subject: I Have EMR Software, Do I Need Practice Management? [print this page] I Have EMR Software, Do I Need Practice Management?
With the first quarter of 2011 over, Electronic medical record software is the focal point for physicians interested in improving the quality of care they deliver as well as receiving the Stimulus Incentives. After necessary due diligence and research, physicians may narrow down their choice of EMR software vendors and ultimately purchase the EMR software that best fits their practice. In order to demonstrate Meaningful Use' many physicians are considering only the EMR software without assessing whether or not they wanted medical practice management software. Yet, many don't realize that having EMR software without integratingI it with practice management software may be in for hassle of its own.
Electronic medical record Software and practice management software work hand-in-hand. The most efficient way to schedule patients, provide treatment, and bill for the services is through one fully integrated system. Although an ONC-ATCB EMR software product may allow physicians to receive Stimulus Incentives, it may be more cumbersome than anticipated and result in lengthier patient visits and increased stress. Without medical practice management software, it would be difficult to maintain a totally paperless office and complete billing requirements. Moreover, the use of two separate systems requires more time spent between screens and applications and less time spent with patients.
Having Electronic medical record software integrated with practice management software enables physicians and their staff to operate in a more natural environment. Communication between office staff, patients, and physicians is simplified by having all tasks and message through one system. Physicians can view their schedule and start the visit with patient directly from their calendar without the need to open a new application or check another system. Once the physician has completed the visit, they can electronically bill for the services right after the patient leaves offering a true streamlined approach.
There are many ONC-ATCB certified EMR software vendors that offer medical practice management software with their product, with some vendors offering the practice management software as a bundled deal. Choosing an EMR software product just for the Stimulus Incentives will only cause more problems long term than the monetary gains received in short term.
