One of the comments we hear from clinicians who have implemented an EHR is the impact on their after-hours workload, whether this be in the clinic at the end of the day or at home in the evenings. This feedback is not limited to specific EHRs and tends to be a more widespread issue. The…

Despite the effort to create paper “light” medical offices, the likelihood (in the foreseeable future) that all data is going to flow electronically is extremely low. In fact, some would argue that we manage more paper now than in the past, with the exception of lab results. The reality is that medical practices manage an…

The following comment was submitted by a physician because of his inability to interpret his own notes a few weeks after entering encounter information into his EHR. His experience questions the value of discrete data (such as pick lists, radio buttons, numeric values, or predefined descriptions) vs. free text or narrative notes. “All of the…

Productivity can be defined as “the quality, state, or fact of being able to generate, create, enhance, or bring forth goods and services” (Dictionary.com). In a medical office, productivity refers to the number of patients seen and managed during the course of a defined period of work. The implementation of an EHR results in an…

About a year ago, a frantic doctor called me to discuss what steps he should take. Due to a technical malfunction, his practice had lost all of its medical records. During our conversations it became clear that his seven-doctor practice in rural Colorado had been using an EHR system for the past 10 years, and…

When documenting an encounter or referral letter in an EHR, the notes can range from scanty to very comprehensive. Some clinicians take great pride in their note-keeping and the ability to generate a well-written referral. Just as note-taking in paper charts can vary in terms of quality and accuracy, the same can be said for…

Over the past two weeks, hundreds of EHR users have completed satisfaction ratings for their EHRs. Over 2,200 user ratings are now available through AmericanEHR and 30 of the most popular EHR products have more than 10 ratings (the minimum number necessary to display EHR product ratings). Many users have submitted additional comments relating to…

Users of EMR systems regularly provide feedback through AmericanEHR about challenges they encounter when implementing and using an EHR. As part of our ongoing commitment to share experiences and highlight these challenges, these experiences are published on a regular basis. We welcome discussion and feedback from other users of EHRs. Experiences always relate in part…

One of the questions I frequently get from practices selecting an EHR revolves around the IT hardware they should purchase. The first and most important piece of advice is to talk to your EHR vendor to determine the technical requirements of their system and any recommendations they have regarding hardware for your practice. In addition,…

Over the years I have spoken with many physicians, practice managers, and change management consultants about the process of EHR implementation. What makes for a successful implementation? How can a practice improve their chances of success? One of the most important requirements for success is to establish realistic personal expectations. Certain system functionality needs to…

Almost every physician I have talked to groans when I tell them they will need to use some form of templates if they are going to use their EHR effectively.  I can’t honestly say that I “know” their pain, as I am not a physician, but I have come across some common threads. To many…