The adoption of EHRs in primary care settings has witnessed a significant push in recent times. It is increasingly being identified as an integral component of the patient-centric care model. The system is designed to perform beyond merely storing vital patient data to offer an extensive understanding of patient care. Hence, EHRs essentially provide holistic patient care by monitoring patient information across healthcare facilities and practices. A fully-integrated EHR offers comprehensive functionalities as a complete package to facilitate quality care delivery. The result is enhanced care management, improved quality of reporting, and better clinical decision-making.
Speaking true of the primary care sector, EHRs facilitate a superior and more unified flow of information across digital healthcare infrastructure. They radically leverage digital development to streamline care delivery to the patients. They, then, go beyond merely digitizing the paper charts to streamlining essential operations, including revenue cycle management, medical billing, e-prescriptions, and patient-provider communication. Hence, EHR is a one-stop solution for primary care providers (PCPs) who essentially act as the primary touchpoint for patients seeking medical care.
Interoperability, Automation and Streamlined Workflow
The interoperability feature of EHRs is essentially the game-changer for PCPs. This feature typically enables a seamless exchange of information between several care providers – clinicians, pharmacies, physicians, and laboratories. The sharing of information adds transparency to the entire care delivery process. PCPs can receive vital patient information in real-time, seek assistance from other care providers, and make a sound informed decision about patient’s health. Automating the entire process helps streamline workflows and leads to enhanced efficiency.
Reduced Medical Errors and Better Diagnosis
Automation also leads to reduced medical errors. Since the PCPs have access to the most reliable information about the patient’s health, they can make better diagnoses and treatment plans. EHRs offer a comprehensive situation of the patient’s health, with complete details of the patient’s medical history, allergies, previous medication, and procedures, etc. Moreover, increased organization, accessibility, and accuracy of patient data and documentation overcomes many of the obstacles associated with an accurate diagnosis. Data clarity, data organization, and data recall are all facilitated, which eventually aid the PCPs in making the most accurate decisions.
E-Prescriptions
The ability to prescribe medications online is an added benefit that accrues from EHRs. This feature essentially aids the PCPs in preventing from dispensing the wrong medication. It further empowers the PCPs to validate if the patients have filed prescriptions or not. They can then follow up with counseling for better management of medication. They may also offer education and awareness regarding the regularity of taking medicine. Moreover, filing prescriptions for controlled substances are also highlighted, which then empowers the PCPs to identify any possible case of drug abuse quickly.
Increased Efficiency
All of the above-discussed benefits culminate in increasing the overall efficiency of the PCPs. With automation and integration, streamlined workflows, and better decision making, the providers can deliver superior quality care and improve their practice’s efficiency. Simultaneously, they can improve patient satisfaction levels.
Increased Revenue
The ultimate objective of any business remains maximizing revenues. This is equally true for healthcare organizations. EHRs provide efficient billing and payment tools that help PCPs manage income and ensure payment. With automated workflows, the chances of errors are considerably reduced. Hence, the claims cannot be scrubbed due to mistakes and coding errors. Also, first-time acceptance rates for claims are higher. The probability of claim denials is potentially reduced, and hence the revenue flows increase.
Interestingly, the government also offers monetary incentives to practices for implementing EHRs. Providers can earn tens and thousands of dollars for merely implementing a certified solution and for meeting meaningful use standards. Moreover, EHRs are designed to assist medical practices to meet guidelines and prepare for upcoming mandates.
EHR within a primary care setting is not a standalone system. Instead, it is a complete ecosystem with several integrations that allow delivering holistic care. It offers a comprehensive solution for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care management.
