| Recently, when discussing electronic medical | | | | for basic set-up out of the box; however, the |
| records with a colleague, I was asked about the | | | | true potential of these systems resides in their |
| details of customization of different electronic | | | | ability to modify overall operations to the individual |
| medical records systems. Some of the systems | | | | needs of the physicians and the medical practice. |
| available today highlight ease of use, or perhaps | | | | To move the basic EMR system into an enhanced |
| that the use of templates is not required. This | | | | work flow tool at the practice, some modifications |
| more modular approach could be sufficient within | | | | are definitely necessary. The best way to do this, |
| some special medical practices, but overall this | | | | we have found, is through the use of |
| solution seeks simplicity at the expense of overall | | | | mind-mapping software. |
| ability of the system. Sure, it would be great to | | | | Mind-mapping software allows members of a |
| have patient records in electronic format, but it | | | | group to 'think out loud' in the visual sense. |
| may not be any easier to derive valuable meaning | | | | Participants can actually see the workflow diagram |
| from the information, or use it practically in daily | | | | details, from the entering of patient info, to the |
| operations. | | | | selection of an open examination room, to billing |
| The field of ophthalmology requires a robust EMR | | | | and check-out. By examining the overall flow of |
| system able to document both SOAP-notes and | | | | the examination process, we have been able to |
| high resolution drawings and images. Several years | | | | modify the electronic medical records to better |
| ago we talked with an IT firm developing an | | | | fulfill our needs. This process has helped up find |
| ophthalmology EMR system; our practice ended | | | | places where workflow can be improved, |
| up working with this group in developing a beta | | | | streamlining the process and creating a more |
| test site, thinking that if the system would work | | | | efficient system at the practice. |
| in ophthalmology, it could also function well within | | | | In using mind-mapping software, our practice was |
| other specialties. Unfortunately, the system wasn't | | | | able to achieve better organization when creating |
| quite ready for prime-time then, and as a result | | | | custom features and functions for our system. |
| we became immersed in growing amounts of | | | | By maintaining a clear vision and working out |
| basic programming work. | | | | direction before setting out into production work, |
| Unfortunately, our previous EPM vendor didn't | | | | the entire process became more steamlined for |
| have another appropriate product available for use | | | | the overall benefit of the practice. |
| in the field of ophthalmology, although they were | | | | No single 'out of the box' system is the right one |
| a strong competitor in the overall EPM market. | | | | for your practice. Instead, consider careful and |
| When customizing, the consequence to consider is | | | | thoughtful adaptation to create the electronic |
| the need to apply more time and effort to enact | | | | medical system that suits you best. |
| system modifications. Many systems are ready | | | | |