The required upfront cost, IT support and initial workflow slowdown associated with the implementation of EMRs have had a greater impact on small physician practices than on larger physician groups.
Taking a modular approach to EMR implementation can minimize those barriers, according to David Kibbe, MD, senior advisor to the American Academy of Family Physicians and principal at The Kibbe Group.
In their education session 18, “Meaningful Use Legos: Modular Approaches to Qualify for Government Funding,” tomorrow morning at 10:30-11:30 AM CST, Kibbe and Mariam Paramore, senior vice president of Emdeon’s Clinical & Government Services, will discuss the value of implementing applications that meet separate objectives of the meaningful use criteria.
Small and medium-size physician offices tend to buy pieces – such as e-prescribing and registrations for data management and care of patients with chronic conditions – that suit their needs and don’t have full-blown comprehensive systems, Kibbe said.
Modules, which can be Web- or device-based, are less expensive to own and operate, don’t require upfront capital expenditure, and are easier to switch out, he said. Modules also appeal to younger physicians, who don’t want to own a lot of equipment and are comfortable with accessing applications over the Internet.
The combination of lower cost of initial investment and ownership diminishes the overall risk if the system doesn’t work, he pointed out.
The good news is that the market will grow, according to Kibbe. Whereas 20 percent of physicians have adopted EHRs, the percentage should rise to 30 to 35 percent in 2011, with 20 to 25 percent having complete EHRs, he predicted.
Within 12 to 18 months, Kibbe said 55 to 60 percent of physicians will have some form of EHR system, with 40 percent having a complete EHR.
“The general encouragement is to move toward use of EHR technology one way or another,” he said. “It’s important to take one’s time to plan and execute well, and make the best decision for the physician and his or her practice.”
