With new technology rapidly changing the way healthcare is administered, tracked and reported it’s no wonder people are confused and skeptical. Myths abound. And as with all myths, some have a basis in truth and some are just wrong.
Medical professionals thrive on facts, so let’s examine five currently popular myths about healthcare technology.
1. The medical community is slow to adopt electronic health records (EHRs) because there are usage problems.
Actually it’s fear of potential problems, and in some cases push-back at feeling coerced into making a major investment of time and money to meet new compliance requirements.
2. The purpose of EHRs is efficiency.
Although new technology offers many benefits, the primary point is safety and security of patient and other confidential information. Innovative technology does enable real-time integration with other devices or systems to upload data faster and more accurately, eliminating countless hours of tedious clerical work.
3. Implementing medical records technology will immediately save money through staff reductions.
Realistically, this is a long-term expectation. In the short run, you may need some additional staff to ensure things run smoothly during your transition period. As you adjust workflow patterns to mesh with your new technology you may want to reassign staff to handle new priorities, such as compliance issues and maintaining a close working relationship with your IT professionals.
More efficient staff doesn’t necessarily equate to less staff, but higher productivity also helps boost your profitability.
4. Electronic medical devices negate “bedside manner.”
Even children are quite used to seeing hand-held communication devices, so patients aren’t the least bit uncomfortable around them. Knowing that these medical technology tools can significantly improve health outcomes increases confidence and peace of mind, which is the point of bedside manner.
5. Electronic medical records technology is expensive.
Yep. But that’s true for every piece of medical technology in your office or clinic, and the system you use to capture, analyze, store and communicate patient data is at least as important as all those other devices. Fortunately, more affordable software options are being developed to help smaller practices join the technology party.
Transitioning will take time and money, but ultimately the ability to capture and communicate data faster, more accurately, and yet securely points to a higher standard of healthcare everyone can live with.
