Why EMR Software Training is Necessary for a Successful Practice

The use of EMR software is not merely an improved method of documenting and sharing patient information, it is a different way in which physicians provide health care. Simply choosing an EMR system is not enough – training and education are essential aspects of smoothly implementing any EMR software into your practice.

In fact, one study showed that intensive technical assistance is vital to improving quality of care through the use of EHR systems. In this study, it was found that physician practices needed at least 9 months of regular training before noting an improvement in quality measures for conditions such as diabetes and breast cancer. In contrast, practices with little to no training showed no improvement in quality measures, even after using the EMR software for up to two years.

Physicians need consistent training and education opportunities in order to provide quality healthcare to patients. But why exactly does EMR software training matter when it comes to running a successful practice?

Value-based Care

Using EMR software in your practice does not guarantee that you’ll meet MACRA requirements. Without proper training, your staff members may not be able to use the software’s features properly in order to maximize its benefits.

For practices participating in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), meaningful use of EHR technology will account for 25% of their composite performance score. In order to ensure a positive payment adjustment, physicians will need to ensure they meet quality measures for the use of EHR.

Successfully offering value-based care includes offering quality care through the use of EHR software. For example, sharing patient data between multiple providers, the proper use of health information exchange, and increasing patient interaction are ways in which the patient-provider relationship are strengthened, resulting in improved care, through the use of certified EHR technology.

Increase Productivity

Productivity can be impacted for months or even years if proper training is not implemented throughout your practice. The inability to efficiently use your EMR system can make even the most basic administrative process, such as patient check-in, a chore and can waste valuable time that should be spent dedicated to patient care.

Customizing training for different positions improves efficiency and saves staff time that can be allocated on their specific responsibilities. Training employees only on the components they will be using will eliminate confusion, cut down on unnecessary time in training, and will help with information retention.

Increase Revenue

Additionally, correct reporting through EMR software means your billing staff can create error-free superbills – an itemized version of a patient bill that includes diagnosis codes, treatment codes, and the need for follow-up care if necessary. The ability to produce accurate superbills with the correct medical billing codes results in more efficient claims payments and less rejected claims.

Organizing a Training Plan

It’s important to implement a training plan that focuses on the needs of each staff member as well as the needs of the practice as a whole. In order to achieve this, you should work with a company that is dedicated to helping your practice succeed.

At 1st Providers Choice, we tailor a training and implementation program specific to the needs of your practice. Proper training will help develop confidence among users as well as strengthen relationships between patients and physicians. To learn more about how we support our customers in EMR implementation through tailored training, contact us online or call us at 480-782-1116.