10 Benefits of an Electronic Medical Record

Electronic Medical Record

An Electronic Medical Record is a secured electronic file of patient history, medical transcription notes, billing information, and all other information necessary to have a complete patient profile. It is true that the electronic medical record is indicative of a faster-paced informational age in which larger quantities of information require more effective database infrastructure, but there are many more benefits to both the medical service provider and the consumer. This informational article points out 10 benefits of an electronic medical record of which both practices and patients need to be aware.

1. Speed

As mentioned in the introduction, the business world of the 21st century is fast-paced. Even in medical practices, speed equals ability to compete, especially when managing information. That is why an electronic medical record system, or EMR, is used by most medical practices. In addition, a fast electronic medical record system requires less time invested in trouble shooting and allows more time invested in caring for patients.

2. Storage

An electronic medical record is an electronic database of information capable of carrying much more information than traditional systems. An electronic medical record system can manage records from multiple offices as well as multiple types of records.

3. Security

An electronic medical record system secures records with backup files in case of emergencies. In addition, only authorized users may access them. This double security system is a "preventative medicine" for record viruses.

4. Support

Both practices and patients can access customer support from a medical billing specialist provided through the electronic medical record software. In addition to their support, electronic medical record software provides access to medical codes, including, ICD.9, HIPAA, HCFA 1500, and the latest CPT code books.

5. Accessibility

The latest electronic medical record technology allows information to be downloaded directly onto a PDA or Palm device. In addition to PDA access, authorized individuals can access an electronic medical record online from any location.

6. Affordability

This is perhaps the most appealing part of the latest electronic medical record technology. Every business wants to save money while at the same time adopting time-saving technology. Because electronic medical record software uses online technology, much of the set up costs and overhead are eliminated and reduced to monthly usage fees.

7. Infrastructure

Part of the money-saving nature of electronic medical record technology is the elimination of IT infrastructure and the streamlining of multiple databases. The infrastructure is simplified into one online database, even for multiple offices.

8. Versatility

I have already mentioned multiple office management with electronic medical record software, but there is much more to this software than meets the eye. Electronic medical record software stores medical transcription SOAP notes and medical codes. It allows multiple users. It also connects users to personal and online support sources.

9. Efficiency

We have almost made it full circle in our discussion of the benefits of having an electronic medical record. But efficiency is not the same as speed. Efficiency takes all of the duties involved in medical record and medical office management divided by time and money. Electronic medical record software can increase the numerators and decrease the denominators. Businesses often ask about the bottom line. Well, the math says it all.

10. Manageability

The benefits of an electronic medical record may sound wonderful, but there is one more question to ask: Is it user friendly? When adopting new technology, remember that the master needs to ride in the saddle, not the horse. Some technology requires so much attention that a business owner may be worried that he or she is now employed by the new technology and not the other way around. Electronic medical record software works for businesses.

A word of advice: in any given search engine there are millions of indexed pages that will appear as relevant results to a search for "electronic medical record", or "EMR". Use these benefits as search sifters, to identify the right electronic medical record software to work for your practice.

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements [http://www.10xmarketing.com/Services/Advertising/Online-Advertising.html] on business technology. Electronic Medical Record information is available at AdvancedMD.com.

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Is Electronic Billing The Best Way To Send Your Medical Claims?

There is so much hype out there about electronic medical claims billing. If you are not sending your claims electronically yet, you are probably too embarrassed to admit it. And if you are, you are probably wondering if the method you are using is the best. What is the real truth behind electronic billing?

Many of the larger insurance companies are really pushing providers to submit their claims electronically. Some are even calling the provider's offices and telling them that they are mandating electronic submissions by a certain date and that they will no longer accept paper claims. Others offer incentives to submit electronically, such as faster payment, or even no authorization required for services if claims are submitted electronically.

Bottom line, the real question for a provider is "is electronic billing really necessary for my practice" and "what will it require of me."

For the first question, I think that everyone must realize that with the changes in technology electronic submission of medical claims is inevitable. Today's society is moving towards paperless transactions in many ways.

The second question will depend upon many things such as how large, or small, your office is, how much equipment you already have and how up-to-date it is.

One of the biggest misconceptions of electronic billing is that it makes the billing in your office a lot simpler. In some ways it does, but it presents you with a whole different set of tasks that you didn't have before. I'm not implying that it makes anything harder. Just that there are things that go along with electronic billing that you did not have to do before such as reading and acting on reports and maintaining and updating the electronic software.

When you submit a claim on paper, the claim is both received and processed, or you never hear a thing. Hopefully in the latter case, your staff will call and check status on it after 30 days. Whether your paper claim has complete and accurate information on it or not, it will be handled the same way. You will either receive payment for the claim, or an explanation of benefits showing a reason for denial.

When you submit claims electronically, it is not quite so simple. First, you will receive a report letting you know if your batch of electronic claims was accepted or rejected. If a claim has incorrect data such as an incorrect date of birth, it will be rejected before it ever reaches the insurance companies claims processing system. You will receive a report, usually within 24 - 48 hours showing all rejected claims, and the reasons for the rejections. You will also receive a report showing the claims that were accepted with no errors.

It is very helpful to receive notice so quickly that your claim had incorrect information; however, you now have to make sure your staff is able to check on this report and take the time to find and correct the needed information.

What electronic billing is actually doing is letting you know sooner that you have problems with specific claims. When you are submitting them on paper, you generally don't find out about the problem claims until you are doing a follow-up report and calling the insurance companies. So by submitting your claims electronically, you are not eliminating all the problem claims, you are finding out about them sooner.

Once you decide to take the plunge into electronic billing, there are still choices to be made. Is the practice management system you are currently using capable of submitting claims electronically? If not, you will need to update or change your software. You will need to determine how you will submit your claims to the insurance companies. A clearing house may be the best option, or if you are a larger practice, or billing service, you may want to consider software that allows you to act as your own clearing house.

In any case, if you are not already submitting your claims electronically, it probably would be wise to start researching your options. A good place to start is by contacting your practice management system support and asking them if they recommend any method in particular. Another way is to ask your colleagues. Electronic claims submission is a big step and it should not be taken lightly.

Copyright 2006 Michele Redmond

Michele Redmond is co-owner of Solutions Medical Billing and has been in business since 1994. She has a bachelor?s degree in Computer Information Science and is responsible for the electronic claims submissions for over 50 providers. For more information on clearing houses and other alternatives for electronic claims submissions visit her website at http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

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Electronic Medical Records

Electronic medical records are computer-based patient medical records. Physicians' offices and hospitals throughout the United States are increasingly using them because they offer certain advantages over conventional paper-based medical records. Such records are also useful in processing health insurance claims and following up with patients. A key benefit to medical providers is the instant availability of data once it is entered electronically, and the space and labor savings resulting from the elimination of paper-based records.

Electronic medical records are readily accessible, increasingly standardized for seamless use where and when required, and greatly reduce the likelihood of error in either entry or interpretation of medical information. Having a patient's medical and contact information readily available can be potentially life-saving during critical medical events such as severe allergic reactions or heart attacks. By reducing errors and saving time, electronic medical records may therefore help reduce the large number of deaths attributed to medical error in the United States each year.

In order to enter medical information into an electronic medical record, special software is required. The electronic medical records software industry is rapidly growing, and such software is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While basic software allows for entry of physician orders and notes and nurses' notes, more advanced software may include error-checking programs, the capacity to synchronize with hand-held data devices, and other advanced features that increase the utility of records.

As electronic medical records are more widely used, concerns regarding the protection of patients' confidential medical information and privacy have increased. In 1996, the US Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and a more stringent Privacy Rule went into effect in 2003. HIPAA sets required national standards for medical records, guarantees patients the right to see their own medical records, and requires providers to inform patients how their medical information is used and disclosed.

Electronic Medical Records provides detailed information on Electronic Medical Records, Electronic Medical Record Software, Electronic Medical Record Systems, Electronic Medical Record Companies and more. Electronic Medical Records is affiliated with HIPAA Laws.

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Electronic Medical Billing - The Role and Responsibilities of Electronic Medical Billing

Electronic medical billing entails as many various responsibilities as medicine itself. Electronic medical billing is often associated with medical coding. What most people don't know is that, though these two are related, they demand different sets of tasks and responsibilities.

Among its many similarities is its important role in the practice management industry. However, they differ in the job description. In medical coding, the coder selects the proper diagnosis and procedural codes. In the field of electronic medical billing, however, the responsibility requires one to decide on achieving optimal reimbursements, using as his basis, the diagnostic and procedure codes provided by the coder.

Specialists of electronic medical billing are often seen as the income managers of medicine, as electronic medical billing specialists play significant roles by making sure that doctors get paid duly.

The responsibilities of an electric medical billing specialist include - but is not limited to- managing bills and income of doctors. Another responsibility of an electric medical billing specialist is also on handling health insurances. Having an in-depth knowledge of how insurances work is important for electronic medical billing specialist since, these days, patients no longer have to pay cash every visit to their doctors. Now, patients just simply show their health insurance identifications. It is every electronic medical billing specialist's responsibility to be able to handle and maneuver their way around the intricacies of payments covered by health insurance policies.

Services provided by the electronic medical billing specialists also include both the very basic and the major medical coverage plans like Free-For-Service Plans, Point-of-Service Plans (POS), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Consequently therefore, electronic medical billing professionals have to be familiar with the different ways with which an insurance company can make its payment.

The Responsibility of Invoicing

Another major responsibility of and electronic medical billing professional is on invoicing. As mentioned, there is a fast-growing number of patients with insurances under HMO wherein the patient simply co-pays for the medical service and the balance of the doctor's bills will be paid for by the insurance company. It is the electric medical billing professional's duty therefore, to ensure the invoicing of the patient. Of course, recording of payment entries are executed with software and programs that handle medical billing needs.

Duty Hours of Medical Billing Professionals

Electronic medical billing professionals are usually either employed in large companies or operate independently. Regardless of whether they are practicing privately as individuals or employed in companies, an average medical billing specialist usually works the regular forty hours, covering five days a week, during which, they take care of entries made by walk-in patients in daytime.

Electronic medical billing is a fast growing sector of the health care industry. Want to be part of a thriving and rewarding medical billing team? For the #1 resource online for latest information, news and advice on all aspects of medical billing services ... visit the medical billing site today!

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Electronic Medical Record Systems

Different electronic medical systems have different strengths and limitations. To decide which one to purchase, a medical practice can start by understanding how to assess the difference between systems. Electronic medical record systems may have different component software packages, including those for patient medical records, appointment scheduling, billing or patient education. Since patient medical records are a critical component, it is best to understand the software used to implement electronic medical records.

While electronic medical records remove the need for paper-based data entry, data still needs to be entered electronically. Some systems use keyboards, while others offer data entry options via touchscreens or verbally, with the use of voice recognition software. A key objective in installing an electronic medical record system is to reduce paper-based records. However, the need to print patient medical records often arises. Since most electronic medical records have a complex layout, printing a complete record can be a challenge, as not all systems are compatible with all printers.

It is inevitable that 'hard copies' of patient reports, such as x-ray reports or laboratory reports, will need to be imported into an electronic database. To do this, a practice needs both a scanner and compatible optical recognition software that may or may not be built into the electronic medical record system. Optical recognition software, in turn, may only recognize certain data or text entry formats.

Electronic medical record systems may offer options to import images, such as x-rays or CT scans, in one or more formats. Some systems do not offer any image importing options. When considering such options, it is best to go for the most flexible program that allows the importation of images in a number of different formats. Certain formats take up much more space on a hard drive than others, but may offer enhanced images.

Electronic Medical Records provides detailed information on Electronic Medical Records, Electronic Medical Record Software, Electronic Medical Record Systems, Electronic Medical Record Companies and more. Electronic Medical Records is affiliated with HIPAA Laws.

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Electronic Medical Records - A Critical Factor For Implementation Success

There's no question that an electronic medical record system can improve your practice's efficiency and productivity. However, without full buy-in from everyone on your staff, you'll never achieve the performance results you anticipate.

It's one thing to know that you need staff buy-in, it's another thing entirely to know how to get it. Here are the steps to take to get participation, cooperation and collaboration from staff members at all levels, and increase your chances for a more rapidly successful electronic medical record implementation.

Convey The Urgent Need For Change

Making a major change in your medical practice is hard enough. Trying to make that change when people don't recognize the need for it is a recipe for failure.

Everyone in your practice needs to understand the factors that make the new electronic medical record system desirable or even essential - for example: the ability to streamline work and enhance patient care, the opportunity to reduce costs and increase productivity, and the ability to adapt to changes in patient needs, 3rd party demands and new government requirements.

However, while you may make a great logical case for change, people don't make decisions based on logic alone. Emotions are a powerful factor. You need to make sure that your staff not only understands the logical reasons for implementing the electronic medical records system, but also understands what the consequences will be to them personally if the implementation isn't successful.

When you present the new electronic medical records system as a way for the practice to continue to operate profitably - despite challenges, to continue to provide quality care to your patients, and to continue to provide your valued staff with employment, you're likely to capture their attention.

Keep People Informed

People don't really fear change. What triggers fear is uncertainty.

The worst thing you can do is to keep people in the dark about your plans. This encourages rumors and leads people to start grumbling about their jobs and worrying about their futures.

When it comes to implementing an electronic medical record system in the practice, one of the biggest concerns people have is whether the new technology will take away their jobs.

In light of today's economic realities, no one really expects guarantees of job security. However, what they can and should expect are honest answers to tough questions.

People will want to know:
How the electronic medical record system will impact their work and their futures
What new expectations you and the practice have of them
What new skills they will need to meet these expectations
How they will be trained and supported for these new challenges
How their performance will be assessed
The fact is, the new electronic medical record system will make some tasks unnecessary, and some skills irrelevant. However it's important for you to recognize, and to communicate to everyone, that when work gets reorganized, and when certain tasks are no longer necessary, people can be moved to more profitable activities. For example, if implementing the new electronic medical record system will allow you to increase your patient load, you may need staff to shift to more patient-centered activities in order to take advantage of these new opportunities.

Harness the Power of Collaboration

Regardless how large your practice is, a new IT system will impact the work of staff members at all levels. To get the maximum value from that system, and to increase the speed of getting to that value, you need discretionary effort and enthusiastic collaboration from everyone in your practice.

First, when it comes to designing the system and reengineeringing the workflow, you must get your staff's perspective. They are closest to much of the work of the practice and can offer suggestions and ideas that can facilitate implementation and reduce the expenses and the temporary productivity slow-downs that inevitably accompany any new electronic medical record system implementation.

Second, if you want to mobilize people to not only cooperate, but to give their best effort, you need to allow them to participate in developing plans. You may have heard the expression,"People who plan the battle, rarely battle the plan." If staff members at all levels are involved with the development of the implementation strategy, they will have a vested interest in its success.

The way to do that is through a series of interactive workshop-style staff meetings that elicit staff ideas and engage staff members in creating their own future.

Show People What's In It For Them

The real secret of successful change management is to show people what's in it for them. You can accomplish this in two ways.

First, by showing how the electronic medical record system will positively impact people's work and enhance their job satisfaction. For example, once implemented, will the system eliminate the frustration of lost charts and information? Reduce tedious tasks? Improve documentation and coding accuracy? Allow staff to get home earlier?

The second way to show people what's in it for them is to attach rewards and recognition to specific goals and milestones. Offering team bonuses for increased practice productivity, increased referrals and increased patient satisfaction can be very effective in building a cooperative environment. However, it can take a while to get to significant performance increases.

Establishing intermediate milestones, "small wins" - like getting a specific system module successfully up and running, or achieving a certain reduction in transcription usage - can go a long way to building momentum and can help to convert any lingering skeptics.

These kind of rewards and recognition are tangible pay-offs that fuel the fire of motivation.

Jane S. Adler, MD is founder and president of NeoVista Health Strategies, a provider of resources and information for higher performance in healthcare. She is a co-creator of The Road to Excellence System? for maximizing staff performance and productivity in clinical practices, and author of How to Position Your Clinical Practice for Outstanding Success and A Profitable Practice is Everyone's Business.

For more strategies and tips on maximizing the performance and productivity of your practice, and to download a complimentary copy of 7 Steps to a Higher Performing Clinical Practice visit: http://www.neovistahealth.com.

How can electronic medical billing software profits of medical practices to increase

Electronic medical billing software refers to software, for the input data that needs be used for file claims for medical services of electronic will. The software eliminates the risk of errors, which used to be the number a reason for the rejected claims in the former paper-based billing system. By checking errors, electronic billing software makes the billing process much easier and faster, and allows medical staff to spend more time dealing with the patient and get reimbursed faster with regard to their services.

The use of electronic medical billing simplified billing process, as well as the data processing in many aspects. In addition to payroll job to facilitate can electronic billing software for other important tasks, including the scheduling information, patient appointments, report writing accounting, etc. save a lot of time to be used as money. The easy-to-use, reliable and high-precision software system clearly has the need for employees in the administration reduced increases the profits of the medical practices in turn both directly and indirectly.

The money that is stored in the Administration can rent new medical practitioners and buy new medical equipment and then improve the quality of the service, provide care for a greater number of patients and provide new medical services and technologies are used for patients. The financial advantages of electronic invoicing software to however rely on the selected software system.

Many electronic billing software systems are available on the market, but it is important when choosing software system be very careful, to maximize the savings and to make sure that everything runs smoothly. First of all must be the selected software in accordance with the HIPAA (health insurance portability and Accountability Act) which means that it to protect of the rights of the patient the. Only then you can concentrate on looking for a software, the your needs the most.

There are two main types of electronic billing system software: client-server and application service providers. The first internet-based considered more secure, because the software is located in medical practice, but it is more expensive than application service providers. Furthermore, the latter requires no physical presence at the point the software is installed and allows access from other computers and mobile Internet devices from anywhere at any time. However, it is somewhat less secure than client-server software system.

In addition to the decision between client server and service provider software systems, you also, make sure that the selected software will meet you common needs, and that no hidden it costs such as for example updates.

Detailed information about Electronic billing software website is provided by the electronic medical billing where you find more about the electronic billing systems.

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How Electronic Medical Records Can Impact Your Medical Practice

Last month was the first in a two-part series of questions and answers on documentation. This month, I will be expanding into the realm of electronic medical records (EMRs) with some common concerns and questions.

What does the economic stimulus package have to do with medical records?

The economic stimulus plan, as approved by the House and Senate in February, included sizable funding in several areas related to health information technology. $300 million was allocated to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's regional or sub-national efforts. Another $20 million was allocated for the Department of Commerce's health care information enterprise integration activities related to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. $50 million was indicated for the Department of Health and Human Services computer and information technology security. Obviously, with this kind of financial impact, the proliferation of electronic medical records is a major focus at the federal level.

How will this focus by the government impact my practice?

One provision of the government stimulus package would impose reduced payments from federal programs on physicians who are not "meaningfully using" information technology. Although there will be some interpretation issues related to the actual meaning of that phrase, it is absolutely clear that there is a significant push for the health industry to go electronic. Additionally, President Obama has been very vocal about the utilization of electronic medical records to modernize health care in the United States.

Are there any real financial benefits to going electronic?

Initial studies indicate that electronic health records may reduce malpractice settlements for physicians and insurance companies, which could result in lowered premiums. In a Harvard study. 6.1% of physicians with electronic records had malpractice settlements, compared to 10.8% without electronic records. The researchers believe that malpractice claims are decreased with electronic records because they offer easy access to a patient's history, which leads to fewer errors and clear documentation in case of litigation.

How would electronic records benefit my practice?

As with any topic, there are proponents and opponents to the concept. Those in favor of electronic records say that it has improved the quality of their practice in both patient care and costs. Specific benefits include better billing control, remote working capabilities, workflow advantages, better decision support, easier reporting, and more complete information relating to patient history and treatment.

What are the detriments to electronic records?

Those opposed to electronic records primarily cite loss of productivity, high maintenance requirements, and a negative impact on patient care. Practitioners at large healthcare facilities complain that it is primarily usurped by the administration as a storage device for medical records, rather than a resource for the medical and nursing staff. Others complain that more time is spent in staff meetings discussing electronic issues and problems than patient care. Many physicians also complain that the inputting of information is cumbersome and takes time away from the patient encounter.

How do I choose a system that's right for me?

Much like the concept itself, every system seems to have its fans and its detractors. The best bet would be to talk to peers with similar practices who have already gone electronic. Ask them about the good points and the bad points of their system. Arrange to see it in operation - and talk to the support staff about it as well. Once you've done your research, you are ready to begin talking with vendors, assessing financial considerations and making your choice.

Will I need to worry about security in relation to data theft?

Absolutely! Medical records are becoming a major target of identity thieves. Work with your vender and your Internet technology expert to develop a strong firewall defense to protect your data.

What about backing up the information?

There are two main ways to do this - internally or externally. If you choose to maintain your own backup on a disk, be sure that you also have a backup of the actual EMR program and that it is stored in a safe and separate location. Externally your EMR vendor may offer offsite, online backup, or you can take advantage of a myriad of online storage resources. Make sure that your contract with such vendors ensures that your data will be available to you when arranging long-term storage or transfer.

Regardless of your position on electronic records, the final outcome is inevitable. Our future is electronic and trying to stop it is akin to standing on the shore and stopping the waves from coming ashore. But whether you are operating in a paper world or the electronic realm, medical records are essential to proper patient care, financial protection of your practice, and the defense against malpractice claims.

J Michael Rosenthal, ARM - President and CEO, RGI Insurance Services

Mike Rosenthal is an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and CEO of RGI Insurance Services. RGI Insurance Services provides all types of insurance for doctors and medical groups such as medical malpractice, workers compensation and group benefits as well as risk management services, human resource services and OSHA compliance services.

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