EMR Systems: What Are They?

Maybe you've heard about it from one of your friends. Maybe it's been mentioned at one of the symposiums or conferences you've been to. Maybe your patients have asked about it. One way or the other, it's very likely that you've heard of EMR or EMR consulting. But what do those three letters mean? What can this software really do for a physician that traditional paper records can't? The answer lies at the heart of the usefulness of EMR systems and technology.

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EMR stands for electronic medical records. The term covers a broad range of software with an even broader range of functionality, but all geared toward a single purpose: replacing the old file system of patient information. EMR systems are completely paper-free. Some EMR programs go beyond patient records and offer online paperless insurance claims.

EMR Consulting Gets The Products You Need

However, due to the cost of EMR programming, you won't want to set out to buy your system alone. In order to understand your product fully, you need a capable vendor or consultant to advise you and help you set up your new EMR. The right EMR consulting won't just tell you features of products, but will provide actual experience and testing of the different software. The consultant should strive to understand your particular needs and your specialty in order to provide the product that will serve you best.

Is The Cost Of EMR Too High?

Many physicians believe that transferring all of their files over to an EMR program would take far more time and manpower than it would be worth. But consider how much effort is required to find a single folder in a crowded office. The files inevitably get disorganized no matter how carefully they are treated, leaving you and your employees to waste your time finding what you need. If you use paper folders, you also run the risk of losing information: small prescription slips can slide out and important medical history can be put back in the wrong place. But EMR programs don't have those problems; every EMR program is designed specifically to protect against such mishaps. The cost of EMR isn't high at all. It's the cost of not having EMR that is prohibitive.