EMR Comparisons

[witchdoc]

There was a comparison on some website with features, and cost, anybody knows, or care to help compile?
What is everyone on here using, and what are your experiences?
The Witch

[Kursk]

Well, mine is pretty advanced and incorporates some alien technology that I really don't understand. Can't guarantee success for you, but it works for me. Sucks a lot of friggin energy though - here's a pic of me at user terminal showing my partners how to use the damn thing.

[BigDoc]

Witchdoc, this website (http://www.medrecinst.com/conferences/tepr/2004/other/latestNewsArticle.asp?id=87) isnt exactly what you are looking for, but worth adding to our resources,
For someone on a budget, if you are not a techie like Kursk, Scroggs Al et Al SOAPWARE is a god place to start.

Has anyone used any one of the free web-based ASP products?
Bigdoc

[alborg]

BigDoc:

SOAPWARE is good, but the problems I've seen is that although the basic unit cost is $300, once you begin to add on the various enhancements, the overall price skyrockets. Also, there is a lot of text imput...

Web-based ASP products are dicy- in POL there were several threads about one software company that went bankrupt, threatening to eat up all patient data within 60 days of notification. HIPAA compliance can also be problematic.

Overall, the idea sucks. Web-based backup solutions, though, could be a good idea.

Regards,
Al

[ozzie]

BigDoc
Web-based ASP products are dicy- in POL there were several threads about one software company that went bankrupt, threatening to eat up all patient data within 60 days of notification. HIPAA compliance can also be problematic.
Al
Many of the startups are on a burn rate and if they dont make thru the next round of funding they will get shut down.. Burn rate is how much cash can they burn thru to the next round of funding /or sustainability level..
The ASP model is sound for likes of MS to sell word @ 1 doc a time.. Websites that have limited content ASP model works great..
The problem in general is that if your bandwidth source gets hosed , you are SOL until bandwidth comes back up. Customisation is limited and or expensive.
This part can be a real hassle as you are totally dependent on the ASP to give you resources.. So all the " cool " stuff may be down the road and maybe never seen ...
Speed/performance is totally out of your control / bandwidth aside.
All your data is remote so if ever a dispute your data can be held hostage..

Good points .. limited hardware cost, no client side software, no icky backup stuff, alleged HIPAA complience.. Can be a pay as you go model, low startup cost.. No expensive or cheap consultants on the payroll..(grin)


Overall, the idea sucks. Web-based backup solutions, though, could be a good idea.Regards, Al
I agree that current players may suck but the idea if done right can be the killer app...
Over all I like web based applications and it means for the most part the app is or can be
secure
extendable
scaleable
platform independant
transportable
compliant standard XML

[Falball]

How many of you have viewed and had hands on more than just a few systems?
Key to understanding where EMR/EHR is heading is seeing what physicians have done over the past 10 years. What systems they started with, why they switched if they switched (once, twice, three times or more) and what they are on now. Also how much these systems cost per physician for software, hardware and support/upgrades.
There are 100s of EMR systems, many less integrated EMR systems. The efficient use of EMR and especially integrated systems can improve charge capture, improve documentation and increase coding levels and improve cash flow turnaround. Been there, done that if anyone cares to ask/know.

[Kursk]

Been there, done that if anyone cares to ask/know.

By all means, that's what the forum is all about. Please share your experiences!

[jmaisel]

The problem with most of the EMRs is the data entry bottleneck. They are all great at displaying data but the real cost of the system and the problems are in the data capture effort and time.

I would suggest that you take 3 typical exams and get out your stopwatch. Make the vendors reproduce your exact report and see how long it takes. If over 3 minutes with their experienced user, it certainly won't work for you. It should be cheaper than transcription-a few dollars a document - when you calculate your time at $10/min or more for some. Some systems take over 10 minutes and can't do what you want. We went to speech recognition with templates and default data for speedy data capture and transcription.

Jim Maisel, MD