Frequently Asked Questions About
Electronic Medical Records & the EMR Advisory Group

 
Why do I really need an EMR for my small, private practice?  I am “self contained.”
There is no question that in the near future electronic medical records will become required by insurers, third party payers and the government, regardless of the size or your practice. Following such events as hurricane Katrina in 2006, it became obvious that the EMR is the only way to be sure the patient’s medical information is available to health care providers, regardless where the care is required.

What do you sell?
We sell advice. We do not sell computer hardware or software. We are your advocates in the selection and installation process of the best possible program and equipment for your practice.

Why can’t I do this myself?
You can, if you have sufficient knowledge about Information Services and computers and the time to do all the necessary preparatory planning, choosing and implementation of the EMR.

Can I only use part of your services?
Yes, we can provide any part of our service project list you may desire, or a complete “turn key” operation as well.

I am in the middle of this project, but I need advice. Can you come in the middle?
We understand what starts out as a simple project can become complicated rapidly. We stand ready to offer our advice at any stage of the project.

Will I get personal individualized support—not just electronic advice?
All of our advice is “human to human.” You will be given all the individual attention you need to assure the best outcome for your practice needs. We do not offer some boxes to check on a computer screen and then come up with an electronic answer.

Do you have an office/showroom?
We are a “virtual” company and do not maintain high priced offices or showrooms. We come to you, thereby saving significant costs which we would then have to pass on to our clients.

Are you supported by the EMR industry?
NO. We enjoy the privilege of not receiving any support from any EMR vendor, which gives us the ability to assure you that we are working for you and only you. We are “Vendor Neutral.”

What does “Vendor Neutral” mean?
We work for you and only for you without biased interest from EMR vendors.

Will I be able to communicate electronically with my hospital, lab testing company, radiology consultant, and other consultants?
Yes. By the judicious use of interfacing your EMR with hospitals, lab testing companies and so forth you will be able to share appropriate health information so as to provide the best possible patient care.

What about communicating with my practice management program?
If your practice management program is different from the EMR you install, it will be possible to interface both programs. If you do not have either an electronic practice management program or EMR consideration should be given to identifying the same vendor for both. However, connecting two different programs can be accomplished.

What happens when the EMR “goes down” (stops working) (breaks down)?
One of the key questions all potential vendors must address is their down time procedures. We will help you insure that there is an appropriate down time program in any EMR you acquire.

Is my patient information secure in an EMR?
All vendors utilize security measures to keep patient information safe. However, we will also make certain that programs we recommend have appropriate security features and truly meet HIPPA requirements.

I can’t type; can I use an EMR?
There are a variety of ways to minimize typing when using an EMR. Such devices as mouse, touch screen, voice activitation, etc., all have the ability to avoid most typing.

I use voice activation dictation, can I use an EMR?
Yes, most vendors do allow the use of voice activation when using the EMR.

I have a busy practice. I hear it takes longer to put patient information into an EMR, then by using handwriting. Is that correct?
There is no question there is a learning curve when starting out using an EMR. With some experience this should return to the same time commitment you now use for writing your records. HOWEVER, many people find it does take longer to use the EMR because they have the ability to enter better, more complete information in to the record. This allows for improved patient care, more accurate billing and collection and overall patient and provider satisfaction.

How expensive is an EMR?
This is a difficult question to answer. EMR’s come with a variety of features and are somewhat dependant on the size of your practice, the number of practice sites involved and the nature of your specialty. Most users will tell you that the cost of the EMR is rapidly recovered by the improved billing and collections features of the programs.