Technology in FM

[GoodmanBrown]

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Just finished reading "Every Patient Tells a Story" which had a chapter on computer diagnostic aids. Basically, you type in 3-6 key findings, and it gives a DDx. The author mentions several programs, but the one that got the most favorable investigation was one called Isabel by Isabel Healthcare. I figure this kind of software is relatively uncommon. Does anyone use it (or something like it) on this forum?

Now, apart from these types of programs, what other software are commonly found in FM offices? EMR is obviously the most common, I'm thinking. But how much automation can EMR do? Does it automatically assign billing codes based on your exam to maximize revenue? Can it automatically send reminder e-mails and phone calls to tell patients of an upcoming visit? Do you have software in place that lets people cancel their appointment or even schedule a new one using some sort of calender program?

Any other amazing computer-based things I'm missing? Thanks!

 

[deleted87716]

Just finished reading "Every Patient Tells a Story" which had a chapter on computer diagnostic aids...Does anyone use it (or something like it) on this forum?

I've tried DXplain (available for free on MerckMedicus), but never really found it very useful.

Now, apart from these types of programs, what other software are commonly found in FM offices? EMR is obviously the most common, I'm thinking. But how much automation can EMR do? Does it automatically assign billing codes based on your exam to maximize revenue? Can it automatically send reminder e-mails and phone calls to tell patients of an upcoming visit? Do you have software in place that lets people cancel their appointment or even schedule a new one using some sort of calender program?

We've only been using EMR (NextGen) for a few months, so we're not using it to its full capabilities yet. However, at present it will send electronic prescriptions, assist with coding, and it interfaces with a separate system (MedVoice) which calls patients to remind them of appointments. They can confirm or cancel their appointment using MedVoice, also. We're in the process of setting up online bill-paying, and we also use a program called MedData which automatically verifies insurance coverage.

NextGen has an optional patient portal that we haven't set up yet that will let patients schedule their own appointments and provide access to lab results, secure e-mail, and other features. We're not going to implement that until all of our offices are using EMR, however.

I use a lot of online resources, including risk calculators, patient ed tools, handouts, etc. I can access these on my tablet PC right in the exam room.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Hmm.. You should check out the Isabel program I mentioned. I was looking at it this afternoon, and it interfaces with NextGen such that you don't have to enter any extra information. It just adds an extra button to the interface and you click it and it brings up Isabel's DDx.

As a note, I have no financial stake in the software, so feel free to ignore my advice. I believe it's $750/doc/year, so it's not free. Though there is a free trial of it, so just taking a gander wouldn't cost you.