Over recent years, a number of innovations have changed the way each person perceives the established healthcare model. In the past, the delivery of healthcare services focused on the role of the physician or healthcare service provider. Now, that has changed. The use of electronic clipboards, medical all-in-one computers, and medical tablets within hospital settings has presented a new way of accessing healthcare services. Now, the focus of the healthcare industry has changed to a degree where the patient has a more active role in the delivery of healthcare services. At first glance, observers may be quick to pin this development on the use of electronic devices. A closer look reveals that Electronic Medical Records software is really responsible for an increased amount of patient involvement.
EMR Software
The question remains: what is an Electronic Medical Record and how does it affect the healthcare industry? If you are familiar with a patient chart in your physician’s office, then you have a good idea of what an EMR is. An EMR is basically a digital version of a patient chart. Medical practitioners and patients can access an EMR through the use of a computer for doctors that runs the software required process these files. The extensive use of EMR software impacts the healthcare industry in a transformative manner. EMR software allows physicians and patients to access records remotely. The need to be physically present to track a patient’s development has been eliminated. Let’s take a look at the other advantages made available through the use of EMR software that have changed the industry.
Disease Management and Monitoring
Patients with chronic diseases will find that the use of EMR software helps them to manage their conditions in an efficient manner. In cases where the patient is hypertensive, devices that are equipped with EMR software allow healthcare providers to track the blood pressure levels and blood glucose levels of each patient. Patients with diabetes can easily track their weight levels through the use of these devices. This provides the entire healthcare industry with the ability to track ongoing physiological developments in each patient case and perform a variety of analytics as the information is coursed through a computer or a medical tablet.
Remote Patient Monitoring and Assisted Care
In cases where patients have assistive living concerns, medical touch screens that are EMR certified allow physicians to work with the patient’s caregivers in a remote capacity. The task of monitoring the patient’s status no longer requires the physical presence of the physician. This is a measure that dramatically cuts back on cost. Some analysts have also been quick to note that there has been an increased rate of healthcare staff productivity because of the solutions that have been made available by EMR enabled devices.
Preventive Medical Care
The wearability aspect of devices that are equipped with EMR capabilities increases the capacity of patients and healthcare professionals to develop more preventive health measures. A continuous availability of data allows physicians to track physiological developments each patient case. This makes it easier to identify conditions that could potentially lead to more serious health concerns in the future. Tracking these indicators as they develop allows the physician to address the potential development of debilitating physical conditions and increases the ach patient’s quality of life.
The advantages that are available through the use of EMR equipped devices are clear. It should be noted that the features that are native to EMR software allow these devices to actually deliver these advantages in the first place. Here are some of the features that can be found in EMR enabled devices.
Charting Features
EMR devices have charting features that allow healthcare providers and patients to access records on any EMR enabled device. Through this feature, patients can fill out forms online in the of the healthcare organization’s preferred format. This allows the physician to have a patient’s health information before he can even come in for a checkup. As doctors fill up a form for lab, imaging, or medication orders, they can easily access the patient’s full medical history through the charting feature. The ideal of a paperless workplace gets closer to becoming a reality through the use of this EMR software feature.
Medical Prescription
The process of prescribing medication to patients has been changed through the use of EMR enabled devices. Now, physicians can manage requests for patient refills remotely with just a few clicks on their computer or medical tablet. Frequent prescription orders and access to pharmacies can also be saved on a physician’s device and pulled up whenever they are needed. In cases where several medications are prescribed, the prescription feature can allow the physician to check for drug interactions that may cause allergic reactions and other adverse effects.
Medical Lab Connectivity
Several medical laboratories use EMR software and this changes the healthcare industry’s rate of efficiency when it comes to service delivery. With several labs connected in a wireless capacity, a healthcare service provider can easily manage laboratory and imaging requests, obtain results from lab tests, and share results with patients remotely.
Patient – Physician Referrals
EMR software delivers a level of connectivity to such a degree that patient referrals are easier to make. From your all-in-one computer or medical tablet, you can easily refer a patient to another physician. This function also allows you to attach a copy of the patient’s chart for the other physician to peruse. A messaging function allows physicians to collaborate with members of the hospital staff in a seamless manner. Direct messaging functions also allow you to communicate with fellow physicians on the fly.
Billing Forms
Hospital administrators will enjoy an increased rate of productivity through the use of the EMR software’s billing function. If you already have a billing system in place, you can easily access these forms through the use of the new EMR system. If you haven’t decided on a billing system, contact the manufacturer of your EMR equipped device to determine which billing option best serves your configuration of needs and preferences.
Appointments
There are scheduling options available in these devices that allow healthcare practitioners to manage their workload efficiently. Even when you’re mobile, you can check your schedule on your tablet to prepare yourself for the tasks that await you in the hospital environment. The scheduling function also allows you to send appointment reminders to patients to prevent scheduling mishaps. A quick view of your weekly schedule also helps you to easily identify vacant periods that can accommodate new patient appointments.
EMR Software Vendors
All of these features make EMR software a practical tool for healthcare service providers to use. Before you begin purchasing devices equipped with EMR software, you need to familiarize yourself with the EMR software developers that currently dominate the market. Epic Systems Corporation is a popular choice for healthcare professionals. Epic enjoys the largest amount of market share, taking up 19.1% of the EMR landscape. Other EMR software vendors worthy of note are Meditech, CPSI, Cerner Corporation, and Allscripts. Make sure that the company that manufactures the devices you purchase is certified by at least one of these software vendors.
Cybernet Products
Purchasing Cybernet products allows you to address your EMR software needs. The features and specifications of Cybernet devices are backed by certifications from EMR software vendors. Epic, presently the biggest EMR software vendor, certifies Cybernet devices. The approved vendor list published by Epic even recommends the 24” and 22” devices that Cybernet manufactures.
EMR software has caused the healthcare industry to undergo a rapid and drastic transformation. The only way for you and your organization to maintain a competitive advantage in the face of these developments is to work with a company that can completely address your IT needs. It is clear that the developments surrounding EMR software will have long term effects on the healthcare industry. The use of EMR enabled devices is the surest way for you to adapt to the healthcare industry’s new standards.