rooms, you need your EMR to be able to automatically migrate all of the patient’s data so that it is accessible from any computer station. While it may at first appear simple to choose an EMR that will work in your particular practice, there are several considerations for the growth plan for your practice and overall strategy of workplace efficiency. Therefore, we will begin here with the assumption that all patient records will be easily accessible from one user interface, not multiple software programs for different types of records.

VERIFY EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY

You likely care for patients that have had outside tests performed, such as spirometry, and have felt the frustration of having results that you can’t view yourself because of software or equipment incompatibility. It isn’t enough to read a colleagues opinion about the test interpretation. The test results will either be devalued or the entire test will be repeated. you need to make sure that the EMR you choose to grow your practice will be compatible.

BUILDING TRUST IN YOUR EMR SYSTEM

The daily operations of your practice should not have to adapt to accommodate an antiquated EMR. It should be the other way around. For example, critical blood gas results should trigger a combination of audible and visual notifications ensuring that you and your staff are kept updated on a moment-to-moment basis when giving breathing treatments. The ideal goal is to have a system in place that you can trust will alert you to important events and results that affect your patients and your practice as a whole.

EASILY TRACK STAFF AND PATIENTS’ ACTIVITIES

Once you’ve fully implemented your new EMR, your office life should be easier, not harder. The last thing your sophisticated allergist’s suite and EMR System should be is a burden to you and your office personnel. Verify that the EMR you’re considering will seamlessly integrate patient appointments, reminders, and other scheduling details.

Special tests such as periodic RAST assays may require that your staff spend time sending out reminders and tracking down results prior to their appointment with you. An EMR System that could integrate automatic emails or phone calls one week prior to an appointment would improve efficiency and decrease the workload of personnel in your growing practice.

The options you have available to you for EMR’s are vast. In addition, you can have them optimized and programmed especially for your practice. From ordering special materials prior to food allergy testing to checking who logged into the EMR, a lot of repetitive tasks can be integrated into an office system and monitored. This will mitigate human error and improves your practice’s measurable outcomes.

DICOM COMPATIBILITY

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is a standard construct used increasingly by Health Information Systems, but it is not universal. Because you frequently view plain radiographs, and may want to view high resolution CT images along side graphical data, the EMR System you choose will likely need to meet this standard.

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