We have a saying around MediSked that goes:

"We don't have patience for software that calls people patients."   

Too often we see provider agencies evaluating medical or clinical software to implement as their agency wide solution for electronic records.  In almost every case, a provider that implements a clinical EHR to manage their electronic records, workflows, and billing is regretting that choice later on.  You don't provide medical services, or in some cases, even behavorial health services, so why look at software that is certified for managing those types of services?  You shouldn't and here's 4 reasons why.

If you've been doing research on software for your agency, chances are you have researched certified EHRs as an option and know a little bit about meaningful use reimbursements from the government.  If you haven't, here's a little background.  According to CMS.gov, the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs provide incentive payments to eligible professionals, eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) as they adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Eligible professionals can receive up to $44,000 through the Medicare EHR Incentive Program and up to $63,750 through the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program.  

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!