Successful EMR Implementation

1. Successful EMR Implementation Switching from paper medical records to digital ones is an imminent change that U.S. healthcare providers are facing. Here you will see how some fears associated with that change are alleviated, and how a straightforward path to implementation can be defined. Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

2. EMR Mandate As we approach the second quarter of 2014, deadlines for implementation loom. With penalties starting as early as January 2015, there is literally no time left for procrastination. Incentives Individual physicians can earn up to $44,000 in compensation Hospitals can earn a $2 million base amount plus other fixed amounts. Penalties Incentives cease after 2015 Physicians assessed 1% penalty (reduction in benefit payments) each year until 5% is reached Hospitals face deductions to benefit payments on an annual basis. Image 1 Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

3. Successful Implementation Savings Aside from penalties and incentives, there are other tangible savings associated with adoption of electronic medical records. Time Studies show that over 74% of EMR users report an increase in efficiency, saving them an average of 61 minutes per work day. (Max, 2012) Money Increased coding accuracy in billing and reimbursement results in revenue gains Patient numbers can increase due to increased efficiency Costly materials and transcription staff can be reduced Image 2 Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

4. EMR pays for itself Many small providers feel that the huge initial investment will hurt tremendously. According to one study, the average practice paid for its initial and cumulative ongoing EHR costs within two and a half years and began to reap more than $23,000 in net benefits per provider per year. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.) Another benefit, as noted in a Harvard study, is the potential for reduced malpractice claims. In fact, the rate of malpractice claims when EMRs were used was about one-sixth the rate when EMRs were not used. (Quinn, Kats, Kleinman, Bates & Simon, 2012) Image 3 Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

5. Improved Quality of Care Many physicians currently using EMR systems say that have experienced much improvement in their jobs, and some have even been inspired to re-open closed practices. EMRs don't just contain or transmit information; they "compute" it, and can manipulate the data in ways that can benefit the patient. EMRs Have built-in safeguards against potential adverse effects Support diagnostic and evidence-based decisions at point of care Provide clinical alerts and reminders Reduce unnecessary and repeat testing Image 4 Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

6. Resolving Communications Issues Many caregivers feel that looking at a computer screen rather than the patient will reduce communication and the interpersonal experience. One way to address this issue is to share and explain relevant parts of the EMR with the patient, such as medication lists and care plans. Another often mentioned benefit is the secure e-mail system inherent in many EMRs. They claim that communication in-between visits enhances their relationship by increasing accessibility to the physician. Additionally, follow-up reports by the patient can result in stronger adherence to care plans. (O'Malley, Cohen & Grossman, 2010) Image 6 Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

7. Cloud Solutions A popular solution for small and rural practices is to choose a cloud-based EMR system, provided they have reliable Internet access. Many pros are associated with using cloud-based systems, including: Lower up-front costs No server hardware to purchase/house/maintain Host companies typically provide better security Vendors more likely to meet HIPAA requirements Responsibility of meeting Meaningful Use lies with vendor Potential to work from home In fact, many practices currently use cloud services unknowingly, as in the case of multiple offices using a centralized data center. (Polack, 2011) Top 10 Cloud-based EMRs Image 5 Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

8. Federal Resources for Rural Providers Many people affected by the challenges of EMR adoption work in small and rural practices. They are more likely to face inadequate Internet access, lack of skilled IT staff, and insufficient financial capital. Fortunately, the U.S. Government has several resources designed specifically for rural caregivers. These include: Regional Extension Centers which provide training, support, and technical services. Rural Assistance Center which offers free services regarding programs and funding. Community College Consortium which offers non-degree Health IT training programs that can be completed in six months. Rural Health Care Pilot Program which attempts to create a nationwide broadband network dedicated to health care, connecting public and private nonprofit health care providers in rural and urban locations Regional Extension Centers Rural Assistance Center Community College Consortium Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

9. The Patient’s Perspective Portable EMRs Many patients have experienced improvements from providers’ use of EMRs. Cited amongst these are: Ability to analyze data and see trends in personal health history No redundant data entry or insurance forms Ability to view lab results online Having online access to their own records: Increases their knowledge of their own health Prepares them for office visits and enabled them to ask more intelligent questions Is a valuable supplement between visits to remember what was discussed (Terry, 2013) Another interesting aspect is the portable EMR, as demonstrated in the video and on the website below: Kaiser Permanente Introduces Portable Electronic Medical Records Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

10. Stories of EMR Success Many physicians just cannot say enough about the benefits they gain from using electronic records. A few favorites from Dr. James Salwitz and Dr. William Soper: Quality of medical care is multiplied, probably exponentially, because of clarity, accuracy, speed and the quality of communication. The time needed to create extraordinary medical records is cut at least in half. The EMR allows printing of legible and complete prescriptions reducing the likelihood for errors. “It has made me a better doctor, reduced my overhead, made my staff happy and pleased my patients.” (Soper, 2002) and (Salwitz, 2014) Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

11. Biggest Benefits From Successful Implementation Various resources extoll the virtues of electronic records, from physicians to patients to hospital stakeholders. Some additional gains not aforementioned are: Improved coordination of healthcare services Promoting preventative medicine Better clinical decision making Higher integrity of records Much easier review of extensive records Remote access to records (American Psychological Association, 2012) Image 7

12. Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation

13. Cindi Davis CAP480 Successful EMR Implementation