Despite the fact that electronic medical record programs and services are in demand, many have remained skeptical about them. But an article on the American Academy of Family Practice has shown that it may be a feasible option. The piece addresses all queries and hesitations on the efficiency of the service and the systems themselves.

First, the battle is between using the usual paper and file based medical records and using an electronic medical record software method that turns everything digital. Many may wonder, if it isn’t broken why fix it? But with the rising patient numbers, any product that would lessen the health care professionals’ time handling papers and increase patient visits is a good thing.

The promise of technology with an electronic medical record service is the capacity to quickly and easily obtain patient records from virtually anywhere and quickly and accurately make correct diagnosis.

Skepticism involved questions on the software’s accuracy with records, operational costs, and difficulty of use. Some are skeptical about giving their patients’ private history under the care of an electronic medical record company. We list the issues raised here:

- A doctor can still be efficient even without these electronic record keeping products.

- The price may be too high.

- It might not be HIPPA regulated.

- It might be too difficult to understand and would only waste very important time.

- What will become of the physical records if the transition to computerized form happens?

- There are so many electronic record service providers to choose from.

Electronic medical record programs will at first have a high cost to them without doubt. Money is recovered via the increase in patient care, reductions in paperwork and associated costs for equipment, supplies and staffing and in centralizing information and data and health records. Compare it with medical transcription, which costs as high as $25,000 and you’ll notice the difference.

HIPPA compliance concerns are also not a setback, as electronic medical record packages all meet HIPPA standards. As regards ease of operation, while it could take time to learn, it’s really not difficult to master, given a very user-friendly interface. Customer hotlines are even available at all times for all concerns and queries.

Using an electronic medical record service has also been proven to tack on some minutes to each patient consultation and even allows real-time updating. Some opt to store their records for a year first, before turning over to electronic records firms.

Regarding the specific program that the physician should use, it really depends on the purpose. Shopping around and reading articles and reviews about the programs in the market first will allow you to bag the most appropriate suite.

The American Academy of Family Practice, or AAFP, is an association that stands for over 94,000 family practice doctores. As a perk, the association developed a website dedicated to the connection between computing and technology and health care. Another website with a selection of tutorials and tools on information technology is CHIT, or the Center for Health Information Technology. One very useful tool is standard specific for good electronic medical record (EMR) software and EMR systems.

Health care professionals are now starting to see how health care gains from information technology. EMR systems presently flood the market. Cost is important, but capabilities and specifications are even more so.

The AAFP listed these criteria to look for in excellent EMR systems:

- Data details, including patients’ medical histories, vital information, lab data, allergy and medication lists, hospitalization records, etc.

- Handling of codes, issue or family-oriented, and other structures and organization.

- User interface should be simple to use and user-friendly.

- Options for web-based or native accessibility and provision for remote access by many users.

- Management capabilities that function with financial and scheduling systems.

- External or internal email.

- Compliant with HIPPA, confidentiality, and privacy requirements.

- Good support system, like help screens and ongoing technical support.

- Security.

An EMR system must encompass many of the required features. Other factors also require examination:

- Does it manage records?

- How does it handle case management?

- Can it handle administrative functions?

- Is it capable of scheduling and reminders?

- Are there educational add-ons that come with the EMR software?

- What size of practice does it serve?

- Factoring in hardware and software, setup, user licenses, and support, what’s the overall cost?

- Are there other criteria that your practice needs?

Simply know your practice’s needs to find the right EMR software. Find out which EMR software is perfect for you by using the demos provided by the various EMR companies.