02/03/2022
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: EHR Recommendations for Seasoned Podiatrist
After 32 years, I am strongly thinking of going paperless in my practice. Since this is new for me and a huge step, I was looking for some advice from my colleagues. What were the mistakes you made in setting yours up? What things would you do differently if you had it to do it over? Costs? Where to get the best advice? Is there any provider out there that stands above the others? What are the pros and cons of doing it all in the cloud vs. on-premise?
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS
08/13/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: E-MD Maintenance Fees Double
I recently received notification from E-MD (Practice Partner, Lytec, etc.), that my yearly maintenance fee will almost double. They want to charge for “buffer licenses” that I have had with no charge for 8 years. Has anyone had similar issues? Is this another red flag for a company who outsources MIPS and is still not 2015 CEHRT certified?
Joel Epstein, DPM, Palm Harbor, FL
08/01/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Free Clearinghouses?
I was just notified by MD-Online that they are more than doubling their fees from about $120 to $240 a month for using their clearinghouse to send claims. They added a few services, but they are not worth an extra $120 a month, and they won't let you continue the old plan.
Has anyone ever tried one of the free clearinghouses like Office Ally? It looks like it will do everything I need them to do for free.
Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY
05/15/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Practice EHR Software
I would like to ask PM News readers about Practice EHR software. My question is about customer support and RCM (where they do the billing for you). They state that the bulk of their customers are DPMs, so I would greatly appreciate any feedback from users.
Karen Anderson, DPM, San Diego, CA
04/06/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Kareo EHR
We have been using the Practice Fusion (PF) EHR since 2012. Because of PF, we signed-up with Kareo for practice management (billing). With the impending change in PF, my office manager spoke to Kareo about their EHR. By using both Kareo systems, we would receive a package discount that would reduce our monthly cost per doctor by $89 over the new PF model. Does anyone have experience with Kareo EHR?
Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA
03/26/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Recommendation for a Podiatry-Specific EMR
Does anyone have a recommendation for a podiatry-specific EMR currently available?
Liza Mitchell, DPM, San Diego, CA
03/20/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Creating Your Own EHR
With Practice Fusion going to a fee subscription model, I am curious if it is feasible and legal to create your own EHR by creating templates for documentation and storing them on some secure cloud server if you are not interested in meaningful use and MIPS, etc. I like the neatness and accessibility of an on-line medical record but am otherwise dismayed by the clunkiness and slow speed of Practice Fusion, and don't feel I want to commit to a contract on promises of improved features. Any thoughts and opinions?
Steven D Epstein, DPM, Lebanon, PA
03/05/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Inexpensive Program for ePrescribing
Currently, I use Practice Fusion only for electronic prescribing. As we all know, they are moving to a paid subscription model on June 1, priced at $99 per month, and with a yearly commitment. This seems a bit much for just electronic prescribing. Can anyone recommend a more reasonable (or free) software program for just electronic prescribing?
Edgard Nau, DPM, NY, NY
03/02/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Best Tablets/Laptops for Office Use
I would like to hear the good and the bad about the tablets and laptops used in practice. I'm looking for something to use room to room and something to take with me to facilities. I can get mobile 4G service. What are the thoughts and recommendations of PM News readers?
David P. Luongo, DPM, Paramus, NJ
02/09/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Moving EHR Records to Another System
I received a call today from Practice Fusion stating they are moving to a paid model and will no longer be free. Has anyone successfully moved records to another program?
Amira Mantoura, DPM, Stamford, CT
01/24/2018
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Reasonably Priced EHR Alternative to Practice Fusion?
Practice Fusion announced that it is being purchased by Allscripts for 100 million dollars. Having gone through one of these takeovers of EHR software in the past, I think it is highly likely that this will lead to major fees for people using PF or an option to buy or rent an Allscripts EHR at a high fee. Already, many EHR companies are advertising alternative options to choose when this finalizes.
Being at a point in my private practice where a major investment and/or mega monthly fee for a new EHR program is not a viable option, I, as well as many other doctors in the same boat, are looking for reasonable alternatives. Is anyone out there using an EHR program that is reasonably priced and is podiatry-friendly?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
01/06/2016
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Kareo vs. Chart Logic
I am changing my office over from in-house billing and collections to outsourcing and changing my EMR in the process, as I want them all to coordinate. I have narrowed my choices down to Kareo vs. Chart Logic. Chart Logic coordinates with Advanced MD (that does the billing and collection portions for Chart Logic users). Does anyone have any input on either of these companies?
David E Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN
05/28/2015
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Quality Analysis for EHR Incentive Program
This is an inquiry in hope of obtaining more information about the level of quality analysis required for the EHR incentive program. Our office hosts three work stations and a server running the EHR program. When looking for an IT company, we have been asked for "specifications of the requirement to meet Meaningful Use for stage 2."
After an exhausting web search and many phone calls, the answers have been varied. What have been the costs to any practitioners who have outsourced to a company? Has anyone performed a self-risk analysis with self-help tools? What are those tools? Does the analysis need to be on-site or remote? Is there a company friendly to podiatry?
Mike Bluhm, DPM, San Antonio, TX
05/21/2013
QUERIES (EHR)
Query: Using a Scribe with EHR
Can anyone provide information about using a scribe in the office with an EHR, i.e. logistics, training, etc.? Where is the best place to find one?
Gary Friedlander, DPM, Phoenix, AZ