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I got the following email from an EMR vendor talking about a simple feature in their EMR that really adds value to their end users. The feature revolves around making the ICD-9 billing codes into something useful beyond billing. Here’s his message:

I was talking with one of my pediatrician docs the other day and she was saying how un-useful ICD-9 is for her. As part of her note in the EMR she has to code things saying otitis media. But, the important thing to her is saying “3rd ear inf. in 2mo”. It is this brief summary note that she includes in what we call an “interim” field in our EMR. That is what she looks for to get her “ah-ha” in working with kids. Looking down a list of previous visits which show date of service and primary dx takes mental work and analysis. But, being able to see this brief note on the next visit is what makes her do her job better – more meaningful shall we say?

These are the things that make EMRs great.

If you have other useful features that make your EMR great, feel free to submit them on my Contact Us page and I’ll post them in the future.

I just looked at a website of an EMR consultant who posted this blog entry on his Top 10 Electronic Medical Record Software Features for every Physician. This is what he came up with. Take a look.
1) A fully Integrated EMR Software System as opposed to interfaced systems
2) Integration of EMR Software with ePrescription to receive bonus payments
3) Electronic Medical Record Software that supports PQRI Automation
4) Electronic Medical Software with adaptive learning
5) Secure Portability and access to your electronic medical records even without an internet connection
6) Integrated patient portal – Keeping more in-touch with your patients
7) Electronic Medical Record Software that does not box you into rigid templates
Document and Image Management
9) Integrated with voice recognition and handwriting recognition
10) Meets all regulatory and compliance requirements (http://www.revenuexl.com/)

My Top Twelve list would go like this:

First of all the EMR has to be: Easy to Use, Simple to Learn, Affordable and it has to make Providers more productive. Without this functionality, none of the other stuff matters!
1. Can document a progress note quickly and efficiently
2. Can ePrescribe
3. Can access medical record information quickly using document management system (lab results, test reports, consultation and hospital reports)
4. Can track Health Maintenance, Chronic Problem Information and Orders
5. Can generate reports for Quality Improvement and Incentive Programs
6. Can connect to other systems via CCD or CCR
7. Allows flexible documentation via typing, dictating, writing and scanning, and drop down menus, templates and pick lists
8. Patient Portal would be nice
9. Interfaces with Scheduling, Billing and Messaging quickly and seamlessly
10. Keeps Patient Medical History Information Stored and Accessible (Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Past Surgical History, Habits, Family History and Social History)
11. Quick and Simple ICD-9 and CPT Coding Support
12. Quick and Effective E&M Coding Support

What do you think? Did I miss anything? Is my list better or worse than the list from the EMR Consultant?