Most physicians assume they have to give up their medical transcription service when they make the switch to electronic medical records. The fact is many physician practices realize that traditional dictation not only saves time, it improves the provider/patient interaction. EHR companies and medical transcription companies are coming together to provide technology that makes it easy for a provider to keep medical transcription services at their practice.
So why have providers been told they'll get rid of medical transcription and the monthly expenses by using a "point and click" EMR option? It all comes down to upfront cost. Traditional EHRs have huge upfront fees and to help the provider justify this, they told physicians that medical transcription would be eliminated. Physicians naturally cringe at this idea, and rightfully so. How can you really break down a condition and treatment into portioned off categories? Physicians understandably like medical transcription, as they can use their own language to detail their diagnosis and treatment plan.
That is why we come to the point that medical transcription and EHRs go hand in hand. How? Electronic health records are designed as a point and click system which many providers feel take away from the provider/patient encounter, result in loss of productivity and do not allow a provider to be subjective in his assessment of the patient. Medical transcription allows the provider to focus their time on caring for the patient and at the conclusion of the visit or at the end of the day; the provider can dictate the visit, which can greatly improve productivity.
Narrative structure provided by medical transcription is important to patient's diagnosis. Let doctors use their own words, not pre-assigned categories that don't take into account the unique dimensions of a patient's condition. A verbal description tells the whole story, electronically recorded for the convenience of the doctor and the cost affordability of the practice.
We understand that point and click EHRs can be frustrating for some providers. This is because of the long implementation time, the steep learning curve of a new system and the fact that a provider now takes on the role as a data entry clerk. When medical transcription becomes a part of the EHR, doctors feel more natural with the technology and the switch is actually welcomed because the technology available through EHRs will vastly improve how a medical practice functions.
There are very real reasons to make the switch to electronic records, including funding. Federal funding is available for those "eligible providers" who demonstrate meaningful use by 2011. Less is available every year after that, completely tapering out after 2015. If an "eligible provider" has not made the switch by 2015, they will be penalized by receiving less of their Medicaid payments.
The switch to EHRS is inevitable, but practices can choose how the switch will be done. They can choose technology that implements their current processes of medical transcription and actually makes it easier and more cost effective in the long run.
Physicians are already experiencing enough financial difficulties as it is. By making a proactive switch to electronic records, they can get better federal incentives, avoid penalties and still keep their medical transcription services. Form a plan of implementation today. Those providers who are farthest ahead in their transition will reap the biggest return.
So why have providers been told they'll get rid of medical transcription and the monthly expenses by using a "point and click" EMR option? It all comes down to upfront cost. Traditional EHRs have huge upfront fees and to help the provider justify this, they told physicians that medical transcription would be eliminated. Physicians naturally cringe at this idea, and rightfully so. How can you really break down a condition and treatment into portioned off categories? Physicians understandably like medical transcription, as they can use their own language to detail their diagnosis and treatment plan.
That is why we come to the point that medical transcription and EHRs go hand in hand. How? Electronic health records are designed as a point and click system which many providers feel take away from the provider/patient encounter, result in loss of productivity and do not allow a provider to be subjective in his assessment of the patient. Medical transcription allows the provider to focus their time on caring for the patient and at the conclusion of the visit or at the end of the day; the provider can dictate the visit, which can greatly improve productivity.
Narrative structure provided by medical transcription is important to patient's diagnosis. Let doctors use their own words, not pre-assigned categories that don't take into account the unique dimensions of a patient's condition. A verbal description tells the whole story, electronically recorded for the convenience of the doctor and the cost affordability of the practice.
We understand that point and click EHRs can be frustrating for some providers. This is because of the long implementation time, the steep learning curve of a new system and the fact that a provider now takes on the role as a data entry clerk. When medical transcription becomes a part of the EHR, doctors feel more natural with the technology and the switch is actually welcomed because the technology available through EHRs will vastly improve how a medical practice functions.
There are very real reasons to make the switch to electronic records, including funding. Federal funding is available for those "eligible providers" who demonstrate meaningful use by 2011. Less is available every year after that, completely tapering out after 2015. If an "eligible provider" has not made the switch by 2015, they will be penalized by receiving less of their Medicaid payments.
The switch to EHRS is inevitable, but practices can choose how the switch will be done. They can choose technology that implements their current processes of medical transcription and actually makes it easier and more cost effective in the long run.
Physicians are already experiencing enough financial difficulties as it is. By making a proactive switch to electronic records, they can get better federal incentives, avoid penalties and still keep their medical transcription services. Form a plan of implementation today. Those providers who are farthest ahead in their transition will reap the biggest return.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Craig Mercure is VP of Sales & Marketing at MxSecure, the fastest growing provider of medical transcription services to physicians, medical practices, multi-specialty clinics and community health centers. Learn more about medical transcription and EHR - visit our site.
Craig Mercure is VP of Sales & Marketing at MxSecure, the fastest growing provider of medical transcription services to physicians, medical practices, multi-specialty clinics and community health centers. Learn more about medical transcription and EHR - visit our site.
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