What Is Cerner EMR?
Cerner EMR (electronic medical records), is a comprehensive electronic medical records system designed to streamline healthcare processes and improve patient outcomes. It is an integrated system that allows care providers to manage patient records, track patient progress, and communicate with others in the healthcare industry. It is often integrated with other practice management software used by healthcare professionals for patient data.
Features of Cerner EMR
The Cerner EHR platform is packed with features that make it an ideal choice for health providers. It allows providers to access patient records quickly and easily, reducing the risk of errors and improving patient well-being. It also allows providers to view and track patient progress, enabling them to provide the best possible care. (Note: Revenue cycle management software comes with a different Cerner product that you can integrate.)
Key Cerner EHR features include:
Electronic Prescribing
The Cerner EHR system has a robust electronic prescribing system that allows care providers to electronically send prescriptions to pharmacies. Patients can also request refills through the portal. This feature saves time and reduces errors associated with handwritten prescriptions. Additionally, Cerner EHR can check for drug interactions and allergies, helping to ensure better patient outcomes and safety.
Clinical Decision Support
Cerner EHR provides clinical decision support tools that help care providers make informed decisions. These tools include alerts, reminders, and recommendations based on clinical guidelines and best practices. This feature helps to improve patient outcomes and reduce medical errors.
Customizable Templates
Cerner EHR offers customizable templates that allow care providers to create their own documentation templates. This feature saves time and ensures consistent documentation, which can improve communication and collaboration among healthcare organizations.
Voice Recognition
Cerner EHR's voice recognition feature allows providers of healthcare to dictate notes directly into the EHR. This feature saves time and improves the accuracy of documentation. Care providers can also use voice recognition to navigate the EHR and perform tasks, such as ordering tests and medications.
Order Entry
Cerner EHR's order entry feature allows care providers to electronically order tests, medications, and procedures. This feature improves accuracy and efficiency by reducing the need for manual order entry and minimizing errors associated with illegible handwriting.
Patient Portal
Cerner EHR's patient access portal—accessible by mobile app or HIPAA-compliant website—allows patients to access their electronic health record(s), including test results, medication lists, and appointment schedules. Patients can also communicate with their doctors, request prescription refills, and schedule appointments. This feature improves patient engagement and satisfaction, as well as healthcare provider efficiency.
Telehealth Capabilities
Cerner EHR's telehealth capabilities allow health providers to conduct virtual visits with patients. This feature is particularly useful for patients who are unable to travel to the healthcare facility or who live in remote areas. Telehealth can also improve access to care and reduce healthcare costs via secure messaging features.
Mobile Access
Cerner EHR's mobile app allows care providers to access patient information, view test results, and manage their schedules from their mobile devices. This feature improves healthcare provider efficiency and can enable providers to provide care from anywhere.
Benefits of Cerner EMR
There are many benefits to using Cerner EMR. It can help physician practices improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Some of the key benefits include:
Improved Patient Safety in a Health System
Cerner EMR can help improve patient outcomes by reducing medication errors and adverse events. The health system has built-in drug interaction and allergy-checking features that can alert a care team to potential risks.
Increased Accuracy of Diagnoses and Treatment Plans
Cerner software can help improve the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans by providing care providers with up-to-date patient information, including test results, medication history, and allergies. This information can help providers make informed decisions about patient care, leading to better outcomes. It's also very helpful for population health management.
Improved Communication Between Healthcare Providers
Cerner EMR can help improve communication between physician practices by providing a centralized location for patient information. Providers in the healthcare organization can access patient information quickly and easily, reducing the need for manual communication and improving collaboration. Cerner EMR has built-in messaging features that allow care providers to communicate with each other directly within the system.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity for Healthcare Professionals
Cerner EMR can help increase efficiency and productivity by reducing the need for manual processes. The system can automate many tasks, such as prescription refills, appointment scheduling, and test result notification, freeing up providers' time to focus on patient care. Additionally, Cerner EMR can streamline workflows, reducing the time it takes to complete tasks.
Improved Billing and Coding Accuracy
Cerner EMR can help improve billing and coding accuracy by automating the process. The system can automatically generate billing codes based on the services provided, reducing errors and ensuring that physician practices are paid for the services they provide. Additionally, Cerner EMR can streamline the documentation process, reducing the time it takes to complete billing and coding tasks.
Enhanced Patient Engagement with Their Electronic Health Record
Cerner EMR can help enhance patient engagement and satisfaction by providing patients with access to their medical records and other health information. Patients can view test results, medication lists, and appointment schedules, as well as communicate with their providers within the healthcare organization. Additionally, Cerner EMR can enable patients to take a more active role in their healthcare, leading to better outcomes.
Implementing Cerner EMR
Implementing Cerner EMR can be a complex process, but it is worth it for the benefits it provides. The implementation process typically involves several steps, including:
- Needs assessment (Discovery process)
- Planning and design
- Configuration and testing
- Training and support
- Go-live and post-implementation support
During the implementation process, it is important to work closely with your Cerner EHR system integrator and other healthcare providers to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.