Is a Specialty-Specific EMR Right for You?
Though physicians in various medical fields may have starkly different workflows, charting methods and EMR necessities, providers practicing in the same field have many things in common and can benefit from customizable, specialty-specific EMR software. Specialists contemplating making the change from paper charts to EMR (or from a general EMR system to one geared toward specialists) should consider the following benefits of a specialty-specific software solution.
EMRs designed for specialists require less training time.
General EMRs might be capable of meeting specialists’ requirements, but customizing the software takes time – something most doctors don’t have. Rather than embarking on a time-consuming set up process followed by lengthy training sessions, consider settling on a specialty-specific EMR. That way, you can put less effort into the initial set up and spend more time getting comfortable with a system that is ready to use out of the box.
Chart and work the way you know best.
With specialty-specific EMR software, which includes the forms and templates you use most, as well as decision support capabilities to help you make quicker, more accurate diagnoses, charting has never been easier. Global templates, for example, automatically bring in different variables once a diagnosis is selected, so that you don’t have to select each variable manually. Plus, using a system that knows your workflows and charting needs allows you to document your patient encounter in real time, while the patient is in the exam room – meaning you will have less chart notes to finish at the end of the day when all your patients are gone.
Take advantage of opportunities for continuing education.
Many specialty EMR vendors offer opportunities for additional training and continuing EMR education. These vendors also take part in conferences and events hosted by organizations in your specialty. This is because they understand the importance of keeping open lines of communication with specialty-specific medical associations that can help them improve their EMR software.
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