The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using EMR Systems
Despite the many benefits you get when using EMR systems, some are still wary of integrating it in their healthcare facility’s operations. To resolve that, we present the advantages and disadvantages of using EMR systems in your clinic or hospital. We hope that, through this, you can make a more informed decision whether you should use EMR software in your business or not.
THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EMR SYSTEMS
Various EMR providers in the Philippines make it their primary goal to address the growing needs of medical professionals and their staff to manage their clinic or hospital. These needs could range from ensuring the secure storage of confidential patient records to the convenient generation of reports, lab results, and prescriptions.
FIRST, LET US DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES OF USING EMR SYSTEMS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY.
ONE: CONVENIENT MANAGEMENT OF PATIENT NEEDS
Through the EMR system, you and your staff can get immediate access to your patient’s records. Therefore, you can better attend to their needs without the hassle of looking for their records from shelves. Moreover, EMR systems have a dashboard that allows users to enter appointment schedules quickly. Usually, these details will then be presented in a calendar view, such as in the image below.
As such, physicians and their medical staff can see their daily, weekly, and monthly schedules at a glance. Because of this, they can better manage patient consultations, exams, and other appointments.
TWO: ACCESSIBLE CLOUD-BASED SYSTEM
Another feature that makes using EMR systems advantageous: it is cloud-based. So, as long as you have an internet connection, you can access the EMR system whenever and wherever. In addition, its advanced search feature will help you easily retrieve patient records instead of going through piles of charts and papers.
The cloud-based system also makes it possible to create backups on the cloud. In addition, because it is a cloud-based system, users can handle patient records regardless of which clinic they visit.
THREE: EFFICIENT GENERATION OF REPORTS AND BILLING PROCESSES
With an EMR system, users can generate and print patient charts, reports, lab results, exam results, medical certificates, prescriptions, and more with just a click of a button. No need for the manual writing of reports and prescriptions. Because of this, you can increase work efficiency and improve staff productivity. In addition, you reduce the possibility of making inaccurate diagnoses. You also help your staff better understand your notes on patient consultation forms.
You can also integrate your EMR system with your existing accounting system to streamline your billing and payment transactions. In this way, your medical staff can already process your patients’ financial transactions in one system. You should check out available EMR systems today, such as the PxTrack EMR software that provides billing features for its users.
FOUR: COMPLIANT TO DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY
Before EMR systems get released for use, they must comply with several encryption requirements. Doing so ensures that the patient information entered into the system remains secure and confidential, thereby upholding data privacy laws and regulations.
EMR systems employ various security measures, including data encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA), to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the system.
FIVE: EQUIPPED WITH REGULAR AUTOMATED BACKUPS
As mentioned earlier, EMR systems are cloud-based, making manual and automated backups possible. With regular backups, users prevent information loss.
So, if you use an EMR system for your clinic or hospital, it would be best to make regular backups to ensure that you have a secure copy of your data in case something happens. You can set your EMR system to create backups every week, every other week, or every month. It’s up to you!
NOW, LET US BRIEFLY DISCUSS THE DISADVANTAGES OF USING EMR SYSTEMS IN MEDICAL FACILITIES.
ONE: WILL REQUIRE STAFF TRAINING
EMR systems may become quite complex for medical staff, especially those not as experienced in using software and applications. Thus, you may need to require your team to undergo training on using the software. Of course, to conduct training sessions, remember that you will need to shell out additional expenses.
Aside from that, during the training period, you and your staff will have to spend less time with your patients. This could negatively affect how you address patient needs.
TWO: SECURITY RISK FROM CYBER ATTACKS
Because cloud-based EMR systems contain your patients’ personal information, there is a possibility for cybercrime. Hackers and other malicious attackers may attempt getting into the system to gain access to confidential information and use it to commit fraud, identity theft, and other similar activities.
As such, it is crucial on your part to ensure that the EMR system you use in your clinic or hospital is equipped with the required security measures to keep those malicious individuals out.
THREE: EMR CAN BE COSTLY
EMR systems can be costly. However, it would be best to keep in mind that this cost depends on the features and functionalities your clinic or hospital will require. There are several EMR systems available today that provide countless features. However, your business may not need all of those features.
So, it is essential to find an EMR system that provides what your medical facility only needs. You can even ask an EMR software company to modify your software to address only what your facility needs. In doing so, you only pay for what you need.
THE DECISION NOW RESTS ON YOU!
You now know the advantages and disadvantages when using EMR systems. Now, the decision rests on you. So just let us know at PxTrack — among the leading EMR providers in the Philippines — when you finally decide to implement EMR into your medical practice!
If you have more questions about EMR, send us an email or let us know in the comments below!
