Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Interview with an Expert---A Doctor’s Experience with EHRs

As a vendor who values close working partnerships with clients, Global MedData recently conducted a survey to learn more about how physicians view EHR’s. We asked some of our existing clients to share their experiences for greater insight on what is important to them, as well as, to discover better ways to accommodate and support them. What we uncovered was surprising. Whether you’re in the initial stages of EHR selection, or are an experienced user, you are likely to find some valuable input within the following report gathered from an interview with a current GMD client.

Our client operates a specialty clinic consisting of one partner and an administrative assistant. Tucked within a large bustling shopping center, her modest and busy office treats a high volume of patients---around 500-800 patients each month. Like many small clinics, our client maintained a traditional paper-based patient record system before she decided to go digital.

GMD: Do you have past experience with EHRs/EMRs?

Client: Yes, I’ve tried as many as 4 or 5 different programs over the last two years. I found problems in varying degrees with all of them. My primary frustrations concerned the lack of flexibility and expense associated with the programs. Previous systems failed to compliment my practice and existing workflow. We only utilized 10% percent of the programs we tried; the rest were unnecessary complexities that did not justify the expense or time invested.

GMD: What features of EHR are most important to you?

Client: Simplicity! An EHR should be simple to use and provide smooth interfacing with labs. Affordability, reliability, and security are the most significant features of an EHR. The advantage of saving space is important to me as well. We have a large patient load which translates into a high volume of records to maintain within a limited amount of space. A good EHR should alleviate the problem.

GMD: How important is document privacy?

Client: Extremely important. Healthcare providers and vendors must be compliant with HIPPA and Data Protection laws. Quality Assurance measures should be in place to meet government requirements and ensure document security.

GMD: How do you feel about data storage? Would you prefer to have it on-site or would you mind off-site?

Client: I wouldn’t mind off-site data storage as long as accessibility was protected and secure. Regardless of data storage logistics, patient records should be fully accessible to the physician and patient. Internet connection is a “must” as the most efficient means of transferring and storing information off-site.

GMD: What kind of payment program would you prefer, i.e. usage based, pay per subscription, or flat fee?

Client: I would prefer a flat-fee payment program with the option to pay for updates. Maintenance needs to be balanced, as this often determines purchase decisions. Previous programs I’ve tried charged per computer which was very discouraging. Networks should be all inclusive.

Given the high failure rates doctors experience with EHR, it’s not surprising why many doctors are reluctant to go through the headaches and costs associated with EHR adoption. The problem is perpetuated by vendors who are more concerned with pushing their products than fitting the client’s needs. At Global MedData, our philosophy is different. The key to our integrative solutions and successful alliance with clients is Customization. We take methodical steps in identifying an organization’s workflow settings and design systems tailored to their needs. Our customized approach to system development offers unequalled reliability, efficiency, and affordability.

Global MedData is an international leading provider of medical transcription and technology solutions headquartered in Redwood City, California with subsidiaries located in Europe and Asia. For over ten years, GMD has provided digital transcription services and modular EHR to physicians, hospitals and clinics in both large and small practices.

For more Information or to request a Free Trial contact: sales@globalmeddata.net

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Sensible Approach to Outsourcing Delivers Success

Overseas outsourcing has been in full operation within the private sector for more than a decade and recent trends show the public sector is taking more interest. It is fast becoming one of the most popular methods of obtaining low-cost, skilled and reliable help--particularly, in the field of medical transcription. Despite advantages in terms of the increased capacity for better patient care, decreased overhead expenses, improved workflow, and substantial cost savings--- many healthcare facilities are reluctant to utilize the offshore resources available to them. Prolonged hesitation is often due to the following reasons:

• Concerns over Data Security and Patient Privacy
• Uncertainty regarding Regulations and Compliance Standards
• Vendor Reliability and Quality Assurance Issues
• Communication and Cultural Barriers


The debate over security risks continues to intensify as mounting budget cuts prompt healthcare organizations to look for more ways to save money. Outsourcing is an attractive option, primarily for the cost saving advantages, but also because it creates more time for frontline patient care. Regardless of whether the risks associated to offshoring are valid or not, a sensible approach to the process is the only way to achieve desired results. As the Nobel Prize winning writer, Robindranth Tagore pointed out, “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water…”

Just as a concrete business plan is vital to any successful enterprise, establishing an agenda and strategic course of action is key to an organization’s success with outside suppliers and service providers. Once the criteria for meeting goals have been defined, it’s important to have a team in place to monitor and ensure progress. Working closely with a reputable vendor is the best way to avoid costly mistakes.

President and CEO, Dr. Raj Patel, of Global MedData asserts, “Quality assurance and security concerns can be addressed through a company’s commitment to transparency. Our company fully discloses our policies regarding risk-control processes and security procedures.” GMD assures data confidentiality through stringent encryption and coding methods. All data is housed onshore and can only be accessed by authorized users via a secured network.

“We are HIPPA compliant and adhere to all other regulatory laws governing patient records. Patients are identified through assigned number codes, in which, any proceeding personal identification is referred to as well. Our transcriptionists are sworn to confidentiality as demonstrated in our service provider contracts,” Patel explained.

Global MedData is an international leading provider of medical transcription and technology solutions headquartered in Redwood City, California with subsidies located in Europe and Asia. For over ten years, GMD has provided digital transcription services and modular EHR to physicians, hospitals and clinics in both large and small practices.

For more Information or to request a Free Trial contact: sales@globalmeddata.net