How will Epic EHR implementation Benefit VCU Health hospitals and clinics?

Every healthcare organization aims to stay competitive by offering the best patient experience and also streamlining workflows to enhance practice efficiencies. By switching to the Epic EMR Software system VCU Health aims to strengthen the patient experience and help doctors make even more accurate and faster care decisions to improve patient outcome levels.

The VCU Health MyChart

The new online patient portal platform, VCU Health MyChart will allow patients to stay connected to their entire healthcare journey. This powerful software which is intuitive in design will enable patients to pay bills conveniently and book appointments eliminating the need to call the hospital receptionist. Streamlining everyday patient services will boost the patient experience. The patient of today demands convenience at every interaction of care and this is what VCU Health MyChart does. Furthermore, patients can promptly and easily communicate via a HIPAA compliant messaging platform through the online portal with their VCU Health provider. Any queries can be responded to immediately which strengths the provider and patient relationship. Patients can also check and review prescriptions and test results in a few clicks.

Patients can have round-the-clock access to the patient portal platform by simply downloading the app from their smartphones. The app supports both iPhone and Android devices and empowers patients like never before. Also, patients will no longer require the need to download third-party applications for telehealth sessions as VCU Health MyChart offers telehealth appointments. Having everything on a single platform delivers an exceptional patient experience. Patients can also communicate about urgent care needs with their provider without booking an appointment.

The VCU Health patient portal powered by MyChart works across all VCU Health facilities to allow easy access to health information from a single platform. So patients don’t need to keep switching accounts. The advanced technology makes it possible for patients to view health data from the Community Memorial Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, and VCU Massey Cancer Center. The 24/7 health connection through the patient portal platform allows patients to keep track of their healthcare more efficiently.

VCU Health MyChart Patient Portal Software also makes it possible for patients to search for a specific provider by their name, medical specialty, or location. This helps patients find the right care and access the healthcare provider they want.

Going Ahead

The care teams at VCU Health have been training before time so they can use the new software system to benefit everyone in the organization. After the EHR Software implementation is over which is going smooth, patients will take benefit from all the capabilities and added features that will enhance their complete patient experience.

Epic Systems joined hands with OCHIN and has deployed the COVID-19 preparedness screening app to improve interoperability options and care coordination in Washington State. The innovative EHR app facilitates patient screening and triage on smartphone devices such as Android and iOS. This will help to decrease the number the patient visits in hospitals and other healthcare facilities which can reduce infection rate in the long run.

How can the COVID-19 preparedness screening App help patients?

The scalable smartphone app enables the patients to self-screen for any symptoms of the virus and finds local COVID-19 facility care sites. Patients who are evaluated in clinics and healthcare centers can link their results electronically to their current medical records using Epic’s robust technology solution. Patients also have the facility to sign up for MyChart accounts which can help them with follow-up care improving care coordination. The cloud technology app aims to provide more connected care away from on-site care facilities avoiding overcapacity and expand care services to families living in the suburbs and rural areas.

Other efforts by Epic Systems in the wake of the pandemic

Apart from the COVID-19 preparedness and screening mobile app, Epic is making use of its software system to detect any potential coronavirus cases and reduce the spread of the contagious virus. Epic EMR Software is one of the first software vendors to make rapid updates to its system to respond to COVID-19 and help its users through advanced features and functionalities. For example, Epic’s patient portal EMR Software solution enables patients to link up with their providers through the e-visit capability and engage in safe two-way messaging round the clock limiting visits to the doctor’s office. Patients can furthermore use the platform for the patient portal questionnaire to get screened for COVID-19 at home rather than visiting the clinic. The vendor has remained preemptive to respond to COVID-19 facilitating both patients and clinicians. The vendor also created an analytic tool tagged as, SlicerDicer which acts as a search tool highlighting where patients with COVID-19 are living. Then an alert can be sent in that area showing that’s it’s an infested zip code.

EMR Software Market/Development Trends

The disappointment with existing EMR Software solutions and the benefits associated with smooth EHR software deployment has been the powerhouse for the accelerated growth in the Electronic Health Records Software market. Following are the general trends that have influenced this rapid growth.

Remote Patient Monitoring

The development of remote patient monitoring tools and applications have helped providers monitor patient conditions remotely reducing the number of ER visits and keep clinicians informed in real-time.

AI and Big Data

The changing dynamics in the healthcare IT sector have boosted the integration with blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning. These technology solutions make sure that researchers and healthcare professionals use the data for valuable studies for better diagnosis and improvement in patient outcome levels.

Focus on Data Standardization

There has been a greater focus on data standardization for ease of software usage. These data standards need to be well-documented and transparent for vendors and users in the healthcare sector.

5G Coverage

5G coverage has made it possible for healthcare providers and patients to stay connected seamlessly 24/7 through mobile applications and smartphones. Enhanced communication despite geographical distance boosts patient engagement levels and makes them feel on top of their healthcare process.

Working on Interoperability Options

Interoperability is crucial for smooth data sharing and transfer between stakeholders in the healthcare sector. Lack of standardization for data sharing is a big roadblock to interoperability. HIT and federal bodies will work even harder to reduce the barriers to data sharing for increased interoperability options offered by software vendors.

 Attention on Patient Engagement

Driving patient engagement is a need for today, patients want to feel involved throughout their healthcare journey. The patient App and Patient Portal EMR Software will play a major role to boost patient engagement levels and will be designed in a user-friendly format that is simple to navigate by patients of most age groups.

Final Takeaway

EHR Software development trends all emphasize using the latest technology and digital innovations to provide productivity and enhance efficiency levels to meet your practice needs in the best possible way. We can expect a growth in overall accessibility, integration, and AI technology options in software systems that can provide supreme care to patients and streamline daily clinical workflows for healthcare staff members.

Telemedicine has become one of the fastest-growing healthcare sectors and hospitals and clinics in the US offer virtual clinic sessions to patients in order to treat and diagnose them from afar. The robust telemedicine platform has improved patient outcome levels and reduced healthcare costs drastically.

Role of telemedicine during the pandemic

Telemedicine is seen as a sustainable and an effective solution in the global pandemic. The telemedicine platform is helping to bridge the gap between clinicians and patients and providing them the opportunity to stay connected when governments were urging people to stay indoors to avoid any contact and limit exposure. Hospitals and clinics have deployed telemedicine solutions to help people with other medical conditions to receive care without having to visit the hospital facility reducing the risk of catching the virus.

Telemedicine EMR software is also being used to treat quarantined patients from their homes through convenient video sessions with the doctor. The CDC has also urged people to use telemedicine technology to link up with their healthcare providers for non-emergency cases to reduce the pressure on frontline staff members and hospitals. Telemedicine is also being used in forward triage of patients before they arrive at the hospital.

During these difficult times, patients have 24/7 connectivity with their doctors which can be a source of great comfort. It was noticed that many people were facing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety during the lockdown. Patients used the telemedicine platform to have online consultations with their mental health providers to combat underlying depression.

Telemedicine has also played a vital role in providing routine care to high-risk patients who have chronic ailments who are more vulnerable to catch the virus if they leave their homes. Through the use of quick video visits, clinicians can help such patients to avoid exposure altogether.

Limitations

The most important limitation is that some hospital systems and large clinics have embraced telemedicine solutions but most hospitals and private clinics are not equipped to deliver care through this platform. Telemedicine has never been used in response to a public crisis earlier but things are drastically changing and the US government and CDC are advising healthcare facilities to use telemedicine technology to protect both staff members and patients and reduce the burden on hospital systems.

What can be done?

Practices need to provide training to clinicians to use telemedicine tools, revise scheduling procedures, and review payer telehealth policies. Patients also need to be informed that hospital visits are being replaced by video sessions and consultations. A recent survey conducted of US patients revealed that 84% of patients are likely to go to a healthcare provider that offers telemedicine solutions. This shows that patients see this platform as an effective way to receive care remotely. The good news is most telemedicine EMR Software vendors offer training modules to help users launch and navigate the software in a breeze. Here are some examples of robust telemedicine EMR Software vendors that offer functionality, ease of use, and 24/7 support and assistance.

1. Athenahealth EMR Software
2. Epic EMR Software
3. drchrono EMR Software
4. eClinicalWorks EMR Software

Free patient scheduling software is a great solution for medical practices to combat the issue of missed appointments and that too without a cost. These solutions have a great set of features and work especially well for a small medical set-up as they may lack the cash to invest in a full appointment scheduling system or electronic medical records software.

Benefits of a Patient Scheduling Software System

Let’s first see how a practice can benefit from a patient scheduling software system.

• Increases practice efficiencies
• Saves your time and money
• Handles the grave issue of no-shows
• Generate more revenue
• Helps practices to utilize their employee time
• Attract and retain clients

5 Best Free Patient Scheduling Software Solutions

These are the top 5 picks of free patient scheduling software solutions that help to streamline and organize your practice workflows and daily tasks.

1. Acuity Scheduling – Acuity scheduling is a cloud-based patient scheduling software solution. The software system has a clean and intuitive user interface and can be customized according to one’s needs. In the free version, users can access unlimited appointments for as long as they desire and gives you one calendar. It has an excellent mobile app. Acuity Scheduling has robust online booking functionality. Patients can easily log in find an available time slot and make a booking online. The online scheduling software works well on Windows and Mac.
2. 10to8 – 10to8 Appointment Scheduling Software the powerful patient scheduling software system can be seamlessly integrated with popular apps and programs like; Google Calendar, Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Office, and Paypal. The software provides features of calendar and appointment management, online booking, and customer relationship management. The software also allows users to view a complete activity log to check any schedule changes and cancellations. Most of the CRM features can be used without a cost, the two-way messaging between users and customers allows real-time communication.
3. Setmore – The scheduling tool is easy to use and can be customized to meet your practice needs. The powerful patient scheduling software solution allows your clients to make easy online bookings. The free plan includes unlimited appointments and you can easily manage customers, staff members, and schedules. The appointment solution is a good pick for small practices having 20 employees.
4. SimplyBook – SimplyBook is an online booking app that offers a great user-interface. It has four plans including the free option and going to the premium plan. The look and feel of the booking page can be easily customized by several template options available. The robust patient scheduling software solution offers integration with Google Calendar and there are apps available for Apple and Android users. The excellent support system is a plus to users and their website offers helpful blogs and articles on a variety of topics.
5. Appointy – Appointy patient scheduling software offers great usability and seamless software integration options. The user interface is simple and intuitive and makes it one of the most user-friendly software options available. You can easily view and access your calendar, reports, and customers on the left panel. The software system works well on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Users can get hold of free basic client activity reports which includes data regarding bookings, rescheduling, and cancellations. Email notifications are included in the free plan however there is a charge for SMS notifications. Nonetheless, the software system offers simplified online booking an effective calendar, and appointment management tools.

Final Note

Using a patient scheduling software system has quite many upsides for your practice. Before choosing the software system make sure it offers all basic features of online booking, calendar management, automatic reminders, and real-time automated scheduling. Also, security is an important factor to consider as essential patient data is stored in the scheduling software system. Security and protection is an important feature to consider before making a final choice. Talk to the software vendor about it and give thorough research by going through user reviews to make the best decision for your practice, best of luck!

Features of athenaOne Mobile App

The app is Meaningful Certified and provides a set of features such as;

• Charting Tools
• E-prescribing (e-Rx)
• Voice Recognition
• ONC-ATCB Certified
• Compliance Tracking
• Appointment Scheduling

athenaOne lets doctors provide the best possible treatment from anyplace and at any time. The medical app brings advanced mobile care tools to streamline workflows and improve patient care.

Let’s see what health care providers are saying about athenaOne.

“I’m an APN in Primary Care with Ascension Alabama and I just started using AthenaOne last week as we’re just given access to it. I’m still getting used to it but this app has positively fallen into my workflow. It’s very helpful for sharing info with patients in a very easy to read way for the patient. It’s extremely helpful in documenting the physical exam seamlessly as I am performing the exam and easily placing orders as I walk out of the patient’s exam room. “

“Great new mobile app! The user interface is really easy to use and has already made a significant impact on my daily workflow. It’s super helpful for my days off and when I’m on call if I want to quickly review labs and patient cases on the go.”

Medical practitioners find the athenaOne app extremely helpful and resourceful as they can easily keep track of patient records on the go and update care plans and maintain effective communication between peers. The app makes available patients’ history promptly when decisions need to be made related to patient care. This makes it possible for the practitioner to respond proactively to different patient conditions. The well-designed user interface of athenaOne furthermore supports clinicians to track specific patient-related data effectively.

Final Takeaway

AthenaOne is the all in one medical app for doctors that provide a complete set of tools to enhance physician efficiency and reduce physician burnout as doctors can get hold of patient information faster. The app further ensures that patient privacy is protected round the clock due to ONC-ATCB Certified. It is a true cloud-based solution that provides medical decision support to healthcare providers.

In this article, we have shortlisted the 4 best EHR software solutions for mental or behavioral health private practices. These software solutions streamline both the clinical and administrative side of mental health practice including charting, e-Rx, and patient registration. The following EHR software can cater to meet the unique needs of behavioral health professionals.

1. Kareo Clinical EHR Software – Kareo Clinical EMR Software is a cloud-based Electronic Health Records Software and Practice Management (PM) solution. It has features and tools that are suitable to cater to the requirements of mental health private practices. These include treatment plans, e-Prescribing, and appointment scheduling. Kareo is best for mental practice setups of all sizes. It offers about 50 behavioral health templates that are easily customizable. Patient safety is enhanced through the alert feature of the software. The mental health care provider can access patient records from any device or smartphone without a hassle.
2. PIMSY EHR Software – PIMSY EHR Software offers integrated EHR and Practice Management (PM) system software designed specifically for behavioral health and substance abuse providers. It offers customizable templates, billing, and scheduling and patient check-in functionality. The HIPAA compliant platform also provides HR management tools and utilities like mobile App and intensive outpatient (IOP) tools.
3. TheraNest Mental Health Software – TheraNest is a cloud-based EHR software solution that has a set of robust features including therapy notes, billing tools, scheduling, client portal, practice management, and telehealth solutions. TheraNest has an intuitive interface that makes it extremely user-friendly to use.
4. TherapyNotes EHR Software – TherapyNotes EMR Software offer web-based EHR and Practice Management solutions. The software has mental health EHR tools including a patient portal, scheduling, and billing features. End to end financial solutions are provided taking care of billing and claims submission. Mental health providers can easily create treatment plans, progress notes, and psychological evaluations. The solution is suitable for practices of all sizes and the HIPAA certified application ensures the security of sensitive patient data.

About Cerner

Cerner provides Electronic Health Records solutions to long-term facilities, retail pharmacies, and laboratories. Cerner’s EMR system makes it possible to automate clinical operations of daily workflows including documenting diagnosis and charting. The all-inclusive software has robust features of custom templates, E-prescribing (e-Rx), lab integrations and patient portal.

It provides both cloud-based and on-premise solutions. The EHR software is suitable for physician practices of every size. Cerner also offers a Practice Management (PM) system that helps healthcare providers handle scheduling and billing procedures.

About Epic

Epic provides EMR solutions to large hospital systems and healthcare facilities. It is certified for Meaningful Use Stages 1 and 2.  Epic provides dedicated modules for various medical specialties such as ENT, oncology, ophthalmology, rehab, surgery, cardiology and etc. Telehealth services are also provided by Epic which is used for patient monitoring and on-going patient care.

The software has smart tools of Artificial Intelligence and analytics which helps to empower the decision-making process. The mobile app helps providers to practice on the go through smartphones and tablets.

Functionality Comparison

Both the EHR software companies offer a similar set of solutions that helps to streamline workflow operations by automating daily procedures. Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) services, analytics, and population health management are similar features. Both Cerner and Epic offer cloud-based solutions for acute and ambulatory care.

Services for software implementation and support are offered by both the vendors.

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to software purchase the pricing encompasses implementation costs, maintenance cost, and hardware update costs. It should be kept in mind that EHRs are expensive and costly. A price quote is unavailable for both the vendors but on request it can be provided. Pricing information is kept private however Epic is slightly more expensive as compared to Cerner, though this depends upon how well the implementation is planned.

Summary

The table below summarizes the whole comparison.

Comparison
User Rating on EMRSystems
User Satisfaction	86.9%	85.1%
Pricing	Get Quote	Get Quote
Free Demo	Watch Now	Watch Now
Practice Size	S | M | L	S | M | L
Patient Portal	✓	✓
Medical Billing	✓	✓
Practice Management	✓	✓
e-Prescribing (e-Rx)	✓	✓
Hosting	On-premise & Cloud-based	On-premise & Cloud-based

Telehealth EMR Software is the use of digital technologies to provide a virtual platform that links up doctors and patients effectively. Conditions can be assessed, treated and diagnosed over virtual meetings, two-way communications through desktop and smartphone devices.

Telehealth is a perfect platform for patients to receive care remotely. Dermatologists can easily examine skin conditions remotely and also physiologists can give sessions to patients via virtual meetings.

Since the last decade telemedicine, EMR Software technology has been adopted by many health care providers to improve patient access and reduce the cost of care.

Increasing Patient Access and Reach through Telehealth EMR Software Model

Telehealth is used as a robust tool to help provide access to patients outside of clinical and hospital settings. Quality and timely care is crucial for certain patients especially those dealing with mental health issues and chronic conditions like skin allergies, rashes and pediatric consults for sudden fever, flu and cold symptoms in infants. The telehealth Electronic Medical Records software solution offers HD video calls, a secure two-way chat module and voice messaging to enhance the patient outcome and reach.

Real-time video telehealth enables patients to schedule appointments from the convenience of their home and workplace to receive on-time care using smartphone devices, tablets or computer desktops. Patients are sent an appointment confirmation to meet with their health care provider on a live video session. On-demand care is provided through telemedicine platform as patients have larger access to health care providers who are able to provide care via video chat and two-way messaging facility.

Telehealth EMR Software solutions can be used for care transitions and post-acute care. For example, tablet devices are used to link patients and their families to the inpatient care team through telehealth calls. This has increased patient satisfaction levels and patient engagement

Conclusion

We know that there is a physician and care provider shortage and the telehealth technology can help to expand care to patients. The tool can be effectively used to reach a patient in rural areas who don’t have access to medical facilities and reaching more patients to improve patient satisfaction scores.  The diagram below shows the telemedicine adoption rates which clearly reflect that health care providers and hospital systems are inclined to use telehealth as an effective digital healthcare business model.

Resources

How Telemedicine Is Changing Healthcare – business.com. (2020). Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.business.com/articles/telemedicine-software-and-medical-practices/

Michael Greiwe, M. (2020). Top 10 Benefits of Telehealth for Patients and Doctors. Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.ortholive.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-telehealth-for-patients-and-doctors

Telehealth Models for Increasing Access to and Engagement with Care Outside of Healthcare Settings – RHIhub Toolkit. (2020). Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/care-delivery/nontraditional-settings

To select the EMR Software perfect for your practice can be a daunting task. EMRSystems has tabulated and compared the best Optometry EMR Software in the USA IntelleChart EMR Software and Eyefinity EMR Software in terms of features offered, supported platforms, user reviews, ratings, and recommendations to provide more comprehensive information so you can make a well-informed decision.

Optometry EMR Software Comparison By EMRSystems

Standing high among other top players of Optometry EMR Systems comparison among the features of both Intellechart and Eyefinity is as follows:

IntelleChart EMR Software

IntelleChart EMR Software by Nextech is a software developed by an ophthalmologist that is robust enough to allow diagnostics and treatment sharing through a shared knowledge base. Other features offered include:

Optometry-Specific Templates – Adaptive template availability without programming or irrelevant choices.

Auto Drawing Module – Generates a proposed layered drawing based on the findings from which inaccuracies can be corrected without starting from scratch.

Inventory Management – Full stock visibility with highly robust and fully integrated inventory management.

Appointment Management – Automated alerts and reminders helping patients return to the office when necessary and notifying the practice about any potential risk

Patient portal – Provides secured access under the HITECH Act that allows patients access to their information through a patient portal for their use.

Eyefinity EMR Software

Eyefinity electronic medical records software (EMR Software) is ONC-ATCB certified and is fully eligible to integrate the meaningful use of certified EHR technologies of stage 1 and stage 2 into the practices. The EMR is also ICD-10 and HIPAA compliant which is necessary to ensure the safety of Patient Health Information (PHI). Here are some of the salient features:

Optometry-Specific Templates – Highly robust customizable ophthalmic templates simplify the documentation and eradicating complications of day-to-day operations to maximize.

Drawing Module – examWRITER, created by Eyefinity, is the EHR solution in a suite of tools created for Optometrists. Eyefinity’s other solutions include OfficeMate practice management software, and Eyefinity training and education. Beyond including essential tools such as patient history and billing management, examWRITER offers ophthalmic templates and drawing tools.

History Keeping – Allows optometrists to record and pull in-depth diagnosis records with relevant notes with easy access.

 Integration – Eyefinity’s examWRITER is robust enough to integrate with measuring equipment used in diagnosis. Through which, optometrists can now load reports directly using highly secured mediums into patient history.

Mobile Application – The only Optometry EHR iPad app which ensures full usability of the iPad’s built-in features including the Camera and Siri.

Optometry EMR Software Comparison

Comparison
User Rating on EMRSystems
User Satisfaction	87.2%	74.3%
Pricing	Get Quote	Get Quote
Free Demo	Watch Now	Watch Now
Practice Size	S | M | L	S | M | L
Patient Portal	✓	✓
Medical Billing	✓	✓
Practice Management	✓	✓
e-Prescribing (e-Rx)	✓	✓
Mobile Application		✓
Revenue Cycle Management	✓	✓
Hosting	On-premise & Cloud-based	On-premise & Cloud-based

This is a comparison based on research done in terms of features they offer. Pro-tip is to that only pick functions or modules that your practice needs to save cost.