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

1 comment:

Unknown said...

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