Bariatrics/Obesity EMR Software Buyers Guide
Last updated: September 23, 2023
What is a Bariatrics/Obesity EMR Software?
Bariatric surgeons often have a high inflow of data that needs to be organized in a systematic way for easy access. For bariatric surgeons, an EMR solution should have workflow management that includes pre-op and post-op tracking.
Features That Come with a Bariatric Surgery EMR Software
To understand how a bariatric EMR software differs from other EMR solutions, you first need to go through its features. An effective Bariatric/Obesity EMR software should have”
Specialty Templates – Bariatric/Obesity surgery typically has a pre-defined and specific treatment plan. With customized templates, surgeons can save time, and develop accurate SOAP notes. These templates can include:
- Endoluminal Sleeve
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Intragastric Balloon
- Adjustable Gastric Band
- Gastric Plication
- Implantable Gastric Stimulation
Real-Time Vital Signs– One of the most useful features of a Bariatric EMR software is that not only does it provide real-time vital signs, but also show body mass index (BMI), water levels, pain levels, weight changes (gain/loss).
Surgical Workflow Management – Managing surgical workflow manually is a cumbersome process. However, a Bariatric EMR software focuses on managing and charting all of the pre-op, peri-op, and post-op information needed. It also with the storing and managing of data to help practitioners better understand their patients.
Real-time Interactive Dashboard – A Bariatric EHR solution must offer an interactive dashboard that provides surgeons and physicians to view all patient information in a single place.
ICD/CPT Coding – Although this one is quite an obvious one, a Bariatric EMR software should have built-in CPT and ICD-10 codes to simplify the billing process.
Medication Management and Alerts – Malnutrition is one of the most common risks after bariatric surgery. To help reduce this risk, an effective Bariatric EMR solution has a medication management alert system that alerts the practitioner as soon as the patient starts going beyond a healthy point.
Risk Mitigation – Bariatric EMR software has a risk mitigation system that stores the patient's consent, signature, medication, appointments.
Integration – For Bariatric EMR to keep track of all your patient’s data in a single place, the EMR solution needs to integrate with your labs, diagnostic equipment, and even pharmacies to ensure the accuracy of data.
Everything You Need To Know About EMR Software
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) or otherwise known as EHR solutions are designed to store, manage, and organize a patient’s medical records. Most practitioners use specially designed EMR solutions that fit their needs. For instance, doctors that specialize in obesity-related issues, mostly prefer Bariatric/Obesity EMR software.
EMR Software by Specialty
A neurosurgeon and a dentist have completely different needs in terms of patient information and data management. Therefore, in order to facilitate various fields of medical science, EMR software also comes by specialization. Almost all of the medical practices require specialized tools to cater to their specific needs, that’s why EMR solutions vary in terms of usability, functionality, and even features.
MACRA/MIPS Compliant
Ever since the HITECH ACT was passed, the healthcare IT industry in the US has revolutionized and transitioned to the Meaningful Use Program (currently known as MACRA). Regardless of the specialization of the EMR solution, it must be compliant with the MACRA and MIPS laws in order to work within the US.
Benefits of an EMR Solution
Apart from the obvious financial benefits of implementing an EMR/EHR solution, companies that convert also see:
- Enhanced overall practice efficiency
- Higher profitability and improved revenue cycle (Medical Billing Services)
- Increase in patient engagement and interaction (via Patient Portal)
- Lower stationery and other office expenses
- Improved security and safety protocols
- Ease of communication between doctors and hospitals
Why does your practice need a Bariatric EMR Software?
Ever since the Meaningful Use program was introduced, most medical practices have had no choice but to turn their attention to EHR software. In fact, most practices put a lot of thought into implementing an EHR to ensure it suits their practice needs. If you’re worried about introducing the right Bariatric EMR solution for your practice, here are a few points you can use to arrive at the right decision.
- Know what your practice needs
- Consult a professional on the matter to identify the right EMR software.
- Implement the Bariatric EMR solution.
However, it’s important to understand the one size does not fit all when it comes to such sensitive technology. So in order to ensure you make the right choice, you can also Bariatric/Obesity EMR software demos. Even if one EMR software doesn’t suit your practice, you can try the next and the next until you find the right fit.
What to Look For in a Potential Bariatric EMR Software?
Before making the final purchase, here’s a bucket list to make sure you get the best EMR software.
Cloud-Based Solution: Keeping a server in your practice to make sure that the EMR software works smoothly is old news. Make sure your Bariatric EMR software comes with cloud-based storage to make your life easier.
Apple/Windows/Android Compatibility: Make sure the EMR solution you invest in, is compatible with multiple devices like Apple devices, Windows, Android, and Linux.
Bariatrics/Obesity EHR Features: Make sure your Bariatric/Obesity EHR software provides you with the customizable templates along with all the other features we mentioned earlier in the guide.
Practice Management Software: A practice management software is a very creative way of providing practice to the medical staff. It also provides extensive reporting along with the ability to track the practice performance for improvement.
Integrated Medical Billing Software: One of the most creative parts of an EHR solution is automatically conforming all documents and financial information of medical practice and seamlessly carrying out all billing activities. It also communicates with the insurance companies to remove yet another headache.
