EMR 101: Electronic Medical Records Software – Part Two

What is the typical Electronic Medical Records Software (EMR) configuration?

The most common configuration of an EMR now includes the use of wireless touch-screen laptops. These are typically used solely by the physician in conjunction with networked PCs. Wireless technology allows a practice to purchase fewer PCs.

How will an EMR impact the day-to-day work flow of my practice?

Since an EMRprovides universal access to patient charts, it can vastly improve the work flow in your office by eliminating the time-consuming process of creating, finding, and re-filing paper charts. This makes many of the day-to-day activities of the practice, such as prescription refills or refill authorizations, patient call-backs, and outside requests for charts, much easier. The patient can move smoothly from the check-in process to the nurses’ station for vital signs and into the exam room without a staff member ever having to carry a paper chart. Administrative staff, such as billers or transcriptionists, also benefit from universal access to charts.

How much interaction do physicians actully have with the electronic medical record software, and how much keyboard and data entry activity is required?

Once the EMRis established in the clinic, it becomes the focal point of all clinical documentation and will be the most commonly used computer application by physicians during their normal workday.  The amount of data entry activity required is variable according to the EMR software and physician preference. Practice Partner EMR is designed to minimize the need for keyboard interaction, if that is the preference of the physician. At a minimum, physicians will be required to directly use the computer to open and view patient charts and to write prescriptions. In both cased, only basic computer or typing skills are required.

Stay tuned for Part 3 – How are progress notes created, EMR security, and system backup.