EMR feasability

The healthcare industry has been a slow adopter of computerized systems, especially in ambulatory care practices. A majority of physician offices remain highly dependent on paper records and manual systems for recording clinical data, as well as for recording and entering billing and financial data. As a result, practices are not only inefficient, but the accuracy of the information is also compromised. Access to important information also suffers, as most of it is recorded exclusively on documents filed within a patient's chart. For more than a decade, EMR systems have been touted as the "way of the future" for medical practices. These systems promised to eliminate paper records and automate many of the practices' routine functions. However until recently, these systems were very expensive and failed to deliver all of the potential benefits. In the past few years, the number of available EMR systems has increased dramatically, and the competition among system providers has led to significant improvements in the functionality of EMR systems. As the number of installations grows, the per-unit costs decline. Advances in hardware technology have both decreased the cost of systems, as well as increased the ease of use of EMRs.

Almost every medical practice can benefit from a well-designed and properly implemented EMR system. However, to what degree a particular practice will benefit must be measured before a sound business decision can be made regarding any system. EMR systems have the potential of improving two areas of a medical practices: 1) financial performance, and 2) quality of care.

Responding to growing interests in electronic medical records (EMRs), The Horizon Group has added a staff position dedicated to assisting our clients evaluate the nearly 100 EMR options currently available. We offer the following services:

• Feasibility Analysis - Although any medical practice can benefit from a well-designed and properly implemented EMR system, there is a question as to what degree a particular practice will benefit. This must be measured before a sound business decision can be made regarding any system. Through site visits, staff and provider interviews, and financial assessments, consultants from The Horizon Group will prepare a thorough financial Return on Investment report that projects the potential savings and revenue increases that would result from the implementation of an EMR.
  

• Guidance Through the Development of an RFP - The Horizon Group will coordinate the preparation of a Request for Proposal that thoroughly defines the requirements of the practices' needs. Depending on the amount of help needed, we can also write the actual RFP.
  
• Workflow Analysis
  Automating inefficient or ineffective processes wastes valuable resources and prevents an organization from realizing the full benefit of EMR adoption. Our experienced EMR team can assist in the redesign of workflows so that the full potential of the software can benefit practice operations.
  
• Assistance with Identification of a Suitable Vendor
  The Horizon Group has conducted EMR implementation projects for several clients, and has also worked with many clients that have already implemented an EMR system. In addition, we spend a significant amount of time and effort reviewing currently available EMR systems, as well as those in development. As a result, our consultants have established solid working relationships with many of the most popular and successful EMR providers.
  
  We also have extensive knowledge in areas such as vendor negotiations and price evaluation, and will work with our client to obtain the best possible agreement with the EMR vendor.
  
  The Horizon Group has no financial or preferential arrangements with any EMR vendors. These are quite simply EMR systems that we have evaluated and felt were better than most available systems. This list does change from time to time as we see more systems, and as established systems are updated.

• Assistance with Implementation of New System - The process of implementing the EMR requires coordination of client and vendor resources, the assessment of hardware deployment, the development of a rollout schedule, and the post-deployment evaluation to assure appropriate use of the system. The Horizon Group assigns an experienced Project Manager to each EMR implementation project. This individual guides the process, and ensures that the project stays on schedule, and that the installation is successful.

Each client's needs and goals are unique. Therefore, the services that are available may be utilized to the extent necessary. It is the desire of The Horizon Group to look at each client individually and determine what the best plan of action will be, distinctive to the situation.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you evaluate the beneficial impact that EMR can have on your practice, please contact us.