Comments on: Readers Write 2/15/10

By: Patient Reporter

Patient Reporter — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:07:45 +0000

Al — many/most of the EHR products offer the ability for free text entry for the elements of the encounter that require them… some offer integrations to Dragon for real-time speech… Could it be that the ‘Pulmonoligist’ just has little to no interest in typing and/or editing because the highest and best use of their time is seeing patients and using the skills it took so very many years to acquire?

You are correct: The industry needs a new breed of Patient Reporting Tools… ones that provide integrated documentation methods that don’t require active participation with the physician….. and they are coming.

By: Frank Poggio

Frank Poggio — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:39:46 +0000

Bruce,
Thanks for the comments. I agree with you re business process, but I don’t think HIMSS wants to hear someone say…slow down, don’t trust the govt, and beware of the vendor hoopla that has built around ARRA.

By: Bruce Fielding

Bruce Fielding — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:49:04 +0000

Re: Al Davis and Frank Poggio
As an HIT consultant, I see another big reason to go slow with EMR adoption: many organizations rushing into electronic health records without recognizing the ways the software will impact their current operations and processes. After years of doing things a certain way, front and back offices are faced with the need to change how they bill, how they track patients, how they complete forms, etc. The failure to do adequate business process work on the front end often obviates any gain the electronic systems could bring, at least for the first year of implementation. And that’s the year that you have to perfect MU.

Frank… slide show for HIMSS is a great idea. Go for it!

Bruce Fielding (http://whathealthcarenow.blogspot.com)

By: Im-patient

Im-patient — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:02:06 +0000

“If not now- when?”

When the technology and our understanding of ‘how to do it right the 1st time” is ready for prime time.

And that ain’t in 2010.

By: Jay Tolchinsky, Beacon Partners

Jay Tolchinsky, Beacon Partners — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:29:51 +0000

Having worked at a healthcare organization and seen firsthand how the lack of technology can impact a patient’s care, I hope that the “cynicism” is meant as a cautionary note rather than a disincentive.

Yes, these systems are expensive and yes they take time to install and adopt. I agree with Frank about doing it right the first time.

Let’s not forget the benefits of a fully integrated EMR: it can reduce time to payment and potentially increase cash flow, which will help offset some of the cost. Patients are expecting more from their physicians and healthcare organizations in general. To ignore that, could mean higher costs down the road.

No one ever said the incentives would cover the cost to purchase and install an EHR, but if there is chance you can get something back to offset the cost and maybe save a life or two, it seems like a winning proposition to me.

If not now- when?

Frank, feel free to stop by at HIMSS #7832 and talk.