Going Paperless!
		by Bess Ogden Senior Consultant, Williams Group

Ever thought about being a Paperless Office?  Surely one of the intriguing aspects of moving to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is the whole possibility of becoming a “paperless” practice.  Not only is it enticing because it is high-tech and creates that ever-important WOW-factor with our patients, but truly, electronic records will be, if it is not already, the expected mode of operation in all business sectors in the very immediate future.  And let’s not even talk about the allure of getting rid of the dreaded Lost Paper Chart Search!

We will talk about the realities of making this switch.  After you have done your due diligence and selected your new practice management software, or have invested in the EMR module for your current system, spend serious time considering the following issues:

1. How will you transfer previous paper records into your EMR?  Who will do this and when?  Be aware that for the first two years after committing to paperless, the doctors as well as the entire staff will be spending significant time at this task.  Yes, you will SAVE time by using EMRs for your exams moving forward, so you will end up with a net gain.  But you will lose most of this gained efficiency if you continue to refer back to a paper chart for history MORE THAN ONCE.

2. There will be a considerable number of existing paper documents that need to be converted to electronic files.  You will also continue to receive referral letters and various paper documents that need to be attached to your EMRs...

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

FASTRACK Dates
Feb. 17-19 (Scottsdale)
March 9-11
April 13-15

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UF Scientists Test Safety of Vision Loss Drug

This month, we ask three questions about the paperless office.

Click here for survey

"It is time for us to stand and cheer for the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it."

— Vince Lombardi

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