Four pros to integrating EHR, practice management software

(HealthDay)—Consolidating electronic health records and practice management software allows practices to save time and money, make fewer mistakes, and reduce the risk of privacy breaches, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

Integration of medical records and practice management software can cut out duplicate efforts; if programs are not integrated, billing staff has to re-key what has been written or logged elsewhere. When systems are combined, the information is entered and the codes and other information go straight through to billing.

In addition, integrating the systems saves money, both by saving time and because having the data in one system makes it easier to submit claims to payers. If it's easier to submit claims, the process is faster, allowing for faster payment, even if claims are returned for some reason and need to be resubmitted. Putting data in only once also reduces errors; consolidating patient data increases the accuracy of reports generated. Finally, an integrated system is easier to maintain and keep secure than multiple systems.

"There are really no downsides to integrating your systems," Tammie Olson of Management Resource Group in Ocean Springs, Miss., said in the article.

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