ADVERTORIAL
By Ami C. Ranani, OD
A strong advocate and early adopter of advanced products, Dr. Ranani has used Eyefinity practice management and EHR solutions for more than 20 years. Beginning with RLISYS, an Eyefinity legacy practice management system, then transitioning to OfficeMate®/ExamWRITER®, the move toEyefinity® EHR was a natural step in his practice’s evolution.
Read as Dr. Ranani shares why it was so important for his practice to keep up in an ever-changing industry, how he made it happen, and why he chose Eyefinity EHR to aid his success.
My Experience
I spent lots of time speaking with colleagues and looking at other EHRs. None are perfect, and some are so expensive with very high monthly costs. Eyefinity has been around for a long time, and I’ve been satisfied with the products and support. They’re one of the largest EHR companies, and I don’t know which smaller companies can exist and compete.
Because I love technology and like to jump on things first, I signed on to be one of the first doctors to use Eyefinity EHR. And I’m pleased to be one of the doctors to process more than 10,000 claims since October 2013, using Eyefinity EHR.
No Choice But to Adapt
With the formation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), ODs will need to show that we’re part of the whole healthcare system. For patients with macular degeneration, we’ll need to show that we discussed smoking cessation. For diabetics, we’ll need to show that we discussed and educated them on risks and lifestyle changes.
Eyefinity EHR allows for integration with other doctors like primary care physicians (PCPs). A PCP will need to show that they’re integrating patient care and achieving better outcomes. For instance, a patient may complain to his PCP about temporary vision loss, eye pain and blurred vision. It’s vital for that PCP to know there was a follow up; not just from a liability standpoint, but so that he’s able to show outcome and performance. Eyefinity EHR enables easy Meaningful Use reports to monitor how each doctor is performing, and whether they qualify for the various phases.
Eyefinity EHR from Beginning to End
From patient check-in to check-out, we begin and end each appointment with Eyefinity EHR. Here’s an example: When a patient arrives, he’s given an iPad® to check in and update his info in the Patient Portal. This can also be done on a desktop computer via a web browser. Then off to pre-test for auto refraction/k, intraocular pressure (IOP) and fundus photos. Data is automatically transferred into Eyefinity EHR, and shows up in the exam lane. The history is reviewed by the scribe or doctor, and the exam is completed. If other tests need to be performed such as topography or ultrasound, that data is pulled from the integrated equipment into Eyefinity EHR. The doctor reviews and interprets and coding is entered. Finally, through integration with OfficeMate, it’s off to billing.
Patient Portal is So Important
We have a great mix of patients—from pediatric, young and old. Regardless of age, one thing remains: our patients love technology, and they want to know we’re keeping up with the times.
Prior to moving to Eyefinity EHR, we used a paper system in which patients input their chief complaints, medications and allergies. Because it didn’t integrate with ExamWRITER, it had to be re-entered, therefore cutting our efficiency.
One of the best features of Eyefinity EHR is the integrated Patient Portal. Not only do we love it, but our patients do, too. With healthcare changes coming, patients and their doctors will have the right to access part of their record information for integration of care. The Patient Portal will allow that, and change as new regulations come out.
Also, patient communication integration is important. Eyefinity EHR integrates with systems to provide patient newsletters, reminders and recalls.
So Glad There’s a Cloud
Often, I’d leave the office and continue work from home. It was inconvenient and sometimes impossible to log on to a server from home. But Eyefinity EHR is cloud-based, meaning I don’t need a server. I can work from any computer or tablet, and from any location, making work easier. Because Eyefinity EHR is versatile, I can access from my iPad or other tablet, my desktop computer or laptop using a web browser.