Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are usually designed by software engineers rather than physicians and can wreak havoc . They don’t fit well with what the physician needs to do. EHR implementations usually end when the “system works as designed”. Vendors don’t understand physician and office workflow issues well enough to customize either the software or your workflow to really get the promised benefits of the EHR.

SigmaMed Solutions personnel have years worth of experience in planning and managing the implementation of complex HIT systems, from multi-site EHR and PACS/RIS implementations to Laboratory Information Systems to complete hospital information systems. The complexities of overlapping processes and vendor protocols make Lean Six Sigma the perfect methodology to ensure new HIT implementations work as designed and don’t add to the complexity of your work processes. When systems and processes are designed properly from the start, your and your staff’s jobs are easier and the system more likely to enhance the quality of care you provide, rather than detract.

How SigmaMed Solutions can help:

  • We listen to physicians and staff and understand the specific issues that your EHR is causing for your practice.
  • We look at your issues from the perspective of the physician, the patient, and your business results, not from what the software needs.
  • We use a combination of Six Sigma/Lean and common “horse sense” to uncover the root causes of your issues.
  • We work with your staff to solve problems. That assures staff buy-in and lasting change.
  • We optimize your workflow and the way you interact with the software to fix those root causes. Examples:
    • EHR vendors often assume that the physician is the best person to enter all of the documentation. We will work to find someone else in the practice that can do it more efficiently.
    • Many implementations just add an EHR workflow on top of an already stressed paper workflow. We will review the key elements of your whole office workflow and use Six Sigma/Lean methods to eliminate waste and improve flow of people and information.
    • Training can be hit or miss, and is usually not tailored to your practice. We will review the training you’ve received and extend it to cover the new workflow that we’ve designed with your staff.
    • Meaningful Use can add significant practice overhead. We will do an economic evaluation of the pros and cons of qualifying for Meaningful Use funding quickly vs. optimizing the way your practice works today. When your EHR vendor provides the right functionality, we’ll help you get to Meaningful Use.

Please contact us to learn how SigmaMed Solutions has the potential to satisfy your requirements.

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