A well-designed Electronic Health Record (EHR) software system helps streamline patient care and makes it easier for staff to manage the practice.
EHR software has the power to transform a private practice, but if you don’t properly understand the platform and how to use it, you may be missing some of its benefits.
To maximize your results and ensure your operations run as smoothly as possible, we’ve pulled together our top tips for effectively using EHR software for private practice.
6 Tips for Using EHR Software for Private Practices
Let’s look at six tips for utilizing EHR software to bring your private practice to the next level.
1. Explore All the Features and Capabilities
More than just providing easy access to patient records, EHR can streamline communication between care providers.
A good EHR software should come with the following:
- Advanced, one-click charting and chart summaries
- Prescribing capabilities
- Patient portal or secure patient access
- Reporting tools
- Templates to improve note-taking
- Scheduling and automated rebooking
- Integrative billing
- Messaging for your users
- And, of course, tech support
A well-designed system creates more efficient billing and improves patient relations. Take advantage of these features to improve practice management and patient care!
2. Take Advantage of Templates
EHR software like Amazing Charts has built-in templates, improving data entry methods and information transfer.
Utilizing templates can reduce the time spent inputting data and doing routine paperwork. These templates can be customized to practice-specific needs. This saves time and money, allowing more time for what matters most–the patients.
3. Encourage Patients to Use the Patient Portal
A secure patient portal can empower patients and give them more control over their healthcare and medical outcomes. Encourage patients to take advantage of this feature by providing an overview of the portal and its benefits when they visit the practice.
4. Dedicate an Implementation Procedure and Personnel to Manage the System
EHR software is not necessarily there to remove all of your operations. Instead, it makes it easier. There still needs to be a dedicated team managing the software and a plan to implement it properly.
Luckily, there are loads of guides on implementing EHR software properly. And, if you go with Amazing Charts, you get all of the core functionality ready out of the box, so this procedure is quick and can be completed in a matter of days, depending on the size of your practice.
5. Customize the System to Your Practice
Depending on the EHR software you use, there are likely features you can customize to make the system more efficient for your private practice. Adjust fields to reflect the specific needs of your practice, and tailor the look and feel of the system to maximize ease of patient access. Don’t work for the software; make the software work for you!
The best EHR software can have multiple integration products, like practice management features, population health resources, medical billing, telehealth, and chronic care management. Explore what you need in the system and make it work for your needs.
6. Focus on Your Patients, Not Your Screen
A focus on patient care is essential when using EHR software. Make sure to give your patients your full attention, and don’t get distracted by the computer.
When meeting with patients, take notes but enter data into the EHR after the visit. This prevents your focus from being taken away from the patient and allows for more accurate record-keeping once the notes are entered.
If this isn’t feasible or you won’t remember the data, then ask for regular breaks to input the data. It’s important that you don’t interrupt patients to enter data or look something up. Let them direct the flow of conversation while you steer it to clinically relevant topics.
Troubleshooting EHR Software for Private Practices
If you’re having trouble with your EHR software, there are a few things you should investigate as possible solutions:
Run an Update
Always make sure you are using the most updated version of your software. Not only will this keep your records secure through the proper application of security updates and patches, but it will also ensure you are accessing the most up-to-date features and up-to-date data.
For example, if you’re suddenly running into issues with coding, you may still be using ICD-10. ICD-10 was updated to ICD-11 on January 2, 2022. And while you may not want to upgrade and mess up your current settings and preferences, transitioning will ensure better patient outcomes and help you remain compliant with current government reporting regulations.
Use the Right Interfaces
You will need your EHR software to talk to other practices and platforms. For example, you may need to send your patient for testing, and if your EHR interfaces with the lab, the requisition will be much simpler.
You need to have the proper integrations and interfaces to maximize your efficiency and reap the full benefits of the software. Creating a standard workflow and utilizing the available interfaces will speed up the process, reduce input errors, and improve the patient experience.
Make Use of All Available Supports
Sometimes, you can resolve EHR troubles on your own if you know where to start. Amazing Charts EHR, for example, has a help button inside the software to guide you through self-help solutions.
Contact the support team via phone, email, or chat if you are still looking for your solution there or in the knowledge bank on the website. The Amazing Charts support team is available on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm eastern.
Tips for Setting Up New EHR Software for Private Practices
Transitioning to an EHR system can be challenging—but it doesn’t have to be! Here are tips for getting new EHR software
Pick Out the Best EHR Software For Your System
If you haven’t already, you’ll want to research the best EHR software for your private practice.
You’ll want software that:
- Can be installed in as little as a few days
- Does not require a lot of training
- Can integrate with other features or third-party software
- Is secure to protect your patient data
- Can be expanded as you grow
- Can offer workflow improvements, like automation and templates
- Has fewer clicks
- Has all of the features you need
When choosing this software, consider the features your staff wants. You’ll find that software created by physicians, like Amazing Charts, typically comes with the most intuitive features.
Define Your Project Starting Date and Timeline
Sit down and define your project start date, timeline, and details. Consider the features you’ll be adding because the more features, the more time it will take.
Audit Existing Systems to Customize Workflows
EHR systems can streamline workflows, making them more efficient and organized. Using modules included with the system, you can create custom workflows that will optimize how you practice medicine.
Before you set up your new system, take time to audit your existing systems. Look at what you made use of and take note of what more you wanted in your software.
Data Export
Moving from an old system, you’ll need to export your data. There may be some configuration here, as not all system codes will line up. Take some time to sift through this process before you hit export all to see if you need everything.
Configure the New System
Once your EHR software is selected and installed, you must configure it according to your practice’s needs. You’ll also apply those new workflows, templates, and preferences here.
We recommend doing this before your data migration so that your data is set up cleanly. Import or add test profiles to configure, and then once you’re ready, you can move on to data migration.
Data Migration and Troubleshooting
Migrating data from your old system to your new EHR system can be the most time-consuming process. Make sure to back up all data and plan to transfer data from your existing system.
Once everyone is up and running, you should spend time testing the system and ensuring it’s working properly. If there are any issues, they should be resolved immediately, so they don’t cause any long-term disruption. A soft roll-out ensures everything works as it should before the clinical practitioners and patients fully depend on it. Identify and troubleshoot issues before using full-scale with actual patients.
Remember to keep your old EHR software active until you’re ready to decommission it.
Team Training
Don’t forget to train your team on how to use the new EHR software. Luckily, you won’t have to go too in-depth when using Amazing Charts, but reviewing how to enter data properly and which modules or templates to use will be helpful.
Consider bringing in help or investing in staff training. There will likely be some troubleshooting in this phase, so account for more time than you need. Additionally, you may need your old and new EHR software running simultaneously in case things go wrong.
Launch Your New EHR Software!
Once you launch, review the system’s performance and staff and patients’ feedback, and adjust accordingly.
With the right preparation, timeline, staff involvement, customization, data migration, training, and troubleshooting, private practices can successfully transition to an EHR system.
EHR Software for Private Practices
With Amazing Charts EHR, users can reap the benefits of quality EHR software for private practices:
- Improved accuracy and timeliness of patient data
- Task automation for better workflow
- Improved patient care
- Enhanced staff efficiency
- Better financial performance
- Clearer insight into practice management
- Improved adherence to regulatory compliance
- Streamlined connectivity and communications
- Higher patient satisfaction
Schedule a consultation with our friendly staff to discuss the powerful features included with Amazing Charts EHR and learn more about how we can support your private practice.
