The adoption of health information technology is growing exponentially, and <\/span>over 90 percent<\/span><\/a> of US hospitals and practitioners are using electronic medical records (EMR) systems.<\/span><\/p>\n This growth has also benefited IT developers. Now, there over 600 certified health IT developers supplying technology to over 350,000 physicians. With hundreds of options available, finding a patient and practice centric health information system (HIS) takes a bit of work.<\/span><\/p>\n How exactly do you find the right system?<\/span><\/p>\n Apart from the features, you need to pay attention to the customization and scalability of the system. It should guarantee your practice’s privacy, confidentiality, and security. The system should support integrations to ensure seamless transcription, voice recognition, and digital dictation.<\/span><\/p>\n Well, if you’re unsure about finding a system that brings new levels of efficiency, innovation, and information to your practice, this post is here to help you.<\/span><\/p>\n Let’s get right into it!<\/span><\/p>\n Evolution of healthcare is imminent, and this means your practice needs to adapt to the latest developments. Such changes impact how you treat your patients and handle their records. Also, they define your current and future needs.<\/span><\/p>\n For that reason, your choice of the HIS system should be based on your overall needs. Today, it’s easy to access information at a moment’s notice. Physicians can access cloud-stored records while patients’ can view their data on connected devices.<\/span><\/p>\n This IT development comes with a risk. Ideally, it creates opportunities for data breaches. That being the case, your focus should be to identify a vendor that can meet your security needs. They should be able to secure your data and prevent attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n Another critical need is mobile optimization. Mobile technology is growing, too. The use of smartphones and tablets is pervasive in healthcare organizations. Physicians can now access their patients’ data on the go. The right HIS should be able to adapt to future mobile technology developments.<\/span><\/p>\n Patient engagement is crucial in every practice. Your ability to inform patients and to remind them of their appointment matters. A great system should make it easy for you to stay engaged with your patients.<\/span><\/p>\n Now, you have a list of your potential needs. But, have you determine the functions that you need the health information system to complete?<\/span><\/p>\n The essential functions that you’ll need now and in the future include:<\/span><\/p>\n A system that offers all of these functions will improve efficiency and service delivery in your practice. It should also allow you to update the functions as needed as your practice grows.<\/span><\/p>\n Determine what data elements the system will capture, store, and update. Also, assess and review your current data to identify what will be moved to your new system. If possible, analyze your growth to figure out your expected number of patients and volume of data.<\/span><\/p>\n If you need remote access to your data, be sure to pick a system that supports this functionality.<\/span><\/p>\n The truth is, you’re not going to use the system alone. You may be familiar with all the aspects of your practice’s operations and budget, but you may never know what happens on the front lines.<\/span><\/p>\n So, work with your IT department, support staff, nurses, and other employees who will be using the new system. Ask them to about their departmental workflows and some of the limitations they encounter with the current system.<\/span><\/p>\n If possible create a team that includes physicians, nurses, and other support staff providers to help in selecting the system. You’ll be surprised to see the kind of valuable information they will share with you.<\/span><\/p>\nDetermine Your Practice’s Needs<\/b><\/h2>\n
Preparation is Important<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Involve Your Team<\/b><\/h2>\n
Identify Viable Options and Request Information<\/b><\/h2>\n