So, you’re choosing a new EHR.
In order to break into the next stage of growth, outpatient practices need systems that can do (at least) these three things: Enable high levels of automation. Facilitate successful patient engagement. Support financial sustainability.
Here at Raintree, leading EHR provider for the rehabilitation therapy field, we get to see for ourselves first-hand the improvements that quality technology can make not only for providers’ way of life but for how patients also benefit from optimized clinical care.
Let’s take a deeper look at which efficiency tools to look for when you’re choosing a new EHR or EMR system.
User Friendly Design
It goes without saying how valuable the use of EMRs are for modern healthcare practices, but what many providers don’t realize is that they may not be using the right kind of technology for their particular business. In fact, there is a great variety of software and services offered in the current market, but for the sake of providers and their patients, it is important to be informed on key characteristics when evaluating which kind of software to implement.
Attributes to pay close attention to include: user-friendly dashboards, thorough documentation, organized tabs and notes, e-prescriptions (which are directly responsible for a 60% decrease in missed medication events) and of course – navigation speed. The software should be seamlessly usable and intuitive in order to drive productivity and optimize patient care/provider profitability.
Not only will you find these features included in Raintree’s EMR platform, but they will come accompanied with customizable fields, a range of specialty-specific templates, the ability to switch to browser-based views and configurable communication narratives.
Security and Compliance
In the world of healthcare, efficiency doesn’t just matter at the surface-level but rather in every individual aspect of treatment whether it be scheduling, reporting or financing. To ensure your EMR is able to keep up with regular system updates, it should host an educational database that allows providers to quickly train staff as well as gives patients easy access to “how to” videos and explanatory articles. Having these resources conveniently available will help foster positive patient outcomes and encourage seamless technological maintenance.
Additionally, while compliance laws allow for the protection of patients’ health information (PHI) and the overall safety of practice operations, it is also important to understand that cybersecurity is an extremely high priority. Especially now with the shift to a remote workforce, employees at home are much more vulnerable to hackers’ attempts to cease connectivity and override confidential data, making the use of virtual private networks (VPN) and verified firewall software critical to the safeguarding of your business’ vital information.
Automation and Reporting
EMRs involve an array of innovative tools that can make a positive impact on a practice’s productivity and profitability. Beyond simple record keeping, your EMR technology should include tools that offer flexible functionality and intuitive engagement, so that you have more opportunities to focus on patient care and waste less time on troubleshooting staff errors or reconfiguring documentation notes. With automated workflows, comprehensive reporting features as well as insightful productivity metrics, you can simplify your practice’s workload and streamline task management. Picklists also allow you to create templates, line item defaults and define column choices, so that information is easily accessible and readily available.
Interoperability
Whether you choose to integrate or implement software, advanced technology has given providers the capability to pick and choose which systems benefit their business. For instance, patient engagement, revenue cycle management and credentialing are just some solutions that are important for providers to consider when choosing their EMR system. With an all-in-one mindset, your practice will be better equipped to accrue faster resolutions in patient care, avoid preventable mistakes, expand clinical availability and overall heighten patient satisfaction. Furthermore, these benefits all help contribute to reduced costs of care, increased efficiencies and improved affordability.
Choosing a New EHR? Start with Raintree
Raintree Systems helps rehabilitation practices grow by providing top-performing solutions for EHR, RCM and billing, patient engagement, and business intelligence. As a comprehensive platform for rehab therapy, Raintree can help you create the efficient workflows that are foundational to operational excellence.
Looking for an all-in-one platform that supports your outpatient therapy practice, from implementation to rapid growth? Look no further. Request a demo today!
