5 Myths on EHRs
With all the discussions surrounding EHRs, meaningful use, and healthcare reform, it’s easy to get caught up in all the talk. Nancy Stafford recently wrote an article examining five myths about electronic health records.
Myth #1: Cost is the biggest barrier to EHR adoption
Cost is certainly a factor, but underlying that is the fear of buying an EHR technology that will be obsolete before the staff can use it. There are several ways to ensure that you are buying a high quality product that won’t go out of date, including purchasing a remote server.
Myth # 2: EHR will disrupt your practice and cost you business
Indeed, there will be a learning curve for you and your staff to implement and get used to the EHR system. But gradual implementation and training will help reduce the learning curve and EHR adoption will become a manageable task.
EHR puts you in touch instantly with specific information to help your decisions, which in turn helps you provide better patient care.
Some practices are showing more profit as a result of effective use of EHR. They report removing billing contractors and staff from the payroll. They report better and more rapid insurance reimbursements through more effective communications with the health insurance providers. All of these are evidence that EHR does not disrupt business.
Myth # 3: EHR is not going to be around, so why bother
EHR is here to stay in one form or another. We simply cannot ignore how important information transfer is in every aspect of our lives. EHRs make it possible to keep track of the vast amounts of patient information in one, secure place. Also, the federal government has recognized the power of EHRs and is offering incentives to those who implement them effectively.
Myth # 4: The EHR offerings are too great and it’s impossible which one to choose
Research is the only way you will be able to make the best, most informed decision. It is helpful to first map out what you are looking for in a vendor before delving into the selection process. This makes it easier when it comes time to ask consultants and software specialists questions.
Myth # 5: EHR opens me up to too much liability
On the contrary, some studies show that EHRs help reduce the number of liability claims filed. Reports from a survey published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in November 2008 do not believe this to be true. The survey of 1140 physicians from Massachusetts found that 6.1 percent of EHR users paid liability claims, whereas 10.8 percent of the physicians without EHR paid liability claims. For more information try this page or the original article in the “Archives.”
To read the full article, click here.