On opening day we brought to Memphis and Germantown, a brand new type of medical records system.  Gone are charts, sticky notes, little pink messages, written prescriptions for routine drugs, physical therapy and diagnostic test orders. With a totally integrated EMR system, lost phone messages, lost charts, delays in getting necessary information to the appropriate provider, service delays and dangerous human errors are minimized. We have been working to adapt this solution of medical information management, one that is considerably more advanced than other orthopedic practices or spine centers in the Midsouth to our complex spine practice. This system electronically links us to all of our primary care referral sources, pharmacies, physical therapy centers, and hospitals, making communication with any of these entities no more than the push of the button.

What this means to our patients and customers is faster turn around, more complete information, and additional privacy.

Medications will be faxed immediately to a patient’s pharmacy of choice, in order to be ready when they arrive.  Phone inquires are immediately mated to the computerized record allowing for immediate and complete access of information to the provider. Prescriptions are continuously and automatically cross referenced to avoid any cross reactions between medications. This means safer prescriptions and less risk for our patients. Physical therapists will receive an accurate rendering of diagnosis and treatment plan, along with all necessary insurance information, allowing them to accurately begin the appropriate therapy treatment. Referring physicians will be instantly faxed with the latest information generated from each appointment, keeping everyone in the loop. Medical records, billing and medical information should be handled faster and more accurately than ever before while moving more clinic personnel into the patient care areas and out of the business office. Since fewer personnel are needed to interface with the insurance companies, there are more people to serve in the patient care areas. Since coding and billing are cross checked electronically, charges more accurately reflect services rendered, leading to less confusion and complication with the insurance companies and Medicare. Case managers will have the option of leaving with the entire medical record at the time of the visit, rather than a back to work statement, and a 24 hour old faxed medical record.