Advantages and disadvantages of ehr products on the market essay

Advantages and Disadvantages of EHR Products on the Market: An Internet search and review Anne E.

Arp HI300: Information Technology and Systems for Healthcare Prof: Kina Sweet 08/14/2012 The mass of websites declaring EHR software, solutions, products, etc. , was incredible as I entered my search for “ EHR demo” into Google. It is easy to see how creating a migration path is fundamental to choosing the correct and most applicable EHR system. Understanding the needs of applications, technology, and operations will help in making the right decisions when acquiring an EHR system (LaTour & Echenwald-Maki, 2009). The first website that caught my eye was one that proudly claimed that it was “ Designed by doctors, for doctors” (MTBC, n. d.

) Practice Pro is an integrated system that includes the Electronic Health Record (Charts Pro/Web EHR), Billing, and Practice Management systems. Each system can be purchased separately depending on the needs of the clinic. However, the Practice Pro system is a fairly easy to use, dashboard design, and mobile tools accessible system that creates a well-balanced, well-rounded application, operational and technological functionality. This system is ONC ATCB & CCHIT® certified and includes a built-in Meaningful Use tracking and reporting as well as free access to a Meaningful Use coach (MTBC, n. d. ). (MTBC, n. d.

) From the diagram, you can see what is available with each system of choice. The Practice Pro includes everything listed and is priced at 5% of collections. Choosing the Web EHR/Charts Pro costs $295 per provider per month.

There are certain fundamental criteria when acquiring an EHR system. Two of the criteria to consider are vendor support and available training Amatayakul, M. , 2009). MTBC’s provides free, unlimited, around-the-clock remote training and support for every EHR subscriber (MTBC, n.

d. ). The Web EHR system is fully web-based and accessible from a PC, Mac or tablet. There is no software to install therefore there is no need to run backups, or configure firewalls. Unlike a desktop EHR, you can log in through the web browser. This system is secured with bank-level security requirements and is HIPAA and PHI compliant.

The MTBC system seems perfectly suitable to meet the needs of small or medium sized clinics. The second EHR system I chose to review caught my eye due to its impressive claims of “ most utilized EHR solution” and “ trusted by over 180, 000 Physicians. ” (Allscripts, n. d. ) The first difference between Allscripts and MTBC that I immediately noticed was in the website design. MTBC was simple, easy to navigate, informative but not overly wordy, while Allscripts’ site was harder to navigate and find what I was looking for. Allscripts presented a lot of business accolades and industry information.

Allscripts offer more in terms of products and specifically designed solutions. Therefore, it was more complicated to get basic information, or even comparable information since it seemed we weren’t comparing apples to apples. Similar to MTBC, Allscripts Professional is a comprehensive EHR and Practice Management/Claims Processing Solutions bundled into one.

Allscripts offers hundreds of pre-loaded templates in more than 20 specialties. MTBC offers templates but only provides a few specialties. I want to compare the Allscripts products to the I4S phone that my daughter just purchased. It does a lot of interesting and fun things at the touch of her fingers.

The MTBC system is much like the two year old slide keyboard and web available phone that I have, and find perfectly applicable to my needs. Pricing was not given outright, but probably due to the many products and add-ons that one can purchase. Allscripts boosts that “ Allscripts Professional is the EHR that pays you back: Flexible financing options—including zero payments for the first six months—and a proven return on investment make Allscripts Professional the clear choice” (Allscripts, n. . ). The Allscripts Company has vision, ROI potential, integration, technology, and viability criteria in spades. They offer on-sight as well as web-based, instructor-led training. An e-course is also available and is a budget friendly method of initial and ongoing training.

Training Consultants are also available that will work closely with your team to identify, develop, and implement a unique training plan and curriculum (Allscripts, n. d. ) Allscripts is perfect for middle to large sized clinics. They are very connected and offer interoperability. They are connected to over 50, 000 pharmacies. I am sure that the Allscripts Company will continue to go far and have much success in their field.

Depending on the needs and understanding the applications, technology, and operations of your organization will help in making the right decisions when acquiring an EHR system. References Allscripts. com (n. d. ) www. allscripts. com. Retrieved on 08/13/2012 from: http://www.

allscripts. com/en/offers/landing-page/EHR-sem2. html? rc= GoogleAd& CID= GOOGLE& _kk= electronic%20health%20records& _kt= 72001ca2-5ab0-4b86-bc72-44f31b6adb38& gclid= CMSts6ap6LECFSdgMgodEhQAQQ Amatayakul, M.

(2009) Electronic Health Records, fourth edition. AHIMA: Chicago. LaTour, K. & Eichenwald-Maki, S. (2009). Chapter 16 Ambulatory Care EHR Applications. Health Information Management, third edition. AHIMA: Chicago, IL.

MTBC. com (n. d.

) A Unique Healthcare IT Company. Retrieved on 08/14/2012 from: http://www. mtbc. com/web-based-ehr.

aspx? gclid= CNG6n6KY6LECFQcGnQodFg8A8g