EMR A Link Between Practice And Patient Satisfaction CureMD 07:28

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are known to improve practice efficiency and provide quality care to patients, giving them a satisfying experience. The health technology gives physicians speedier access to patient data, clinical notes and lab tests that increases confidence of patients in their doctor and understand their health conditions.

No matter how efficient the technology is and how perfect it makes the practice workflow, patients will only be satisfied with it if the physicians are able to deliver better care while utilizing EMRs. Healthcare providers need to demonstrate that EMRs are for their benefit, safety and quality care. Failure to provide such a service will end it patients’ resentment towards technology and strain in Patient Physician Relationship.

This demonstration begins from the front desk of the practice. Patients should be facilitated in every manner while making an appointment. In order to save their time, practice staff can take necessary details over the phone and verify it with the help of their EMR. Patients can also be sent registration forms through emails, so that they don’t have to wait long at the practice.

However, the real interaction begins in the exam room where physicians interact and connect with patients. In order to demonstrate how EMRs facilitate physicians’ work and improve patient care, physicians should try to forge a connection between patients and the electronic system.

The first selling point would be accessibility to patient charts, history, records and lab results on a click. This creates the image of physician’s efficient services and his/her seriousness towards patient’s health. Another approach would be to maintaining eye contact with the patient. One on one communication with patients is necessary to ensure your interest and concern in your patients’ healthcare.

Last, but one of the most important points is to inform your patient clearly about their payment balance. The communication should be clear and polite, so that they don’t have to deal with any issues. 

CureMD Electronic Health Records from CureMD

Specialty EHR drives growth in Community Oncology practices CureMD 07:02

Oncologists have been trying to keep their practices afloat in face of myriad of challenges, including new government regulations, change in payment options, shift to ACOs and implementation of  Electronic Health Records (EHRs).

Therefore, community Oncologists are struggling to improve their practice efficiency and financial health by increasing reimbursement rate, while focusing on value-care of patients. This calls for innovation in healthcare technology, which is the most essential tool in enabling physicians to provide quality and cost-effective care to patients. EHRs are one of the most important components of healthcare technology that can help Oncologists meet their financial goals and operate efficiently.

While moving from paper-based system to EHR or replacing your existing electronic system, Oncologists should ensure certain facts while adopting the software:

Needs of your practice

Oncology is a specialty practice that has its unique demands and needs in terms of medical treatment of patients and practice workflow. Therefore, it will be wise and beneficial for Oncologists to adopt a specialty EHR that has been developed keeping in view the diagnosis, procedures and treatment of cancer patients; and functions of clinical and billing operations of the practice.

The Oncology specific EHR will have the accurate codes necessary for cancer diagnosis and procedures. Moreover, the charts and diagrams, provider note templates, and case history module will be customized according to the medical requirements of cancer patients.

In case of multiple physicians, Oncologists will be able to have access to patient records created by other physicians. This coordination will allow every physician to avoid medication or treatment mistakes that may prove to be fatal for the patient.

Oncology is one of the busiest specialties in medicine. The unpredictable nature of their patient’s disease and condition requires Oncologists to be available at all times. Therefore, EHRs should be compatible with various operating software and gadgets so that Oncologists have access to complete patient records outside their practices.