Information technology in the interventional pain practice: electronic medical records, practice management software,...

Electronic medical records (EMR) can both replace the paper clinical chart and perform scheduling and billing tasks. EMRs are currently used in only a small proportion of medical practices; however, EMR adoption is expected to soar in a few years. Governmental and industry concerns about safety and quality, along with medical practice needs for increased productivity, are fueling this transition. Medical practices are likely to consider transitioning to EMRs. At this point, the marketplace is fragmented in terms of suppliers, and refinement of the software is continuing. Transitioning to an EMR is a step that offers enormous benefits to interventional pain management physicians, in terms of compliance, the ability to maintain quality, and the ability to manage practices, including larger and more complex practices. Transitioning to an EMR is also a major effort in terms of time and expense: the goal is to settle on a specific EMR and continue to use it. This review focuses on (1) why physicians are or are not transitioning to EMRs; (2) the benefits of a transition; and (3) factors to consider in evaluating the various competing software products. Although EMR technology continues to develop, the review also considers areas in which future development is necessary. The most important areas are seen in document management, data input, and outcomes analysis and decision support capability. The EMR market is evolving rapidly. However, this review should in no way serve as an endorsement of any particular system, vendor, or technology.