Some positive thoughts from FPA pilot project

Well, I have to agree with many that in the initial implementation phase there are a multitude of items that need to be tweaked and often it can be frustrating to wait a few days or weeks to see resolution.  Our clinic is technically in phase two but many of us are already fully utilizing the program.  We are still working with the help desk on several issues but I have to say that they have been very active in trying to solve the problems.  I do believe though that as Janet says, you have to be "squeaky" at times to get action quickly.  I think that profile is a powerful product and daily I fine new areas that impress me.  At this point in time, I'm the one finding value added products and sharing it with other members in my clinic but I can already see this changing as others are becoming more comfortable with the product and are exploring.

    Some examples of "more than a paper chart" that I've used in the last few days are:

    Graphing blood pressures; INRs and HgbA1C for patients so they can see how they're  doing.  

    Using the BMI calculator to print out ideal weight range and ideal weight for curious patients

    Consult letters that take about two minutes to type because everything except the reason for consult comes to the letter automatically.  (By the way, the consult letter that comes with Profile doesn't list Allergies but this is an easy fix--call me when you need to fix yours).

    Using Ad hoc prescription templates to make prescriptions just the way I like them (ex. Diclofenac gel 5% . . . .)and then saving the template so I can use it ever after with just a few clicks.

    Setting Care alerts so that q 4month, 2 year or even 5 year investigations flag me.  This was one of the more important things for me.

    Instant messaging my MOAs so follow up appts are ready for the patients as soon as they leave my office

    My MOAs message me so I can get the results of, for instance, urinalyses  or preg tests without them having to knock on the door

    Yesterday we figured out how to print out a list of every patient for a given provider that has had CDM or  Complex Care billed so we can ensure this is being done as it should for the future.

    In the THIS IS SO COOL department, I've been using typing templates and most impressively the images therein for my notes.  I'm actually faster now than I was in November when I was using paper charts.  I'm seeing the same number of patients as I was then but now I'm not falling behind on my charts.  This is not to say all is roses.  Some of the docs in my clinic are having a harder time adjusting.  

Overall, I think once our pilots have begun to fully utilize the EMR and can begin to share their knowledge and experience with those coming through the process, then we will have a better idea of how well this process will work.  I think we are too early in the process yet to make any sweeping statements about the EMR simply because we're like someone having bought a computer but has only been trained how to use email.  We know it should do more but we don't know how yet.

Erin

Erin Ewing BRE, BSc, MD, CCFP