Electronic Health Record Trends: What Works Best for Orthopedic & Physician Practices

Pulse Systems, a Wichita, Kan.-based provider of electronic health records and revenue cycle software, recently announced Georgia Bone and Joint Surgeons selected its EHR and practice management software to replace a system previously used by the orthopedic practice. Sam Ambrose, chief marketing officer for Pulse Systems, discussed trends with the EHR market and why practices are moving to his company instead of a larger vendor. Last year the company adopted a client-centric philosophy, rather than a product-centric one, Mr. Ambrose says. Their company goal is to work in minutes and seconds, rather than days and weeks, to solve client problems and troubleshoot software issues.

Market Trends

Mr. Ambrose has seen increased EHR activity from four main health specialties — orthopedics, cardiology, internal medicine and family medicine, in part because their billing is driven by older patients who provide Medicare and Medicaid revenue.

Much of the industry business is also coming from smaller practices with no EHR who need a first-time system or from practices with an EHR vendor that is no longer meeting their needs.

Practices are now scrambling to qualify for the remaining meaningful use incentive dollars before 2015 starts and penalties begin. The clock is ticking and the deadline is quickly approaching, Mr. Ambrose says. Finding a system that qualifies for meaningful use incentives can help bring down the overall cost of implementing the EHR.

Practices should also be looking for EHR vendors who are certified for 2014 through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

"The landscape of the industry is being driven by the 2014 ONC certification," Mr. Ambrose says. "Not everybody is going through with that. It's forcing some companies to merge or acquire. It's an important point of distinction."

Pulse Systems achieved both 2011 and 2014 certification. Mr. Ambrose encourages physicians and practice coordinators to check with the ONC's website to see if a vendor's EHR is certified. Uncertified programs can still be used, but they will not achieve meaningful use stage 2.

Challenges

One of the most challenging EHR issues a practice can be faced with is adopting a system that is not certified without being aware of it. It can be very damaging, Mr. Ambrose says. He cautions practices to make sure a vendor's entire EHR is certified — not just a module — prior to purchasing.

"Some practices buy a module thinking they are buying a complete EHR, and that's not right," he says. "Buyer beware. Study how to buy it; get educated. Make sure the product you are buying is certified so you can be sure of the quality."

Another challenge can be the long amount of time required after an EHR is purchased before it can go live. Some large vendors can take anywhere from six to 12 months to begin implementation, while physicians and practice owners are looking for immediate results. Smaller companies may be able to fill that gap.

"Some companies will just do distance learning or webinars," he says. "Nothing can replace one-on-one service. Physicians want it. They want to know their representative and be taught how to use the system and who to call if they have problems."

The most desirable vendor will send representatives onsite for staff training and be flexible enough to immediately solve issues as they arise.

More Articles on HIT:
The Washington Post's Bob Woodward to Moderate at 20th Annual ASC Conference
5 Additional Steps to Take to Ensure HIPAA Compliance
17 Days Until HIPAA: Key Changes and Must-Take Steps for Every Provider