Electronic Health Records For Dummies

Embracing the required changes

Think of the approaching EHR changes in three factors: people, process, and technology. All three have to work together to successfully transition from paper to EHR. Ultimately, the whole transition process starts and ends with people. First, you have to get the stakeholders within your practice on board so they can get your patients on board with your EHR. Check out the nearby “Changing roles” sidebar to see how daily life might change for stakeholders within your practice.

Embrace the role of point person by making yourself available for questions and serving as both a liaison to the vendor and an advocate for further EHR training. Also, create a timeline of tasks associated with going paperless and help staff stick to the plan.

Changing roles

What has EHR done for you lately? Better yet, what will EHR do for you soon? Well, all that depends on who you are and what you do within your practice. Here’s a small sampling of how your new life with EHR might change, depending on your role in the practice.

Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner

Fully document all patient records, interactions, and recommendations.

Submit prescriptions electronically and be notified of allergy, drug, and dose conflicts.

Automate electronic prescription refills.

Order diagnostic tests directly from the computer.

Access clinical decision support or evidence-based ...