While physician practices and hospitals are increasingly utilizing electronic health records, understanding and selecting the right solution for a surgery center can prove confusing without the proper knowledge of available options and the changing legislation impacting EHRs in the ASC industry.
According to the CDC, EHR use by office-based physicians rose from 18 percent in 2001 to 78 percent in 2013, but the majority of the physicians are not happy with their chosen EHR's. The EHR mandate in hospitals and physician offices was encouraged by both incentive payments for compliance and decline in reimbursement for non-compliance. EHRs are not currently mandated for ASCs.
Software solutions such as EHRs may or may not provide a positive economic impact but are revolutionizing healthcare delivery by offering clinical decision support to the physicians. In addition, discreet data elements allow for more structured data entry and better reporting functionality.
There are several parameters to consider when making an EHR decision The options range from simple document management tools (EMRs) that digitize the patient record and ease chart prep, EHR products designed to complement the current PMS but capture discreet data elements and allow for concurrent charting and reporting, to full electronic health record (EHR) solutions such as those commonly seen in hospitals.
Selecting the solution that is best suited for your ASC involves understanding the many considerations. Gaining the knowledge about their functional tools, financial burdens, and implementation requirements is crucial for healthcare professionals to make the right choice.
To learn more about how EHRs affect the ASC industry, how they could positively impact your business functionally and economically, and all options for ASC administrators, join Becker's ASC Review and Chuck Meisel, Vice President of Sales at Surgical Notes for an informative webinar on Tuesday, May 5 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm CDT.
Click here for more information and to register.
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