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Tip: Recognize the misconception of EDMS software

EHR Connection, August 20, 2007

Nothing can kill administrative buy-in to a new EDMS more than adding staff members to scan records, according to Darice M. Grzybowski, MA, RHIA, FAHIMA. The ideal EDMS situation keeps manual scanning to a minimum and transmits the majority of patient record data electronically via interfaces/integration with other electronic output systems (e.g., the transcription word processing system, the laboratory system, etc.).

A good rule of thumb is that at least 60% of EDMS input should come from other electronic forms-and the higher that number, the better for your workflow. It is not unusual for hospitals to have 20-60 different interfaces to make their digital record complete and easy to navigate.

The more standalone solutions you have in place, the more interfaces you will need. That may seem like a lot of work to your IT staff members, so if you don't have the support there, you'll have to educate them about the importance of computer output to laser disk interfaces for a successful EDMS. One of the most common misconceptions about EDMS software is that it's just scanning.

Editor's note: Grzybowski is the president of HIMentors, LLC. Her consulting company focuses on HIM operations, education, best practices, and EHR/EDMS implementation, as well as providing strategic marketing services for physician-owned practices, hospitals, and healthcare technology vendors. She is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and expert in automation in healthcare and data management. For more information, go to www.HIMentorsLLC.com or contact her at info@HIMentors.com.

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