EMR Integration

EMR Integration: What Is It and Where Should You Start?

The Basics The introduction of personal and commercial computer systems planted the seeds of a technological revolution in the 20th century. With virtually…

The Basics

The introduction of personal and commercial computer systems planted the seeds of a technological revolution in the 20th century. With virtually every market on the planet being directly affected, the healthcare industry has been no exception. In the U.S. specifically, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was introduced in 2009 and required that all private and public healthcare providers adopt the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) by 2014.

So, what exactly are EMRs and what does EMR Integration actually entail?

  • An EMR is essentially just a database that holds the medical charting for all patients within a single healthcare provider. They hold all the information that a paper chart (now a thing of the past!) would.
  • EMR Integration involves creating software systems that combine these records with every other digital application that a provider uses to form a single, streamlined platform.

The Importance

The importance of EMR Integration transcends the mere threat of government penalization for non-compliant providers. The entire system provides huge advancements for both the provider and patient experience. These include:

  • High-speed and effective sharing and tracking of patients’ health history among providers.
  • Reduction of errors made in patient records.
  • Ability of patients to access their own records anywhere at any time, book appointments, and have time-sensitive questions answered without delay.
  • Increased privacy and protection of personal information via secure access protocols

The Challenges

No healthcare provider is without its EMR integration challenges. While integration will ultimately increase the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare, the industry must still navigate a continuous road of obstacles. Common challenges come in the form of:

  • Lack of standard data formatting among different systems
  • High monetary and time costs
  • Technological challenges
  • Data privacy and security

Review an in-depth explanation of EMR integration challenges

The Opportunities

The opportunities of an EMR integration are vast. These system implementations can have a positive effect on multiple areas of a healthcare business including:

  • Medical diagnostics
  • Treatment planning and coordination with multiple providers
  • Admissions, referrals, and transfers between facilities
  • Analysis and decision-making based on lab results
  • Billing integration
  • Telehealth services

athenahealth

athenahealth provides one of the top cloud-based EMR/EHR (Electronic Health Records) systems in the healthcare industry. Its open and scalable platform, combined with the ability to allow providers to customize their experience with specific apps from their Marketplace store, make it one of the most practical integration solutions available.

And the best part? Intely is now a proud partner of athenahealth! Access to Intely’s enterprise integration and data automation solutions are now available on the Marketplace.

Who’s in the running?

The demand for EMR integration has created an entirely new industry over the past decade. Some of the top EMR integration providers and platforms include:

While any one provider may not be the end-all solution, Connect by Intely provides a magnificent compromise between streamlined, user-friendly functionality and affordability.

Your First Step

The first step toward any revolutionary change is exciting… and almost always daunting. Here at Intely, it doesn’t have to be!

Book a complimentary strategy session with our team, and we will help you build a plan tailored to your own unique needs.

Access our appointment calendar here and find a time that works for you!

Sources:

Federal Mandates for Healthcare: Digital Record-Keeping Requirements for Public and Private Healthcare Providers

An Overview of EMR: Meaning, Benefits & How They Differ from EHRs

Challenges to Interoperability in EMR

EMR Integration is the process of merging Electronic Medical Records (EMR) with other digital applications and systems within a healthcare provider's operations to create a unified, streamlined platform. This enables the seamless sharing and management of patient data across various healthcare services.

EMR Integration is crucial for several reasons:

  • Improved Patient Care: Facilitates high-speed sharing and accurate tracking of patient health history across multiple providers.
  • Reduced Errors: Minimizes the risk of mistakes in patient records.
  • Enhanced Accessibility: Allows patients to access their records anytime and anywhere, book appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers.
  • Increased Data Security: Enhances privacy and protection of personal information through secure access protocols.

The primary challenges of EMR Integration include:

  • Data Standardization: Difficulties due to lack of uniform data formats across different systems.
  • Resource Intensity: Significant monetary and time investments required.
  • Technological Barriers: Integration complexities and technology adoption hurdles.
  • Data Security: Maintaining privacy and protecting against data breaches.

EMR Integration provides vast opportunities to improve healthcare operations, including:

  • Enhanced Diagnostics and Treatment: Improves coordination of care and facilitates better treatment planning.
  • Streamlined Administrative Processes: Integrates admissions, referrals, and billing systems.
  • Support for Telehealth: Enhances the delivery of telemedicine services.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Aids in medical decision-making through integrated lab results and diagnostics.

To begin with EMR Integration:

  1. Understand Your Needs: Assess the specific requirements and challenges of your healthcare practice.
  2. Choose the Right Partner: Select an integration provider that aligns with your operational needs and budget.
  3. Plan Strategically: Engage with a consultant or integration specialist to create a tailored implementation plan.
  4. Book a Consultation: Consider scheduling a strategy session with integration experts to discuss your options in detail.