Family Health and Sports Medicine
President & CEO of Polaris Medical Management
Role:
Family Practitioner
City of Practice:
Cranston
In Practice Since:
1983
Physicians in Practice:
3
EHR Solution:
EpiChart
Date Implemented:
March 2003
Average Patient Volume per Month:
275
What are the benefits you have realized from EHR Adoption?
Organized, easily retrievable data, no transcription costs, great reporting on almost anything regarding patient care, billing, etc. Remote access anywhere, anytime. Increased patient satisfaction. No paper!! Less work for the staff. Interoffice communication is very effective. Med lists, problem lists, electronic lab and xray reports make care easier.
Organized, easily retrievable data, no transcription costs, great reporting on almost anything regarding patient care, billing, etc. Remote access anywhere, anytime. Increased patient satisfaction. No paper!! Less work for the staff. Interoffice communication is very effective. Med lists, problem lists, electronic lab and xray reports make care easier.
What advice would you offer a physician planning to adopt an EHR?
For primary care, find a good CCHIT certified system, and don't pay too much money. Make sure your system is customizable with good support. It is not as expensive as you think - be aware of the incentive monies available. Be prepared to spend some after hour time in the first few months customizing your macros and templates, and getting a better feel for the system. Be patient. The reward in the end is very significant.
For primary care, find a good CCHIT certified system, and don't pay too much money. Make sure your system is customizable with good support. It is not as expensive as you think - be aware of the incentive monies available. Be prepared to spend some after hour time in the first few months customizing your macros and templates, and getting a better feel for the system. Be patient. The reward in the end is very significant.
What financial strategies did you use to pay for your EHR?
Out-of-pocket, followed by incentive money from BCBSRI and UHC. Also used an IPA discount.
Out-of-pocket, followed by incentive money from BCBSRI and UHC. Also used an IPA discount.