The ABCDEs of Dermatology EMRs

Five Keys to Consider When Selecting Dermatology Software

When considering a dermatology electronic medical record (EMR) system for your practice, you have a lot to think about. Ultimately, you need a solution that will help improve both productivity and patient engagement, but which features will best deliver this?

The ABCDEs of EMRs—adaptive learning, built-in dermatology knowledge, convenient lab interfaces, data-driven technology and electronic prescribing—are features at the forefront for many dermatologists, and among the most important factors to consider when choosing dermatology software.

A: Adaptive Learning Engine and Predictive Algorithms

One of the first factors to consider in a dermatology EMR system is how well it recognizes and adapts to your preferences. An EMR with a predictive system (think of how Siri seems to know what you’re going to type) can even suggest your top diagnoses and treatments, saving valuable time and helping you provide better patient care. For instance, imagine how much more streamlined your workflow could be if you were using an adaptive learning engine that could remember your laser settings and desired anesthesia for biopsies.

When your dermatology software learns and adapts to your needs, you can work more quickly and without interruption, allowing you to do away with clunky templates and focusing on what matters most, your patients.

B: Built-In Dermatology Knowledge from Practicing Dermatologists

Nobody knows a dermatologist’s needs better than actual dermatologists. While software engineering expertise is vital to build a viable system, so is knowledge of the end-user experience. This is why the best dermatology software should be built with your needs in mind, and ideally by healthcare professionals such as yourself.

A dermatology software system that’s built by and for dermatologists means you shouldn’t have to sort through unrelated information or fill in unnecessary fields. You should have the ability to set up Protocols and apply them to relevant patient visits quickly and easily.

C: Convenient Lab Interfaces

Caring for your patients is more than just office visits—you also need accessibility to high-quality lab services. When you’re selecting a dermatology EMR, labs are a crucial factor to consider. How easily can you send lab orders, and how many labs can you access? How do you receive results? Do results auto-populate in the patient’s chart? Do they interface with a practice-wide path log to track outstanding biopsies?

Your dermatology software should be saving you and your staff time so you can focus on your patients. Don’t compromise when it comes to lab connectivity — eliminate wasted time filling out forms, scanning reports and faxing by choosing a system with intuitive lab interfaces.

D: Data-Driven Technology

The most effective dermatology EMR software should place the most relevant information at your fingertips. Wondering if it might be time for an upgrade? Consider the value of how your EMR does (or doesn’t) collect data at the point of care. Does your current system make it challenging to find and report the information you need? Do the EMR options you’re considering capture actionable data at the point of care to help make both entry and reporting easier?

Your chosen software solution should capture actionable data to help ease repetitive data entry and aid in tracking patients’ health over time. By using dermatology software that gathers information at the point of care, you can more easily prepare for value-based medicine in the form of MIPS and MACRA*.

E: ePA and More

As a physician, your ultimate goal is to help patients achieve and maintain good health. Prescription medications are often an essential part of treatment, but the prescription process can sometimes create frustration. The best dermatology EMRs can help make it easier through features like ePA and ePrescribing.

• Electronic Prior Authorization (ePA) — Access to ePA can help reduce prescription processing times, eliminate payer-specific portals and prevent drug claim rejections at the pharmacy.
• ePrescribing — As you move through a visit, does your dermatology software write and queue prescriptions based on your documentation and your preferred treatments for specific diseases? If not, consider this factor when looking for a new system — it should be easy for you to send the chosen prescription to the patient’s preferred pharmacy with one click.

As you research and consider dermatology software solutions, carefully consider how easy each one makes the prescription process. From ePA and ePrescribing to quick access to patient medication histories, your EMR should make it convenient to match each patient with the medication they need.

Other Dermatology EHR Features to Consider

The ABCDEs are an important starting place for determining your dermatology practice’s EMR needs, but they’re not the only factors to consider. Here are a few other features to keep in mind when selecting dermatology software:

• All-In-One System — Are you just looking for a dermatology EMR, or do you also need practice management, revenue cycle management, pathology, analytics and inventory management? Consider a system that integrates all of these aspects in order to simplify your office’s workflow.
• Customization — Does the dermatology software system you’re considering allow you to customize plans to fit your specific workflow and preferences? Finding the balance between a system that’s easy to use right out of the box and still allows you to customize your workflows as needed will help you boost productivity and efficiency.
• Mobility — Is your dermatology EMR only accessible from your office, or can you use it on the go and from your favorite mobile devices? Many systems use cloud-based technology so your patient data goes where you go.
• Support — When you have questions or problems, do you have access to a helpful and knowledgeable support team? Professional support is a critical component of the best dermatology EMR solutions — your vendor should be on your team and fully engaged in helping you find quick and effective solutions for all your needs.

Choosing the Right Dermatology EMR for Your Practice

When it comes to dermatology software, you have many options to consider. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Our best tip is to remember the ABCDEs: adaptive learning, built-in dermatology content, convenient lab interfaces, data-driven technology and electronic prescribing features. Once you step back and consider these five factors (alongside your other priorities for practice workflow), you can more easily and knowledgeably appraise options and choose the right dermatology EMR for your practice.

*Information relating to our EHR certification, including certain costs and limitations, can be found at www.modmed.com/costs-and-limitations.