Alternatives to EHR: Fostering Smarter IT Adoption

Ask any physician to list their top concerns regarding EHR adoption, and chances are that you will find the term, “costs”, in the number one spot. That is not surprising, considering the fact that the average full-fledged EHR comes with a $50,000 price tag, not to mention, ongoing maintenance costs. The lofty expense and financial risk related to conventional EHR is quite a bitter pill to swallow for most doctors. As a result, many practitioners are searching for alternative HIT solutions.

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...

Nurses Impact Health IT and Implementation

New technologies are transforming not only the way doctors practice medicine, but the entire landscape of healthcare. While doctors certainly remain pivotal in the selection and adoption of advanced technologies, there is a sense that nurses hold a rising and powerful influence in the design and application of those systems. More than ever, nurses are becoming active participants in shaping future health information technology.

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

The Time is Ripe for Change: HIT Adoption Promoted with $20 Billion Incentive Payments

President Obama’s inspiring and long overdue vision of health reform has soared into reality with the recent enactment of the stimulus bill center pieced in his plan for economic recovery. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) encompasses almost every facet of the U.S. economy, but it is the nation’s troubled health care system that remains paramount amid legislative changes. One of the primary features of the stimulus package is a $20 billion program designed to promote the adoption of health information technology (HIT) and more specifically, the use electronic health records (EHR).

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/

Obama Administration Set To Modernize Health Care System

The U.S. health care system is embarking on a revitalization effort spearheaded by the Obama Administration. The recent historical passage of President Obama’s $819 billion stimulus bill will release initiative funds to implement EMR’s and other high-tech IT systems into the American medical industry. The stimulus package allocates $37 billion of funding to three main categories of cutting-edge technology: Health IT, Broadband, and Smart Grid development.

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

The National Health Information Technology and Privacy Advancement Act of 2007, S. 1455

Soaring costs are pushing health care beyond the reach of many ordinary Americans. The typical family health insurance policy now costs more than a worker's entire annual earnings at minimum wage, while as much as 30 percent of health care is wasted on unnecessary, duplicative, or dubious procedures. The problems of cost, quality, and access are interrelated, and Congress needs to address them simultaneously. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.) is leading the charge for reform by proposing new ways to lower health care costs, improve quality, and increase access to care. He has introduced three bills to address health care problems. These bills would help hold down costs regardless of the path the country takes in expanding health care coverage.

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

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

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 info@globalmeddata.net. If you're already a customer, feel free to contact us. We are always interested in feedback and suggestions that will help you operate more efficiently.

Stay tuned. Next week we'll discuss the pros and cons of voice recognition transcription.