'Peel the Onion' to Avoid Common Mistakes With a Hospital's Offer of an Electronic Medical Records System

摘要

Many hospitals are enticing specialists with the promise of electronic medical records (EMR) systems. Some hospitals use these systems as "bait" to lure physicians into employment. Others offer EMRs as the only way to access patients' full records. Most physicians succumb to these offers too quickly, and without knowing all the facts. "There is a lot of confusion when a hospital offers an EMR" system, according to Cheryl Wergin, MA, a consultant with Chicago-based practice management firm Karen Zupko & Associates. "Physicians don't know the right questions to ask, and then realize only in hindsight that the EMR [system] may not be the right fit for their practice." Indeed, electronic access to an integrated patient record, clinical reporting capabilities, and paperless workflow are features that can improve efficiency and care. However, understanding whether the hospital's EMR system meets your needs is key to your digital conversion success.