The medical industry is turning to the convenience and efficiency of electronic medical records (EMRs) to safely share patient data, increase staff productivity, and reduce paper storage. In fact, 88 percent of providers indicate they gain clinical benefits from their EMR system.
There are specific EMR features for dermatologists that can help your practice to increase productivity and satisfaction. By examining some of these useful tools, understanding the onboarding process, and looking at ways to integrate your software, you can make the most of your EMR system and continue to focus on the health of your patients.
Helpful Features
Your EMR system uses structured data to condense and organize thousands of records into a secure and easily accessible repository. There are special features and shortcuts to help the 85 percent of the office-based physicians who use EMRs to take advantage of this framework.
Some of these features include the following:
- Built-in Templates —Tracking clinical documentation is straightforward, with built-in fields designated for each record. While the provider is free to create additional custom fields, they can also elect to follow along and enter the applicable data into the existing format.
- Body Maps — Providers can use model imagery to document patient visits and pinpoint treatment areas by using thousands of anatomical locations.
- Linking Images — An organized EMR system will keep all of your patient data at your fingertips. This includes pictures of tissue specimens and lab results, which are instantly accessible via secure cloud storage. Going one step further, displaying patient photos in your EMR records can reduce order errors by 35 percent.
- E-Prescribing — Some EMRs make their robust pharmacy software so easy to use, providers can send error-free prescriptions straight to a pharmacy. This simplifies the process for the practice, pharmacist, and, most importantly, the patient.
- Auto-Coding — Providers and staff can save time and ensure maximum reimbursements by allowing the EMR to recommend codes based on different procedures and diagnoses. Additionally, electronic billing will always be attached to the patient’s EHR to make pulling an invoice simple.
- Medical Inventory — Consistent inventory management is significant in meeting the needs of your dermatology practice and patients. Utilizing EMR business processing keeps you supplied and helps to protect revenue.
By utilizing the many built-in EMR features, dermatologists can streamline their workflow and spend more time giving their patients attention.
Onboarding
Once your clinic decides to employ a new EMR system, it’s essential to do so with calculation and precision to avoid rushing the learning process. Because physicians who claim they received inadequate EHR training are more than 3.5 times more likely to indicate their EHR does not help them deliver quality care, the initial training period can be critical to long-term success.
Remember that you’re enlisting the EMR to simplify your workload as a provider and make your staff more efficient so they can spend more time ensuring patients receive the personalized attention they require. That’s why most EMR systems are accessible by laptop or tablet, giving you the flexibility to access files from anywhere at any time. While the software vendors that produce EMR systems strive to make them user-friendly, you should plan on investing time into training to understand how it works. Doing so will enable your dermatology clinic to keep patient data precise and secure while embracing the convenience of digital records.
Integration
Your EMR system’s flexibility to integrate with other software frameworks makes them valuable administrative tools to keep your dermatology practicing running smoothly. For instance, combining with practice management software will enable you to use your EMR to schedule patients, oversee check-in, track medical billing, manage insurance, and monitor financial reporting.
At the same time, 71 percent of healthcare organizations use revenue cycle management solutions with their EMR. Designed to assess and enter accurate case information, these solutions strengthen patients’ financial outcomes and free up time for providers and staff to concentrate on patient care.
Dermatopathology labs like PathologyWatch can also integrate with your EMR to create digital communication with your dermatology clinic. As a result, the lab’s detailed reports interface directly to your patient charts, giving you 24/7 access to diagnoses and digital slides. This electronic workflow eliminates handwritten forms, which can result in fewer errors.
When you examine the EMR features for dermatologists, it’s easy to see why so many providers have made the switch from traditional health record management. With careful consideration of the beneficial features, onboarding process, and integration possibilities, your EMR system can empower you and your team to continue to make the coordination of patient care your highest priority.