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Going Electronic with an Eye on Quality
The pressure on physician groups to acquire electronic health records is increasing. In a few years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may even require EHRs as a condition of Medicare participation. Physicians remain cautious of fully electronic systems, partly because they fear that their use will create burdensome work? ows that can slow the delivery of care.
The Medical & Surgical Clinic of Irving, which was founded in 1953, is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. With 26 physicians, it is one of the largest physician-owned multispecialty practices in the area. Among our 17 primary care physicians are family physicians, general internists, and pediatricians. Our other specialties include allergy and for a complete EHR.
Our technological solution has required minimal change in our physicians’ work?ow. Our doctors ask patients the same questions and document care in the same way that they have done all along. Some handwrite on their forms; others dictate; and a few use voice recognition software.