Joel Schlessinger M.D.

In his recent article, “Preparing to go Paperless,” published in the February 2013 issue of Dermatology Times, Joel Schlessinger MD addresses the difficulties he and his practice encountered while implementing an EMR system.

Many dermatologists are considering incorporating electronic medical records systems, or EMRs, into their practices. After making this move in his practice, Joel Schlessinger MD hopes to help other dermatologists avoid the same headaches he encountered along the way.

It’s never too soon to start planning for the move to paperless records. Joel Schlessinger MD explains.

Leaving time to plan the shift to electronic records allows for a smoother transition, says Joel Schlessinger MD.

“Try out several vendors and insist that your staff be involved in the process,” he says.

Don’t expect to see the same number of patients once the new system is in place without encountering significant delays, says Joel Schlessinger MD.

“For the first three weeks of our implementation, we were seeing about 90 percent of our regular load of patients and suffered with wait times of up to two hours as a result.”

It is important to choose an EMR system that works for you, says Joel Schlessinger MD.

Joel Schlessinger MD purchased iPads and Bluetooth keyboards for himself and his staff to ensure everyone was equipped to enter data into the system. It is also essential, he says, to have support staff available should an issue arise.

“We have engaged a backup IT group for our office staff, available for all clinic hours in case of emergency,” says Joel Schlessinger MD.

Joel Schlessinger MD stresses the importance of keeping your paper charts.

Although his practice has gone paperless, Joel Schlessinger MD and his staff still use paper charts every day.

“While the new patients are all paperless, we have scanned the charts of those we see, and we keep them for potential use during return visits,” he says. “We rarely have to use them, but they do come in handy at times.”

Have you implemented an EMR system into your practice? Share your experience with us in the comments.