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Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems have been recognized by the U.S. Government as a core component to national healthcare reform. Beginning in 2011, physicians and hospitals will begin receiving government incentives if they are "meaningful EHR users." Though the definition of "meaningful users" is still under debate, the reason behind the definition is clear. It will help define ways to ensure the accuracy of data within EHR systems.
According to the HIMSS Electronic Health Record Association, the federal government is expected to announce the criteria of "meaningful use" sometime mid-July. However, a study released in The American Journal of Medicine shows that even without a technical definition for "meaningful use," EHRs have the power to positively affect the savings and over-all practice of a medical facility.
The study showed transcription costs were reduced on average by 28 percent, with savings ranging from 20 to 100 percent based on the experience of each participating facility with other types of record systems. The net benefit of using a full EHR system was on average $86,400 per provider over five years, with the most favorable outcome $202,200 per provider. Even "light EHR system users" saw savings, on average, of $18,200 per provider. Study participants reported 33 percent savings on drug expenditures, 17 percent decrease in radiology needs, and 15 percent decrease in billing errors. Their expert panel estimated using EHRs could decrease billing errors by 78 percent. These savings can quickly add up when seen on a national level.
In the United States, over 15 percent of our Gross Domestic Product is spent on healthcare annually. More than $250 billion is spent for healthcare communication, and administrative services. According to Arthur Little's study, $100 billion of the $250 billion is directly caused by inefficient communications, with 25 to 40 percent due to excessive paperwork and administrative overhead. One study concluded that, "because of their quality and cost benefits, (EHRs) should be used in primary care, and incentives to accelerate their adoption should be considered at a national level."
While the adoption is currently being considered at a national level, studies are still exploring all the potential effects of EHR systems. One study focused on the inefficiency of paper-centric communications and record-keeping. The study reported that paper records cut efficiency, create unnecessary costs, and eat into facility time. The study found that for every hour spent on care, an average 40 minutes is spent on paper work. EHR systems drastically cut the time spent working on record keeping, leaving open free time for patient care and interaction.
Cost reduction and time efficiency is important to every medical facility. With an EHR system, a facility can cut overhead and increase efficiency. If your medical facility is looking to integrate an EHR into practice, look to a provider committed to meeting all emerging national standards, privacy requirements, specifications, and certification criteria.
The EHR system provided by e-MDs follows the ever emerging specifications of national EHR requirements. Their solution system was designed by physicians to improve care, reduce errors, simplify business, and is the standard for affordable and integrated EHR systems. For cost, time, and efficiency benefits, look to an EHR system from e-MDs.
Brigette Botkin. EHR - e-MDs powerful software can help manage your EHR.
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