Health IT

It’s not as hard as you think to “wow” patients with a sophisticated Web site. And doing so can make life easier on you, too.

You may think that getting an EMR means your practice will finally be “paperless.” But even with an EMR, you will still be killing plenty of trees with faxes, snail mail, lab reports, etc. Still, that may not be so bad.

In the market for an EMR? Here’s a crucial question: Client-server or ASP? Relax. We’ll explain what it means. And help you decide.

Three change-management strategies from corporate America that can work for you.

Your patients wish you’d communicate with them via e-mail, and it makes financial sense to do so. So why hasn’t it caught on with physicians?

Most patients would love to communicate with you via e-mail. But only a fraction of you allow this. What gives?

Using online tools to educate your patients.

Do the computers in your offices look like green or amber telebubbles? You’re definitely not alone; with all the hype surrounding EMRs, many physicians have neglected their practice management systems. Here’s how to know if it’s time for something new.

Why an EMR is essential in the new world of pay-for-performance.

Are you getting a return on your investment - or your planned investment - for that new EMR? Are you sure?

Internet audio files, or "podcasts," are an easy way to educate yourself about clinical or business issues and an effective way to market your practice. Here's everything a beginner needs to know.

Web tools you can use.

We're not ones to prescribe a gadget for every problem, but there are certain thingamajigs you just shouldn't have to live without.

Here’s what not to do when implementing your new EMR, straight from the experts who’ve seen it all.

Expert Rosemarie Nelson reveals her favorite new tech gizmos.

The first group of “certified” EMRs has been announced. Should you care?

Never heard of business performance management software? Just wait.

Are RHIOs just the latest fad, or is ther some fire behind all the smoke?

PC or laptop? Handheld or tablet? Better choose your hardware platform carefully. It's a decision you'll have to live with for a while.

Are you a technology troglodyte or an “early adopter”? When it comes to IT, physicians have a reputation of being resistant, even hostile, toward change. But is it true? We found out with our second annual no-hype survey.

Expert Rosemarie Nelson explains how to make the most of the technologies you already have.

Inefficient practices sometimes think an EMR is the answer to all their problems. But adding a complex new technology to a disorganized office could make things worse rather than better. Ask yourself some key questions before you start the buying process.

The government is enforcing HIPAA's privacy and security rules only lightly, but complying with them makes good business sense regardless. Here are some tips for safeguarding your patients in the real world.

Perhaps more physicians would be comfortable purchasing EMRs if a respected organization tested and certified the systems that meet specific levels of capability. Such a process is on the way.

Are EMRs destroying the narrative elements of medicine - taking histories, talking to patients, understanding their stories?