There are some immediate benefits to the initial transfer to an EHR system. However, it’s important that you stop periodically to evaluate whether or not you’re getting the max benefits from your system.
In this video and transcript, learn some of the most important things to be sure you have covered with your EHR. This includes staff trainings, optimized EHR system templates, patient portals, and conducting regular self-audits and improvements.
Video Transcription
The EHR System Efficiency Checklist
After implementing an EHR system, it’s important to take all the steps possible to ensure you get the most for your money.
Additionally, some of the most important things to check off the list include:
- Not doing work your EHR can handle
- Regular employee training
- Ensuring system template efficiency
- Utilizing patient portal systems
- Self-auditing and updating systems accordingly
#1: Don’t Do Work the EHR Can Handle
You need to ensure your EHR system is best match for your workflow needs.
Systems can simplify and speed up basic charting using process prompts. Additionally, this allows your staff to have extra time for more productive purposes.
#2: Be Sure Your Staff Is Fully Trained
In terms of an EHR system’s potential benefits, it’s important to remember that devices and technology are only as smart as their users.
When a new EHR system is introduced or changes need to be made, it’s important to provide proper training and reference documents. Also, this helps staff detail the various system functions and how to use them.
#3: Ensure EHR System Templates Are Efficient
A common roadblock for EHR systems is the initial adjustment to the new format.
Many basic EHRs use hard-coded templates. Additionally, this is made to emphasize system simplicity. However, these hard-coded templates are inflexibility and often cause frustration.
As a result, it’s important to work with your IT team to create system templates that will improve work efficiency and reduce time constraints for your staff.
#4: Utilize Patient Portals
For providers, patient portals provide an opportunity to streamline workflows, reduce operating costs, and promote patient engagement.
Additionally, using patient portals allows patients to get help from their providers. However, they do not have to make an appointment or constantly being on the phone. Through the patient portal, they have instant access to providers, and this makes patient care more secure, reliable, and efficient.
Besides simplifying patient to provider communication, other common and valuable uses for patient portals include:
- Retrieving lab results
- Scheduling future appointments
- Paying medical bills
- Updating medical charts and insurance providers
- Asking physician questions directly
#5: Audit, Update, and Improve Your System
Beyond initially implementing an EHR system, it’s important to regularly audit and keep track of how it performs in everyday use.
During audits, you can get input from everyone beyond IT teams. Additionally, you should make plans to implement and adjust changes to maximize system efficiency.
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