Each specialty comes with a unique set of challenges and, as a result, demands different software functionality. So PYP will grant special attention to some with a series of articles focusing on the current state of the specialty and how certain specialists should approach health IT software.
In the third segment of our specialty snapshot series, we’ll examine the field of internal medicine and spot the kind of functionality internists need to thrive.
State of the Specialty
General internists focus on providing continuous care for a wide range of conditions affecting ‘non-pregnant adults.’ They are similar to family physicians in that they serve as primary care physicians and often have to coordinate care with other specialists.
Internists enjoy flexibility when it comes to their work setting. They can work in inpatient or outpatient environments, with some practicing in both simultaneously. However, internists are primarily employed in outpatient practices.
According to a 2012 survey published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, internists have the fifth highest physician burnout rate among specialties. This is no surprise, as internists work an average of 59 hours per week.
The workload of internists is expected to increase in the coming years with the Affordable Care Act adding 32 million currently uninsured Americans to the healthcare system. Also, the switch to ICD-10 will be exceptionally challenging for internists because of the vast assortment of patient encounters they deal with.
What Type of Functionality Do Internists Need
Since they serve often serve as primary care physicians, internists need an EHR capable of treating most conditions quickly. Consequently, the ability to configure charting templates is a must. Customization allows internists to create intuitive templates that speed up patient encounters.
Speedy encounters will be even more important when 32 million patients enter the healthcare system after the ACA goes fully into effect. An EHR with ePrescribing and lab integration abilities will assist internists in handling this patient influx.
In addition, patient portals that allow patients to do things like schedule appointments will also relieve some of the administrative burdens internists are projected to shoulder.
The need to move patients through the practice more efficiently should be a foremost concern for internists looking into new practice management software. PM solutions with patient overviews showing precisely where patients are in the office visit are ideal. This way, resources can be allocated accordingly to meet patient demands.
Something else internists should keep in mind when choosing PM software is the upcoming transition to ICD-10. A system that will update automatically to the coding change is key. Cloud-based solutions normally offer this feature.
And yet another plus for internists is a system with code scrubbing and eRemittance functionality. Such capabilities ensure money won’t be lost due to coding errors.
For both EHR and PM solutions, internists should look closely into design and functionality. With their high burnout rate, the last thing internists need is a software solution that is frustrating to work with.
By keeping efficiency at the forefront when shopping for medical software, internists should be able to find a system that leads to easier, more productive days at the office.
