Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Interview with an Expert---A Doctor’s Experience with EHRs
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
• 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
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Oblama Healthcare stimulus incentives includes grant programs, education and technical assistance to help small and medium business physicians. GMD can assist with the new economic stimulus law to provide the doctors with financial and technical assistance to adopt health IT / EHR.
Small (five or fewer physicians working in a single office ) and medium practices face special challenges and require significant assistance to qualify, implement, effectively use health IT and ensure compliance with EHR.
Ravi Narayanan, Chief Strategy Officer, GMD observes that "There's a need for focused technical assistance for small and medium health care practices. Many physicians in these practices today definitely want to implement EHR, but feel constrained, not having the ability to invest in EHR technology systems. GMD can help physicians, including those in solo / small and medium practices, qualify / receive upto $25,000-$30,000 under Medicare in incentive payments for being meaningful users of electronic health records (EHRs)". He also beleives that "It is imperative that physicians follow a disciplined approach in purchasing EHR systems, including assessing needs, selecting a vendor, and implementing workflow changes to improve their clinical performance and outcomes"
On the compliance front, per the Health and Human Services Depart, doctors' offices and hospitals that refuse to adopt electronic records systems will have reduced Medicare and Medicaid payments. Be in the knowhow and Sign up for continued insights and updates on the stimulus and how it will affect your office.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
EMR Adoption Barriers and What Next?
Based on discussions with current and potential physician practices, Global MedData has identified the following as key barriers to adoption:
- High up front financial costs are a crucial concern and primary barrier to adoption with either slow or uncertain financial payoffs.
- Upfront costs could range from $12000 to $30000 per physician.
- Decreased revenue and disruption to practice; fewer patients during EMR transition period.
- Other underlying barriers include difficulties with new technology - multitude of screens, i.e. clunky templates and user interface options are overwhelming.
- Clinical management challenges due to operational changes and lack of solid support
- A high failure rate of EHR implementations; as many as 50-80 percent of adoptions are unsuccessful
These barriers are more pronounced in small to mid group practices, a substantial majority, in the US.
Global MedData is a proven reliable and qualified resource for assisting clinicians with successful EHR implementations. We work closely with you to identify your organization’s unique operational setting and develop a customized blue-print for transitioning to EHR. With your needs in mind, we take an organized and methodical approach to system development. The results are customized solutions that support existing workflow practices and ensure the integrity and security of the entire document management process.
"The key is to take small customized steps toward adoption by starting with your needs based assessment. Physicians need to work with organizations who are on top of EHR compliance mandates from the government and those who will help design a roadmap and system tailored to their needs. GMD facilitates successful EHR adoptions through sequencing and prioritization, role and process redesign, training, knowledge transfer, and the right overall governance," says Ravi Narayanan, CSO of GMD.
Global MedData, Inc is a provider of digital transcription services and modular EHR to physician practices, clinics and hospitals in the U.S. and to the National Health Service facilities in the U.K.
For more information and a free trial email us at sales@globalmeddata.net
References:
http://govhealthit.com/articles/2009/03/25/ehr-adoption-abysmally-low-in-hospitals.aspx
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Real Power of GMD—Innovation, Intelligence, Precision and Excellence
GMD Global Organizer enables physicians, hospitals and patients to more cost effectively and securely view integrated information—from medical records and lab results to personal health information and appointment scheduling. With GMD’s iTranscript, Workflow, and Organizer clinicians now have more robust decision making power and the ability to turn data into information and intelligence.
Dr. Raj Patel, CEO of Global MedData, says that the simplicity associated with the use of GlobalOrganizer is not only convenient, but enjoyable, as well.
“Global MedData’s Global Organizer provides the easiest to use medical records system available. The user experience is so Google-like that searching and navigating medical information is no longer a chore. Meanwhile, editing medical records is as easy as entering information into an Outlook Calendar. If you want to associate a file on your desktop with a medical record, Global Organizer provides the ability to drag and drop the file from your system into the web browser. It’s just so easy to work with that you are not only immediately productive, but using it is fun!”
GMD has revolutionized successful IT and business solutions by offering unequalled reliability, affordability, and quality. Along with the significant cost savings to be gained through GMD’s workflow intelligence, our customizable solutions are scaled for speed and size of practice to ensure maximum efficiency. That’s the real power of GMD—innovation, intelligence and information that is not only accurate, timely, and unbiased but more cost effective than legacy or expensive EHRs .
With Global MedData, it’s not just business—it’s a valuable partnership. Working together; we can eliminate waiting on potential and start producing excellence in both productivity and patient care, now.
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and modular EHR to physician practices, clinics and hospitals in the U.S. and to the National Health Service facilities in the U.K For more information or for a free trial---email us at sales@globalmeddata.net
Friday, May 22, 2009
Innovation, Intelligence, and Timely Information for Clinicians with GMD
Battered by competition and regulation, physicians and hospitals need to think more innovatively on how to exploit technology and data at a more optimal cost. Though the benefits of adopting paperless record systems are quite clear, financial barriers and ambiguity surrounding the issue has slowed the process of implementation. However, the goal of establishing a safer more efficient healthcare system is still attainable with the right technology.
Global MedData is a highly recognized and experienced provider of digital transcription services and modular EHR to hospitals and clinics worldwide. Since 1990, GMD has been helping practitioners to better coordinate care, avoid costly duplicated tests, and prevent dangerous medication errors through the use of GMD’s innovative, intelligent, and timely IT solutions.
“Physicians, hospitals and patients are not interested in data; they are interested in translating data into information for decision making. Information that doesn’t help them make decisions isn’t valuable,” explains Ravi Narayanan, CSO of Global MedData.
GMD’s iTranscript ASP Web application is just one of the many modules available for streamlining clinical operations and data management. iTranscript offers customizable features and a simple user interface that elevates the entire transcription management process into a virtually effortless procedure. Designed for seamless integration and total interoperability with existing legacy systems, iTranscript is one of the smartest solutions for doctors on the market today. Unlike many other EHR options costing hundreds and even thousands of dollars, iTranscript is extremely affordable. There are no upfront investment costs, there is no software to buy, and the turnaround time is fast.
GMD’s comprehensive transcription modules and workflow systems are customer-driven and customizable to fit the individual needs of both small and large practice settings. Clients of GMD will not only discover beneficial improvements in practice management; they will gain significant costs savings. Our vision to empower clinics and hospitals with cost effective innovation and intelligence originates through integrative products like iTranscript. Check back next week, and discover even more ways to enhance your practice, as we reveal the latest development in our advanced IT solutions.
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and modular EHR to physician practices, clinics and hospitals in the U.S. and to the National Health Service facilities in the U.K. For more information or a free trial---email us at: sales@globalmeddata.net
Monday, May 4, 2009
Alternatives to EHR: Fostering Smarter IT Adoption
An EHR with slightly fewer functions may be the best approach to going paperless…or at least a wise first step. Along with the advantage of lower-costs, a lightweight EHR is often Web-based, easily integrated and interoperable. When compared to the expense and complexities of fully-functional EHR, the benefits to a lightweight model are appealing.
Ken Beasley, CEO of a Tennessee practice, gave his take on conventional vs. lightweight EHR in a recent article released through Health Data Management:
[…] ”Where I’ve seen them implemented they’ve really slowed the doctors down,” Beasley says. He argues that most of these systems are too cumbersome to use, requiring doctors to point-and-click on clunky templates or type in their notes. A far more efficient method, he contends, is to continue the age-old practice of doctors dictating notes for transcription. Many records systems are so complex, he argues, that practices frequently use only a small fraction of their costly functions.”1
Global MedData, a technology and business solution provider based in the U.S., and in the U.K., has been equipping hospitals and clinics with affordable and scalable electronic transcription systems since 1990. Dr. Raj Patel, President and CEO of Global MedData shares the belief that automation can be achieved more efficiently with the right solutions.
“We stand behind doctors and provide the applications they want, rather than boggling them down with suites that they won’t use,” he states.
While technology proves to be a powerful tool for improving the overall performance of an organization, clinics should do their homework before jumping into a complex set-up. Statistics show 30% of practices that adopt an EHR end up de-installing it later. The key to avoiding such a costly mistake is to assess your needs and plan ahead.
“The success of EHR implementation is ultimately determined by how well it fits into existing workflow systems,” Dr. Patel contends.
Global MedData has designed their product with those factors in mind. The goal is to help physicians streamline operations and enable them to focus more on practicing medicine, and in turn, improve the quality of patient care. The company provides affordable technology and effective business solutions based on open standards, interoperability, seamless integration, and without upfront investment.
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and modular EHR to physician practices, clinics and hospitals in the U.S. and to the National Health Service facilities in the U. K. For more information email us at: sales@globalmeddata.net
References:
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/02/02/bisa0202.html
1http://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/EHR-28060-1html?typ=pr...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Nurses Impact Health IT and Implementation
One of the major challenges nurses face is the valuable use of time. A study conducted by Ascension Health, the largest non-profit Catholic health system in the U.S., revealed that caregivers spent 48 percent of their time on tasks unrelated to direct patient care. Under current paper-based management systems, these activities perpetuate a disjointed and inefficient work environment. Technology equips nurses with efficiency and promotes improved nursing practice by streamlining workflow and allowing nurses to spend more time involved in patient care.
Until recently, nurses have had limited input regarding IT deployment. Solution providers, such as Global MedData, recognize the leading role of nurses in the development and procurement of health IT. The company cultivates technology products through extensive collaboration with administrators, nurses, and physicians.
“EHR adoption is most successful when the system fits into the existing workflows. Nurses manage the bulk of clinical workflow, so their support and acceptance is vital during the selection and implementation process,” says Dr. Raj Patel, CEO and President of Global MedData. “We approach our system designs from the ground up, and nurses bring significant value to the table.”
Global MedData offers the leading-edge technology and applications doctors and nurses need to be productive and deliver high quality care. The company provides affordable technology and business solutions that are fit to scale. With systems based on open standards, operability, and seamless integration, Global MedData has consistently achieved a 40-60% savings for clinics and hospitals.
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EHR to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K.
For more information email us at: sales@globalmeddata.net
Sources: www.ania.org/resouces.htm
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Time is Ripe for Change: HIT Adoption Promoted with $20 Billion Incentive Payments
The HIT components of the stimulus package converged to form the Health Information Technology Act for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act). HITECH authorizes $20 billion in grants, loans, and incentive payments in an effort to meet the substantial challenges of implementing a new digital infrastructure head-on.
Beginning in 2011, incentive payments for physicians and hospitals participating in the Medicare program will be eligible to receive a capped amount of $15,000 for the first year of participation contingent upon demonstrating that they are “meaningful EHR users” of certified technology. This means they must submit “quality measures” and other reporting information on the use of EHR to the Department of Health and Human Services. Each successive year beyond 2011 decreases available allotments; $12,000 for the second year; $8,000 for the third year; $ 4,000 for the fourth year; $2,000 for the fifth year and $0 for any succeeding years.
Fewer than 17% of doctors and 10% of hospitals have full-fledged EMR systems in place due to a myriad of obstacles: their affordability, the lack of uniformity among software, the daunting technical and logistical challenges of installing, and maintaining, and updating them, the potentially dangerous disruption to clinical practice and patient care, and concerns about the security and privacy of electronic health information.
Even with the new federal incentives in place, most independent physicians and small practices may not be able to afford the cost of buying in-house systems. Health information technology and solution providers like Global MedData can make it extremely cost effective and simple to deliver a targeted and timely system to all constituents of health care; including the patient themselves.
“Global MedData can help doctors leverage their existing legacy data through customized EMR systems reinforced with open standards, interoperability, and seamless integration,” explains Global MedData CSO, Ravi Narayaran. “Our user interface ensures consistency and accuracy while streamlining operations of workflow management and improving quality of patient care.”
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and HER to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K. For more information email us at: sales@globalmeddata.com
Sources:
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMp9091592
http://www.bassberry.com/communicationscenter/newsletters/
Friday, March 6, 2009
Obama Administration Set To Modernize Health Care System
It is estimated that only 17 percent of providers in the United States currently utilize electronic record keeping systems; the majority still operate under cumbersome paper-based methods. The new bill supports a broad movement to computerize all American medical records within the next 5 years. The process will be backed by $20 billion of Federal funding. Additionally, $11 billion will be poured into creating smarter electronic power grids and $6 billion will be spent to expedite access to high-speed Internet service in rural practices and underserved communities.
Congress has designated the Office of the National Coordinator of Healthcare Information Technology (ONC), originally established by the Bush Administration in 2004, to set guidelines and direct the implementation of new digital infrastructures outlined in the stimulus package. Along with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Obama Administration’s transition team will work with other federal agencies to charter practice procedures and dole out funds. By infusing stimulus spending into health care related IT, the President’s long term goals of improving the quality of health care and lowering its costs are underway.
Global MedData provides comprehensive high-tech digital services and EMR solutions to medical facilities and institutions around the world. We offer affordable technology and effective business solutions to small practices and large hospitals alike. Our goal is to equip our customers with affordable interoperable tools to streamline workflow management, improve patient care, and save significant administration costs. As the nation prepares to adopt a smarter data-driven health care system, you can depend on Global MedData (http://www.globalmeddata.com) to provide innovative and integrative solutions to meet your current and future needs. Our solutions are designed for scale and speed to significantly improve the quality and consistency of your healthcare practice.
Interested in how we can help you operate more efficiently? Contact us for a free trial at sales@globalmeddata.com
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EMR/EHR solutions to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K. For more information email us at: sales@globalmeddata.com
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/technology/26techjobs.html?_r=1...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_medical_record
http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=6606536
http://www.dotmed.com/news/search.html/?search_author=79468&key=Joan+Tombetti
http://foxmeadowselectronicmedicalrecords.blogspot.com/2009/02/president-obama-continues-to-push-for.html
Friday, August 24, 2007
The National Health Information Technology and Privacy Advancement Act of 2007, S. 1455
The idea is based upon a corporation, run by business leaders and health information technology experts and funded by federal public-private partnership, which would be responsible for all aspects of planning, building and operating a national network as well as protecting patient privacy. Individuals would be able to access and control their personal medical records for example, not allowing a physiotherapist to see other information such as a psychiatrist consultation.
The U.S. Internet Industry Association is endorsing two of these health IT bills pending in the Senate and calling for government policies that encourage deployment of broadband networks that could be the foundation of a nationwide health information network. The association has called for incentives for doctors to adopt health IT and for creation of more public-private partnerships to finance broadband deployment and health IT.
A public-private partnership for health IT could overcome the financing gap between the doctors who have to pay for it and the health plans and patients who will benefit from lower costs. One of the reasons hindering the transformation to electronic records has been bandwidth issues and costs. It is hoped this legislation will address and perhaps provide some real solutions.
We'll continue to follow this issue over the next weeks and months.
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EHR to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K. For more information email us at: info@globalmeddata.net
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Is Speech Recognition Going to Replace Digital Transcription Services?
Much has been written about speech or voice recognition software in the medical industry and there are certainly some big name companies trying to sell you the latest technology, claiming it will save you money in the long run and produce instant reports. According to feedback from our customers at Global MedData and many independent studies, this is far from reality.
The Journal of Digital Imaging reported, "Speech recognition dictation systems slow down the individual productivity of the radiologists' dictation process by at least 25%. Radiologists are assuming the role of transcriptionists as well as diagnosticians. Mistakes occur that would not with the use of a traditional dictation system and professional transcriptionists. It does not necessarily benefit the radiologists that use it."
Global Meddata's customers have told us they still prefer to continue to use our services for accuracy, efficiency, cost and turnaround times. While some research has shown that one of the single benefits of voice recognition software is the reduction in report time turnaround from 133 hours to 56 hours in 2001, to about 14 hours today, this is still not a realistic figure because someone is still required to check the report for mistakes.
"There are many benefits of voice recognition, but unfortunately we have been facing some technical problems that are impacting our productivity, " says Joel Gross, MD, assistant professor of radiology at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He continues, "voice recognition is not a plug and play system. Faster computers are needed so the system doesn't freeze up. A good support team, available 24/7, that can fix problems or make necessary technical changes is essential, and must be budgeted for when making cost projections, he says. We've had problems with poor voice recognition, difficulty stopping the transcription, spell-checking, filtering reports, losing macros and speech files, and other glitches that have slowed us down. In addition we've also had problems with the system interfacing with our RIS system. We've had situations where our voice recognition system has overwritten changes we've made to our reports in our RIS system, which could potentially lead to medico-legal problems. These technical problems have led some radiologists to simply type in the report themselves instead of dictating into the voice recognition system These problems lead to a decrease in radiologists productivity and satisfaction," he adds.
While it may be true that voice recognition has reached 95% accuracy (or thereabouts), here are some very common errors that only a medical trained transcriptionist can distinguish. For example:
- "urine" from "you're in"
- "dilate" from "die late"
- "cauterize" from "caught her eyes"
- "nitrate" from "night rate"
So, is voice recognition software about to replace digital transcription service? Not likely and not for a decade at least. In the meantime, our customers are not convinced and continue to use our transcription and document management solutions. If they require an urgent 2 hour turnaround at the end of the day, we provide it, and at a cheaper cost than in-house. Global MedData is not just an out-sourced transcription service, our documents will easily integrate into any systems you choose to use. In fact, we offer seamless integration into some of the leading EMR systems whose customers still choose our transcription services.
For a Free Trial, we can get you started within 20 minutes.
Please fill out the form here: https://www.globalmeddata.net/new/Contact.asp
Sources: http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/studies/report-18165.html
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Time, Money and Security
Apart from the cost issue of adopting an EMR system is the disruptive impact that these implementations can have on a health care organization's short-term operations, especially for smaller clinics. It's a tough sell to persuade physicians to buy an expensive EMR system in the first place, but what most don't realize until implementation begins, is the long learning curve. This forces doctors to cut back on their patient loads (which means lost revenues) by as much as 25 per cent for up to a month during the implementation transition.
If you're a four-person practice, you can't afford to take four weeks off and tell patients to come back and see you when you're ready.
These constraints have led to the emergence of application service provider (ASP) or web-based type EMR applications aimed at lowering the costs and burdens associated with on-site installations. Instead of thousands (and even millions of dollars in the case of hospitals), a web- based application or service can cost only a few hundred dollars or even "pay as you go" as in the case of Global MedData's digital transcription services. Still, some physicians are leery about having a third-party entity store confidential patient information however, under a hosted model, you don't have to worry about employees or patients tampering with records. Today, the best systems should have a reporting mechanism to show who has created the document, altered, viewed, updated or even re-routed the document in any way.
With Global MedData's solutions, we have designed our product with these factors in mind. The end result is a faster way to do business and a business model that makes sense, with a very short learning curve - minutes instead of days. We intend to build more services or modules with this in mind.
If you've not tried our service, contact us for a free trial at
Stay tuned. Next week we'll discuss the pros and cons of voice recognition transcription.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Voters Think United States Healthcare System Needs Overhaul
- Nearly 75% of responding voters thought that the United States healthcare system needs significant changes, if not a complete overhaul.
- Almost 75 percent oppose President Bush's cuts to the funding of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Approximately 60 percent of Americans think that the federal government has a responsibility to make sure that all Americans have healthcare coverage.
- Half of those surveyed think that there should be a nationally uniform system of electronic health records.
At Global MedData, we are committed to bringing affordable technology without upfront investment, and open standards to ensure complete interoperability across platforms, clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. Our vision is web-based accessibility of health records for the industry and most importantly, for the benefit of the consumer.
http://www.researchamerica.org/media/releases/7.19.2007.yourcongresspoll.html
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EHR to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K. For more information email us at: info@globalmeddata.net
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Making Practices More Efficient
Physicians won't hesitate to implement the latest proven diagnostic and treatment tools, the patient benefits are clear and justify the investment. But when it comes to their practice management, physicians are, by and large, technology challenged. Most still take notes with pens and clipboards, double-enter patient information on computers installed years or even decades ago, collaborate via inter-office faxes, and so on (as reported by a recent Rand Study).
Look no further than Congress for evidence that practice management is stuck in an '80s mindset. For years, legislators have been drumming up proposals devised to motivate health care organizations to embrace EHRs. Indeed, multiple bills are winding their way through Congress right now, including HR 2377, reintroduced by Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), which uses tax abatements to encourage health care organizations to invest in HIT, specifically EHRs and e-prescriptions. Congress is throwing money at physicians to adopt a process - digital record keeping - that businesses in general have been using for more than 20 years. Health care's reluctance to modernize practice management and reimbursement systems has reached epidemic proportions. The primary symptom: spiraling health care costs put intensive downward pressure on physicians' revenue while, at the same time, put upward pressure on their costs. The result: another "catch 22" in the health care crisis.
The time has come for physicians to become advocates of IT solutions and services as modern and innovative as their diagnostic, treatment and surgical tools. By reducing costs, improving workflow and streamlining operations, modern management systems and services can help cure what ails the health care field, and resuscitate a struggling industry.
A recent RAND study determined that HIT (Health Information Technology), when properly implemented and widely adopted would save money and significantly improve health care quality, the two biggest issues facing the health care industry. HIT encompasses all aspects workflow, practice management and electronic prescriptions, transcriptions and EHR's. However, most available HIT technology have not provided physicians with realistic solutions. It can cost nearly half a million dollars to install an EHR system, plus around $10,000 a year in staff costs (per full-time physician) to operate, according to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). And that doesn't factor in the ongoing technical staffing and IT costs, these more complicated systems require. Larger organizations can absorb these expenses, but smaller ones can be crushed by them. Compare that to the $10,009 in staff costs when managing paper records within a practice. No wonder that only 10 to 20 percent of physician's have installed EHRs. However, the web-based technology solutions that most EMR companies are not offering because they want your money, is the only HIT solution that makes sense to the physician.
Solutions:
- Outsource models that remove the IT burden from physicians. This is the smartest way to deliver IT solutions to an office that lacks IT expertise. This modular approach is particularly suited for small offices, and saves valuable time and money. Larger offices that have difficulty maintaining skilled staff will also find this approach very attractive.
- Solid functionality tailored to needs and specialty.
- Deep vendor experience in the industry, reflected directly in the software and services.
- Proven financial returns or return on investment.
The result: physicians will manage their medical offices better, improve patient treatment and increase efficiency. Our transcription module and workflow system is currently available and we plan to launch more EHR modules in the coming months. Please contact us if you are interested in receiving more information.
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EHR to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K. For more information email us at: info@globalmeddata.net
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Study shows an electronic medical records system can pay for itself within 16 months
The widespread loss of paper medical records in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina is one of several factors behind the recent push to get surgeons and other health care providers to go electronic, according to David A. Krusch, MD, FACS, of the University of Rochester Department of Surgery and co-author of the study.
"Health care providers most frequently cite cost as primary obstacle to adopting an electronic medical records system. And, until this point, evidence supporting a positive return on investment for electronic health records technologies has been largely anecdotal," said Dr. Krusch.
The study compared the cost of activities such as pulling charts, creating new charts, filing time, support staff salary, and transcription when done electronically in the third quarter of 2005, versus the cost of those same activities performed manually in the third quarter of 2003.
The University of Rochester Medical Center estimated that the new electronic medical records system reduced costs by $393,662 per year, nearly two-thirds of that coming from a sharp reduction in the time required to manually pull charts. Given that its electronic system cost $484,577 to install and operate, it took the University of Rochester Medical Center 16 months to recoup its investment. After the first year, it cost about $114,016 annually to operate the new system.
Global Meddata's iTranscript has near zero investment and no annual maintenance costs because it's Internet enabled and a pay as you go system. Just download your audio files and receive the transcribed documents within hours by e-mail or secure web-based access - ready for integration into your existing systems through our transcription lifecycle workflow management. Studies show savings of up to 40% using iTranscript.
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EHR to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K. For more information email us at: info@globalmeddata.net
Thursday, July 12, 2007
President Clinton Advocates Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
That's the number-one thing that can be done right now to make the American health care system more efficient and cut costs, Clinton said. For one thing, EMR would save the cost of patients recounting their medical history every time they change doctors, which can also introduce errors because they may misremember things, he said.
President George Bush wants a system of universal health-records by 2015. And Medicare, the government-run health scheme for pensioners, is shifting to a tiered reimbursement system in which it pays doctors more if they go electronic. Employers are also keen on technology, since it promises to curb health-care costs and improve efficiency. And the consumer wants access and portability which most current systems don't allow due to proprietary systems.
Technology can improve patient outcomes while saving physicians money. Global MedData's web based transcription module is a key component of EMR and it's based on open standards, portability and inexpensive to implement. Global MedData has consistently achieved 40-60% savings and over 95% accuracy for clinics and hospitals that now no longer need to buy complicated and expensive EMR software systems.
Stay tuned, as we'll be bringing more affordable modules as part of a comprehensive EMR/EHR Internet based system.
URL: http://www.intergovworld.com/article/9f8d4ba50a01040800f483b495c7a9ef/pg0.htm
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EHR to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K. For more information email us at: info@globalmeddata.net
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Global MedData Launches New Blog
Global MedData is a provider of digital transcription services and EHR to physician practices and clinics in the U.S. and to the National Health Service Hospitals in the U.K.