It's not uncommon for us to come across a provider agency that is head strong on finding the right EMR (Electronic Medical Records) or EHR (Electronic Health Records) for their operations.  With meaningful use incentives (see requirements here) and a plethora of options on the market, it's easy to see why going with the EMR/EHR route is attractive.  But, keep in mind this phrase: EMRs have patients, human services software has patience.  What does that mean?  EMRs are created for medical providers, who document enounters with patients that are treated for an episode of care.  Human services software is designed for provider agencies that support individuals for years if not decades of their life.  This is a big difference in how a software system manages the services and workflows.  Plus, with an EMR you are paying for a lot of functionality that you'll never use.  Managing x-rays, prescribing drugs, these are things that you don't deal with.   Instead of EMRs or EHRs, the 3 letter acronymn that you should be looking at is AMP (Agency Management Platform).  AMPs are designed for home and community based waiver service provider agencies.  They get your schedules, your services, your plans, goals, billing, and employee management.  It's vastly different from your doctor or occupational therapist!  

As we travel the country, more and more it feels like the tides of change are upon us.  Whether it is the government, health care laws, or advocacy in the news, as disability service providers you are starting to be lifted and dropped by the external plumes that affect your coordination of services, reimbursement rates, service delivery standards.  In the past two or three years we have noticed state and national associations' conferences to be focused more on change.  We've also seen more and more associations have a separate technology conferences.  I don't think this is a coincidence.  The truth is, that as providers, utilizing technology to have good data and a fast and responsive system that allows you to be nimble in changing regulations is not just a "nice to have" anymore, it's a requirement.  Below are three trends that I have noticed become more prevalant and why those trends demand that you have a technology solution in place.

If you are a provider agency looking for a software solution, chances are you are going to want something that allows your people to document case notes and bill claims.  This is basic functionality that is a part of any agency management platform.  Not all software solutions do these tasks the same way or at the same level.  While all of the cool bells and whistles that come with software packages are fun to see, remember you need to choose a system that will give you the greatest return on investment while keeping you at the highest level of compliance in case of an audit.  Case notes and billing are a core piece of the investment decision.