There is no doubt that Electronic Medical Records (EMR), implemented successfully and used properly, are valuable clinical tools in any medical practice. Their benefits of reducing costs, streamlining workflow, improving medical care and increasing practice productivity are undeniable. However, we hear stories upon stories of failed implementations and deinstallations of these systems across the US. According to a study conducted by HealthLeaders-InterStudy that "The state of Arizona and the Phoenix area have experienced a high adoption rate for electronic medical records, but this has been followed by a "deinstallation" of the technology". What should physicians and practices do to prevent and avoid such a failure? To thoroughly answer this question, we must start at the beginning of the process of changing from paper to electronic. It is very important for everyone involved to understand the implications and ramifications of this very important change. A practice profiling or readiness assessment and aptitude ...

The 111th Congress and President Barack Obama have decided to make health reform a major legislative priority in 2009. Despite a flagging economy and a severely challenging fiscal climate, many politicians (and citizens) believe that the time has arrived to change the way our nation finances health care. Absent in the current discussion regarding reforming our ailing healthcare system is a serious discussion on a key issue overlooked by many: cost. There is a bright spot in this area that has been largely ignored by the mainstream press and print media: HSA’s, or Health Savings Accounts. These tax advantaged plans have quietly performed better than expected in reining in runaway costs, while giving employees the incentive and ability to save money for the future, especially for medical expenses when they retire. Where did HSA’s come from, anyway? HSA’s were signed into law by President George Bush on December 8th, 2003, as a ...