Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis EMR Benefit Overview
How does a computerized medical record affect an eye clinic? An EMR dramatically reduces the handling of paper (pulling and re-filing charts, handling the tapes from autorefractors and lensmeters etc.). Some systems conduct an automatic graphic trend analysis of visual acuities and intraocular pressures that speed up and enhance the physician’s decision-making. Patient throughput is increased due to automated instrument interfaces and rapid data entry methods such as predefined workflow templates. It is the data that moves through the eye clinic instead of the people working there. An EMR reduces errors in transcription which in turn eliminates incorrect medication prescriptions or even wrong therapy decisions. Even the traditional doctor/scribe relationship is enhanced through more efficient computerized transcription of dictated findings. Traditional ophthalmic photography is replaced by instantly available digitized images from retinal cameras or video capable slit lamps, thus saving time and money. When used among co-managing eye clinics, the sophisticated EMR allows for “real time” video teleconferencing including displays of anterior and posterior segment images, OCT files, visual fields etc. as well as “electronic mailbox” communications. Professional EMR systems (like the ifa software) are so “user friendly” that the physicians who swore they would never record their own exam data are doing so, freeing up technicians for other duties. The time and expense of manual creation of letters to colleagues and other required correspondence is eliminated due to simple data merging functions with pre-stored “boiler plate” letters. The computerized medical record, due to its ease of use and comprehensive data collection, creates a much more defensible record in cases of litigation.
How do eye clinics make the transition to a computerized medical record? Anyone contemplating a computerized medical record should understand that the process is easy with the right product and the professional support of an experienced team, but it should not be viewed as a “walk in the park” either. There will be changes in clinical procedures, resistant staff members, some fairly extensive training and a certain period of time where the paper and “paperless” systems will be used concurrently.
ifa united i-tech Inc. 1850 SE 17th St. Ste.C – Ste.309 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 fon: +1 (954) 713-1476 www.ifa-united-i-tech.com
DMS ifa 9201 Sunset Blvd., Ste.709 Los Angeles, CA 90069 fon: +1 (310) 598-5979 www.dmsifa.com
ifa systems AG Augustinusstr. 11b 50226 Frechen, Germany fon: +49 2234- 933-670 www.ifasystems.de
ifa systems AG Calle Manuel Herrera 139 Santiago de Surco Lima - Peru www.ifasystems.com