Monday, February 6, 2012

Week 14 Blog Assignment (the last one)

Hi Class-  Here is your blog assignment for the week: 
Compare and contrast 2 EHR companies.  Pick the 5 most important issues you would face in
deciding between the 2. Each group will designate a person to post the 5 on the blog.  In
other words, you get to pick who will blog this one, last time.
This assignment is worth 2 points and is due by Monday, February 13.
Thanks,
Dr. Frost

14 comments:

  1. There are a lot of important things to consider when choosing an EHR company. We would prefer that our EHR come from a proven and reputable company. We would place importance on the cost of the program, its user friendlyness (ability to customize to our specific tastes and needs), as well as a program with the least glitches and errors. We would also require that the speed at which the program operates be adequate and that the safety and protection of the records be high.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Between Meditouch company and eclinicalworks company, there are 5 important issues we would face in; for example, ease-to-use, functionality, customer service, product quality, and updating software. For Meditouch, it has been very user-friendly, easy-to-learn. The implementation of the software was simple and quick. The training provided and training material available make learning this system very easy. MediTouch EHR has very innovative technology and is a well-built system and allows users to very simply navigate through the software. For eclinicalworks, it seems like their Customer Support is more interested in the-'Closing'-ticket system than actually resolving the issue. Customers cannot seem to get the support that they need. When looking at an EHR, they may find that eClinicalWorks has a reasonable price but what good is that if they can't get the support you need.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We compared Future Health and SOAPe Platinum Software. Each of these have the selling point of "Free" software. The most important things that we would look for in an EHR system would be the price, the ability of billing and electronic claims submission, a functional appointment scheduling system, the level of support that they offer and at what price, and how easy to use and fuctional the system would be. We looked at software reviews online, and Future Health did not get as good of reviews as SOAPe by Platinum. SOAPe (the newest version)is free because there is advertising in the system much like some online sites. This alows them to offer the system for free and provide the doctor with a fully functional system. A fully functional system for Future Health would cost more, because you have to purchase additional applications to complete the functionality of the system. In the end, they both will cost you money, but the system by Platinum will cost less.

    ReplyDelete
  4. EHR Systems : Practice Fusion vs Quest360

    1. Eligibility for Medicare EHR Incentive Program

    The Medicare EHR incentive program will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals that demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Eligible professionals who are meaningful EHR users can receive up to $44,000 over 5 years under the Medicare incentive program.
    Both of the systems are eligible, if the professional follows the instruction accordingly.

    2. Price & Cost Effectiveness

    Both of the software is fairly quick to be running for a small size chiropractic clinic however the total cost for the EHR is different. Practice Fusion does not required to buy a server nor the maintenance fee as opposed to Quest360 requires a new server which needs maintenance service. EHR of the Practice Fusion does not charge for the licensing of the software, it seems much better off as is the cost effective software for the small chiropractic clinic.

    3. Storage Fee

    Both of the software do not required to pay the Storage fee but Quest360 requires a new server with maintenance service.

    4. Program Capabilities (Billing application)

    Practice Fusion provides a series of functions such as scheduling, flexible templates(Charting), Lab integrations, Billing and Free connected PHR for the patients. Quest360 does provide the functions through the customization of the installation process as it cost more and is not cost effective especially for the small chiropractic clinic.

    5. Ease of Use

    Once the software is ready to use, User interface along with the flow of use is fairly convenient and easy to use for both of the software. Quest360 may be better and easy to use as is customized to cover the specific needs arise from the particular clinic use.


    Practice Fusion is the right one!
    Impotently, the Quest360 costs more than Practice Fusion. For the small volume chiropractic clinic, Practice Fusion is the right one to choose considering the fact that it is better one with the cost effectiveness.

    ReplyDelete
  5. We compared Chirotouch to Future Health. It is important you choose a software company that is medicare supported and in compliance with medicare rules and regulation. This will help minimize risk of being audited and found guilty of not following proper records and procedures. Both Chirotouch and Future Health have software built in to assist in compliance.

    It is also important for the software to have billing/record keeping ability and record keeping ability so the provider knows what money is owed, what money is billed, and what needs to be paid and record keeping for tax purposes.

    It is also important to have insurance billing software. This will help the provider bill insurance companies electronically. Before it is billed the software will check to make sure there are no double billing, double coding, and other various checks to assist not having a claim flagged and ease the use of payment and compliance with insurance companies. ChiroTouch has this capacity and software built in. We're not sure about Future Health, but it is likely built in with one of the billing apps for costs.

    It is also important to have scheduling software. Both ChiroTouch and Future Health have the capability to schedule patients and show the days schedule. This allows ease of use when considering scheduling.

    The costs of the software are also important as well as the safegaurding of the health records as a whole. Regulation requires an off site storage space. ChiroTouch has an off site storage space. It costs $150.00/ month for this feature. Again were are not sure about Future Health's costs for storage but they are in complaince. The cost of ChiroTouch for all the features run approximately $10,000.00. This is a costly investment but ChiroTouch also allows you to access your records from a smart phone. Look at your schedule from your smart phone, and basically run all of the systems features from the palm or your hand. This is an added beneficial feature, but its not necessary but all the ease of use and special features are going to cost extra, just like leather seats and bells and whistles cost more in a vehicle. Future Health is a lot cheaper, but it is up to individual providers what they want in their office. ChiroTouch has fewer headaches, greater ease of use, and unique features. But quality is costly.

    ReplyDelete
  6. EHR programs:
    Chirotouch v. 5.1
    EON Stystems, Inc. Digital Office v. 5.0

    1) Does the program meet eligibility for Medicare EHR incentive program by demonstrating meaningful use? Both EHR programs have been certified for meeting stage 1 requirements for electronic data capture and sharing of information.

    2)Is the interface easy to use? Frustration because of difficulty navigating the system decreases office efficiency and patients may take note of difficulties the staff and/or doctor may have using the computer system. Chirotouch boasts that its main screen allows easy access to all aspects of the patients file, such as diagnosis codes, SOAP notes, imaging, etc. EON is a bit more confusing because the "complete" package actually consists of three different software components that can work on their own.

    3) What equipment is necessary? Chirotouch requires an in office server that can be accessed by multiple workstations. The downside of the workstations is that it is recommended they only be used for Chirotouch software, so you may spend more money on equipment. EON requires a computer with certain hardware requirements to allow for maximum efficiency, but it does not dictate sole use of that computer for EON, saving costs in equipment.

    4) What kind of technical support is available? If something goes wrong, time and money are on the line! EON boasts it is an American based company with in-house tech support right down the hall from programming. It is a smaller company and may not have 24/7 support. Chirotouch offers a "personal account liason" who takes into account your preferred days/times for contact.

    5) Does the system generate "canned" notes? These tend to raise red flags during audits! EON does not used canned notes. EON Documentor allows you to make the electronic medical record say what you want, or even make it from scratch. Chirotouch has customizeable SOAP notes that are hand typed, or you can use autofill options. It claims to be "bullet and audit proof."

    Overall Chirotouch has an easier interface, more understandable software components and is geared more closely toward chiropractic needs.

    ReplyDelete
  7. We compared ECLIPSE Software and ACOM Health Rapid Software. The things we were looking at were the cost, ease of use, functionality, product quality and customer support. The ECLIPSE Software is around $2,000 to purchase and $700 annually for updates. We didn't find a price for ACOM. ACOM has new patient check in item to decrease time and also supposed to help decrease time spent on soap notes by 50-75%. With ECLIPSE, you can pull up mulitple patient files without having to retrace any steps or undo previous work. ECLIPSE outscored ACOM in each category, each time on the reviews we read. ECLIPSE has also been around since 1991.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Epocrates EHR vs practicefusion EHR

    1. Lower costs in the long term: While the initial cost may be high, over a period of time, the average cost of the system becomes much less than a similar manual system. When records are maintained electronically, Epocrates EHR is less room for error. Security is also enhanced leading to patient confidentiality and privacy.

    2. Eliminate repetitive and unnecessary testing: Practicefusion EHR helps prevent repetitive testing and thus save both patients and hospitals a lot of money. They can be transferred via email to any hospital or medical practitioner in an instant thus avoiding the need for tests that have already been performed.

    3. Provide accurate medical information: Practicefusion EHR's
    information that’s stored in the electronic format is not prone to human error and can be retrieved easily at the touch of a button or the click of a mouse.

    4. Allow information to be available anytime, anywhere: Epocrates EHR has the system which doctors and other medical personnel can access medical records from anywhere using handheld devices like the iPhone and related software. This allows them to continue treatment no matter where they are and also to pass on information so that other physicians can also provide emergency care when needed.

    5. Allow for streamlined information: The practicefusion EHR's
    information is stored in such a way so that retrieval of select data based on certain criteria and filters can be accessed. Besides this, physicians can also use the system to prescribe medicines for their patients from pharmacies that are part of the program. This allows patients to get refills directly without having to go to the doctor or the pharmacist.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Some issues we thought of for importance for EHR were of coarse cost, user friendlyness being to manuever around and ease of the software is important Im sure this causes many problems for billing. The quality of the product, this could help in most areas of concern, hopefully this will lead to less confusion with entering information, no matter what product one would use you would need to learn but better quality may not have too many glitches if any. A good billing and scheduling system would also be vital to us. With all of that sais we compared Care360 and Vitera. Overall Vitera seemed to have better quality and seemed much more organized about their product which could be much less of a headache when starting out. ON the other hand Care 360 had some really great accessibilty products such as use from an iphone of products like that. Medicare aspect of Care360 also was better, but in the long run Vitera seemed to be better suited of the needs discussed by our group.

    ReplyDelete
  10. There are many things to consider when looking at a software company that you trust your patient records with. Security, usability, accessability and customization to fit your office's particular needs. The software companies would have to have excellent customer service as just dropping a lump sum and walking away is not ideal for a company you have just entrusted with the records of your patients. As such, there are a few notable companies who repeatedly stand by their product that we decided to compare: Eclipse and The Digital Office by Eon systems. Eclipse has been around for over 20 years and continues to give over the top customer service. It was EHR certified before it was even a requirement. They continue to update the software in accordance with stricter laws and regulations in the industry and are lock step right beside the practitioner every step of the way. Their customer service will walk you through any difficulties you may have and the software is entirely customizable to suit your needs. This was a software program made by chiropractors for chiropractors. It has a demo version to allow one to try it before you buy it as well.

    Next up is The Digital Office by Eon systems. This software is customizable much like Eclipse. Unfortunately, this software bundle is a bit more difficult to learn. It has the bonus of being able to hanle billing to a larger number of providers, where Eclipse prefers to be more "small office" oriented with only a few providers. This software seems like it was trying to cover a wide array of health care fields in order to gain access to more markets - physical therapists, chiropractors, and physicians alike. It does have a handy patient follow up included in the basic package that allows reminders of when to contact old patients for billing or rescheduling purposes. However, it is sold in 3 different modules, each with it's own price.

    Overall, I would say that Eclipse is the software company to use in this comparison. It is current on certifications, great customer service, and was designed specifically with the chiropractor in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The first company we looked at was EZnotes. They had Medicare compliance of meaningful use and the software is $2,000 with only 6 months technical support. They have not created their own billing system. EZ company integrates their note taking software and links it with a billing company such as Eclipse, AMS, Doctors Acess.

    The second company we researched was Platnium System Chiropractic revolution software. They briefly noted 5 areas of interest about PS service: Medicare compliance, touch screen for soap notes, automatic billing system, 24 hour technical support, Software price unknown as nothing is listed on their website http://www.platinumsystem.com/.

    5 important issues we face in choosing an EHR system include cost of the software including any additional usage fees, ease of use, customer service/technical support, ability to update the software with time and eligibility for Medicare EHR incentive program.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The EHR selection process can be difficulty and tedious, but you want to make sure your EHR company is compatible with your practice and service you want to provide. To reduce your list of potential vendors, you shoulder consider only those systems that are marketed to practices the same size as yours, same discipline and that are well rated in published surveys. Specific points of interest that should be focused on and asked:
    1. Costumer/ customer service: Do they provide excellent customer service, the ability to get help and guidance along with ease of use.
    2. Functionality: determine how well the product does performs and is suited for your function in a chiropractic office
    3. Total cost: How much will the product cost, including hardware, software, support, etc.
    4. Vendor characteristics: Are they notable, reputable and trustworthy as a company and product. Will the EHR Company enable users to create and complete tasks, find information, view labs, and manage health maintenance reminders and most importantly than how easily it creates a patient note.
    5. Security (HIPAA) - Is the offline and online database secure according to all regulating bodies.
    Our comparison is between SOAPware and Encounterworks:
    The customer service difference between the two seemed worrisome: SOAPware offered customer service online and over the phone, but if you called out side of there 7am- 7pm time frame there was a fee of $150 per hour! Encounterworks offered a web-based online support which already scares me, if I’m have to type out all my Q&A to get a response, its going to be a difficult and frustrating time.
    The functionality of both companies do accommodate for chiropractic offices. Neither company would provide a direct cost; all cost related information was directed to “get an estimate” service representative or request information… which to me suggested… “let me talk you into spending more money than you expected” type of representative. Both companies were HIPAA compliant and Meaningful use certified.
    Overall, both companies would require further research and clear cut answers to analyze which would be best of your office.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Our group looked at Chirotouch and Eclipse EHR companies. Chirotouch is a very easy installation process and provides one of the best EHR softwares. It's easy simple, customizable, color coding for patient scheduling, and daily activities. It complies with the updated HIPAA regulations and new EHR software regulations. It's very user friendly with touch screen and you as a doctor can spend more time with your patients and less time writing. Also reports and information can be printed out right there in the office during the visit to give to the patient when they are done. Eclipse EHR is also user friendly and up to date with HIPAA regulations and ehr software regulations. It also has the standard soap note, billing, scheduling management, but its not as customizable as Chirotouch. Eclipse is very cost effective along with Chirotouch as well is cost effective so in the long run both these systems will be beneficial. Both companies are up to date with medicare policy. Both systems we believe would be a good fit for any chiropractic office small or big.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog
    chiropractic certified software 

    ReplyDelete