What is the best solution for getting my paper charts into the EHR?
Medisoft Clinical EHR comes with a document management system that will allow you to scan and manage your paper charts. Most of our clients only scan clients that have made a future appointment. There isn't any reason to scan patient data if that patient isn't planning on returning in the near future. Wait to scan non-returning patients for archival reasons until after your office is fully functional with EHR.
What can I do now to prepare my charts for scanning?
There are 3 things that you should be doing to all your charts starting right now:
1. Remove Staples: When you eventually go to an EHR, it will be much easier to scan the chart if sheets aren't stapled.
2. Letter Size Sheets: Consolidate all the 1/2 sheets, legal sheets, and post-it notes into letter sized sheets. "Standardize the Sheet Size!"
3. Organize Charts: Straighten sheets, fix damaged sheets, etc. because they won't feed through a scanner properly.
What about the important information, like allergies and histories that are in the chart?
The best way to plan on getting that information into your EHR is by creating a single informational cover sheet. Use colored paper to highlight this sheet so it can be easily located. On this sheet, you should include allergies, diagnosis, medications, and relevant history if available (medical, social, family). When it's time to enter that patients medical information into your EHR; your staff only needs to locate this sheet from the chart and enter the relevant information. Be sure to always keep this sheet current!
We don't use Medisoft's Office Hours for scheduling?
We highly recommend that you start using Office Hours for scheduling as that information will show up in Clinical EHR for the provider to see their schedule. Be sure to use the reason codes as well.
We don't use Medisoft very often. What should we do?
By all means get training on Medisoft. Start using Medisoft and become familiar with entering in new patients, making appointments in Office Hours, and track as much patient information as possible. (HINT: Be sure to enter the referring providers fax number). Once your staff is efficient with Medisoft, your Clinical EHR implementation will be faster and easier since you won't have to retrain your staff.
How long does it take to get the software installed?
From the time that you order the software; the average time takes around 30 days for the software to be installed and functional. Please keep in mind that there are a lot of factors, including how quickly we receive your pre-implmentation paperwork, your version of Medisoft, how clean your Medisoft data is, and the status of your server and computers.
What you need to participate in the EHR Incentive Programs?
In order to qualify for an EHR incentive payment, all eligible professionals and hospitals need to have certified EHR technology for this program. The standards for certified EHR technology are now available. These standards establish the required capabilities that certified EHR technology will need to include to support the achievement of meaningful use.
NOTE: You do not need to have your certified EHR in place in order to register for the EHR incentive programs. However, you must have adopted, implemented, upgraded or meaningfully use certified EHR technology before you will receive an EHR incentive payment from either Medicare or your State Medicaid Agency.
When will the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) begin to pay Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentives to eligible professionals (EPs) and hospitals the demonstration of meaningful use of certified EHR technology?
CMS expects that Medicare incentive will begin to be paid in May 2011. Medicaid incentives will be paid by the States and will also begin in 2011 but the timing will vary by State. Under the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, incentives can also be paid for the adoption, implementation, or upgrade of certified EHR technology.
How will eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals apply for incentives under the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program?
Information on registration for EHR incentive programs will be available toward the end of 2010 at this link: EHR Incentive Programs. Registration for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program will begin in January 2011 and will be available online. Registration for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program may also begin in January 2011, but the timing will vary by State.
If I already have an electronic health record (EHR) that has been certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT), will I have to buy a new system if the government mandates that only EHRs that meet a higher certification level are considered certified EHRs?
All EHRs will need to be certified for the EHR Incentive Programs by an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). It is expected that the first EHRs will be certified in the fall of 2010.
Under the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program, who is responsible for demonstrating meaningful use of certified EHR technology, the provider or the vendor?
To receive an EHR incentive payment, the provider (eligible professional (EP), eligible hospital or critical access hospital (CAH)) is responsible for demonstrating meaningful use of certified EHR technology under both the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs.
What equipment do I need to work with Medisoft Clinical EHR?
For computer hardware, please download our System Requirements for a full list of compatible System Requirements. If you're planning on purchasing any medical equipment; be sure to give us a call to discuss the latest list of Welch Allen and MidMark equipment that is compatible.
What is included with my Software Maintenance?
With your annual software maintenance fee you will receive basic Medisoft phone, email, and online support along with all updates and upgrades to your software. This includes Medisoft, Office Hours, Medisoft Clinical EHR, and Communication Manager. It will also cover any additional Medisoft add-on's that you may have. This maintenance does not include training or 'How to...' questions.
What if I need more training?
You may purchase additional online classes for you or your staff. You may also purchase 1-on-1 online time with one of our certified trainers; plus we offer volume discounts on 4 hours or more. We also offer onsite training (travel costs not included). Please inquire with us about our additional training options. We can also tailor a custom training package to meet your needs.
What if I'm not ready to get an EHR right now but want to stay current with my Medisoft? or What if I'm on the latest version of Medisoft, will I get a discount?
Contact us for a price quote on upgrading just your Medisoft. When you're ready to move to Clinical EHR; you'll receive partial credit for your Medisoft Upgrade purchase towards the cost of Medisoft Clinical EHR. (Credit depends on the version and type of Medisoft)
How much does Medisoft Clinical Cost?
Please see our BUY NOW price sheet for information related to the costs associated with purchasing Medisoft Clinical EHR.