I realize this is a simple concept with a million answers. In fact, that’s why I’m posting about it and hopefully starting a rich discussion. A huge portion of the healthcare system has adopted EHR software. I now ask the question:
What’s Next?
I know that some of you reading this will reply meaningful use. Ok. We get that. We know what meaningful use requires. Let’s get beyond meaningful use and talk about what you’re doing with your EHR.
I’m really starting this as a conversation starter. Hopefully you can break it down into two areas:
1. What are you doing with your EHR to optimize your use of your EHR?
2. Now that you have an EHR, what are you going to do next? What are you working on next?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and answers. Hopefully we’ll get a broad cross section of responses from small practices, hospitals, vendors, etc. I’ll join in the comments as well.
EHR is really the start of practice automation, I see the EHR as the as a core component of a full service platform that offers consumer facing apps and web-content that allows patients to better understand a practices offerings and benefits, as well as better self manage their health. Specifically, the EHR based system should be the tool to better manage the physician’s profile and be the main engagement tool for offered service packages and pricing as well as scheduling, messaging, and per-registration. In addition the EHR system acts as the critical data store for ongoing patient engagement via the patient portal, and enables expanded services such as tele-medicine and chronic care management. In my view, EHR is a fundamental and required component to allow for further value creation that services both the practice and the patient.