Gaining Time In My Day with EMA Ophthalmology
What is my time worth? I found myself asking that question after starting my own practice, Lotus Vision, in Alpharetta, Ga. I had implemented an electronic medical record (EMR) system that was given to me for free but as my patient volume increased, the EMR system was slowing me down tremendously because it was not ophthalmology-specific. I was becoming tired of the heavy data entry that was required to create notes that were up to my expectations. I didn’t want to sacrifice the quality of my work for my EMR system therefore I found myself spending a significant amount of time after clinic finishing my notes for the day.
The need for increased efficiency combined with proactive consideration for an intuitive, built-in system for ICD-10, indicated to me that the time was right to find an alternative solution. I wanted an EMR system that was using the latest technology and that knew how ophthalmologists work. Plus, I only wanted to enter data once as opposed to my existing solution that was taking up too much of my time.
I started researching EMR systems again and most left me underwhelmed based on the appearance of their outdated interface. If I was going to switch to another system, I wanted to align myself with a company that is progressive in its thinking. Through a suggestion from a colleague, I began investigating Modernizing Medicine’s Electronic Medical Assistant® (EMATM). When I saw EMA Ophthalmology® for the first time, I was instantly impressed.
I implemented EMA Ophthalmology in February 2014 and it took a few weeks to get a handle on the system. But like with anything, practice makes perfect and my technician and I soon became more efficient with creating and finishing notes. The available plans are detailed and fully customizable, and I don’t have to do much data/text entry. I am actually able to leave the office earlier than I was able to before. My staff has enjoyed the ease of use as well. With the ‘glasses and contacts’ tab, they can easily print active glasses and contact prescriptions now, whereas before they would have to write it out and have me sign. Electronic prescribing is much easier with EMA Ophthalmology.
Another benefit of EMA Ophthalmology is the native iPad interface that is ophthalmology-specific. The intuitive nature of note creation and how it learns my practice habits – as well as the automated creation and justification of billing codes – is beyond anything I have ever seen. This type of intuitive technology enhances workflow without interruptions and is another contributor for creating efficiency. My patients have also taken notice that I am walking around with an iPad instead of a laptop and are impressed at how the practice is keeping up with the technology. They also like the electronic consents and I rest assured knowing that they are automatically stored, as opposed to being scanned into the system.
I am excited that I decided to make the switch and I highly recommend EMA Ophthalmology to any colleague considering a new EMR system. I wish this had been available when I first opened my practice. EMA Ophthalmology really has made clinic more enjoyable and efficient for me and has given me back time into my day.