If 2017 is the year you invest in cloud-based EHR software, then you want to make sure the solution has the capability to streamline processes for your front desk, biller, tech, and optician. You also want software that’s going to make your job as the OD easier, and increase the time you have interacting with the patient, not with the software.
When looking at cloud-based EHR software, ask questions to identify the solution with the following features.
What you Need From EHR Software
1. Simple Exam Workflow
In the exam room, you want a simple workflow that mimics the way you’re used to performing the physical exam. Your EHR software should intuitively guide you through the exam and auto-populate repetitive patient information throughout the system to reduce data entry errors and duplicate work.
2. Customizable Templates
To run a successful business, you need to be flexible. In operating an optometric practice, this isn’t much different. Although you may want to have your office workflow to be set in stone, the reality is that there are times where you’ll need to pivot the workflow to meet the needs of a patient. Being able to configure exams, counseling materials, templates, code mappings, and other items will allow you to make the software work for your practice, not the other way around.
3. Touch Screen Capabilities
Having to turn away from your patient during an exam to enter data takes your focus off your patient. When you conduct an exam, you want to keep your eyes on what matters most to you. Using an EHR software that is compatible with touch screen capabilities can help you increase face-to-face communication with your patient and will help you precisely record patient data.
4. Patient Education Library
Having an EHR solution that comes embedded with a repository of patient education materials can quickly connect you and your patient with the visual and audio aids that align with the diagnosis code. Coupling this feature with a patient portal will make it easier to share the information with the patient to view after the exam.
5. Clinical Decision Support
When you make a diagnosis, you must make subsequent selections based on the findings, from treatment codes to special testing and orders. With clinical decision support built into the EHR software, you can make a single annotation entry and the software will automatically populate diagnosis, treatments, orders, special testing, and patient education materials based on industry best practices.
6. ePrescribing
Reduce prescription errors by pulling the patient’s current medication and allergy information. With an ePrescribing tool built into your EHR software, you can access managed care drug formulary support so you can find cost effective and appropriate medication for your patients.
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