I would like your opinions on selecting an EMR for a specialist, in my case solo gi. It appears that a lot of EMRs spend a lot of time and effort becoming as broad as possible, including growth charts, OB modules, etc. For example, AC seems very popular (and in my price range) but seems to mainly aim at the needs of primary care docs. What are things to consider in terms of adaptability in a specialist practice? Probably 90% of my day is spent on fewer than a dozen complaints, (all of which revolve around gas and bloating ;)) so what should I look out for? Thanks very much in advance for your advice. I have been lurking for quite some time, and I want to thank you all as well for the assistance I have received just reading these forums.
In watching specialists use our software, I would have to list these as important to them:
I agree and would also add:
C Huddle
www.sevocity.com
C Huddle VP, Market Development www.Sevocity.com
Thanks! Referral tracking is a frequent issue for us. Who has it and how many visits are left. Also favorite meds. My list of favorite meds would not be that long. I was speaking with a specialist colleague who uses e-CW and was pretty satisfied, so I asked him what he least liked about it. He said the inability to hone in on a short list of meds quickly was very annoying.
We have the referral tracking and favorite meds. I have heard eCW is a good system but haven't seen it in a long time. If you would like a demo of Sevocity, just let us know. Our focus is on being easy to use - and being easy to do business with. I'd also be happy to put you in touch with some of our customers who could tell you what they like least - and best.
chuddle@sevocity.com
kishkes: Referral tracking is a frequent issue for us. Who has it and how many visits are left.
what is referral tracking?
Graham http://www.synapsedirect.com/ Synapse - the EMR for smart users
By referral tracking I mean do they have a referral? Who is it from? When does it expire? How many visits is it good for and how many have they used up? I frequently have patients with expired (or no) referral despite reminder calls. We remind the patient that it's their responsibility to have the referral but they will show up without one. Then it's either a scramble to get one faxed over from the primary or rescheduling the patient. Sometimes they're trying to pull a fast one, sometimes it's just a mistake.
So, you get paid more for patients who come with a referral?
I think the issue isn't getting paid more - its getting paid at all. HMOs and PPOs often only pay for specialist visits when they have approved the referral. The referral authorization is usually for a specific # of visits and has an expiration date. If the patient doesn't have the authorization or its used up or expired, their insurance won't pay. Theorectically it then becomes patient responsibility (as they have probably agreed to pay in all the forms they sign for your practice) but in reality its like getting blood from a turnip at that point. A nice feature of an EMR (and a PM) is the ability to input the authorization information and have it decrement with each visit and alert you when the visits are used up and/or the expiration date arrives.
Thanks for the insight. Sounds like a PMS function.
I would agree that it might be more of a PM function. However, if you're a specialist and otherwise happy with your PM system its a nice feature to get with your EHR. Its also nice for the specialist to be able to easily see the remaining visits when planning treatment and most providers don't have (or want!) the ability to query their PM system.