Electronic health record or EHR is an electronic documentation of a patient’s medical information. Incorporation of this system into the health industry has enabled quicker and easier recording of data, which is an indispensable helper in the work of nurses and doctors. Health care givers can efficiently concentrate on patients due to minimized paperwork. The EHR system can be described precisely as a digitalized method of recording. The electronic data can be distributed effortlessly among different health facilities. Some of the data involves immunization status, demographics, radiology images, lab test outcomes, and billing information (Buck, 2010). Sharing these data is facilitated by the enterprise-wide information systems and other information networks. The specific EHR in this context is the MediTouch Electronic Health Record Software that has been there for over 30 years. It is a very significant record system that provides users with touch screen technology. It is very easy to use it and, moreover, it enables recording of health information.

MediTouch is also designed to correspond to Health Fusion’s practice management system. Since the system is web-based, a user can access the system through a web browser on any Windows or Apple device. It provides many features that make it easy to use EHR technology. For example, it is designed to incorporate the internet. Other characteristics associated with this software include management of documents, electronic prescription, electronic billing, clinical charting, alerts, lab tests and education of patients among others. There are support attributes that come with the MediTouch, for example, Request Form, Brochures, Live chat, Phone, Help desk and Email. The system has cheap subscription payment models, cross-compatibility with traditional desktops and a Pure Cloud platform. Many users across the globe trust the HealthFusion and MediTouch. Since provision of health care services is sometimes difficult, HealthFusion makes it simple.

Security is one of the most crucial details considered by MediTouch. It is imperative for any system used that its security facilities are up to date and are able to keep users` electrical devices safe. The most important security features include Password Protection, Automatic Logoff, Special User IDs, and Automatic Backup. It is very prudent for any hospital to provide a convenient environment for the quick recovery of patients. Easy access to the health facility should be the primary objective for management of any company. That is why incorporation of MediTouch is the best option (DeVore, 2012). Patients get Personal Health Record (PHR). This system enables them record their information before visiting a health center. With the PHR in place, there is minimum time wastage. Patients can access quality health care services since they receive maximum attention. The facility employees can also have adequate time to do other essential duties.

MediTouch is very popular and it received many awards. For instance, it was called the 2014 Meaningful Use version of its industry health record software. The system has been tested and certified as a Complete EHR that supports both stage 1 and stage 2 Meaningful Use measures. The Drummond Group certified MediTouch 2014 Technology. The Electronic Health Record, however, has some disadvantages including the initial operating costs. These costs tend to be expensive and increase the expenses of health facilities. Furthermore, the training process requires a lot of resources. Moreover, there is a need for highly qualified and technically skilled staff.

Another disadvantage of the system is that it is hardly portable and, thus, it creates a difficult situation whenever the system needs to be utilized in another location. The layout of the office needs to be taken into consideration so as to ensure confidentiality of patients’ records. Authorization of the system needs to be strategically placed so that only authorized individuals could access the system to evaluate its performance. The evaluations can be performed weekly and thus can be time consuming and management needs to set time for such activities.

Uses of MediTouch EHR Record System

MediTouch EHR Electronic Health Record software is used to enhance the quality of health care (DeVore, 2012). Electronic reports are accurate, safe and readable. This is due to the reason that there is no need to struggle to interpret what is hand-written. Most hand written records are not eligible and, therefore, may be inaccurate. The introduction of a worldwide record that can be used by most pharmacists minimizes delays in service provision. The MediTouch EHR software also alerts one when there is a data entry error. Thus, it gives an individual an opportunity to correct and avoid such errors.

Integration with Other Information Systems 

MediTouch is highly integrated with other information systems, for example, Linux, OS, UNIX, Windows and Mac. There is MediTouch software for iPads, which makes it usage easier and faster for health care providers. Moreover, web based her offers the lowest operating cost. MediTouch EHR was designed for use on mobile tablets such as Ipad. This is the reason why MediTouch is known to be a very valuable and highly quality EHR system. Its efficiency due to integration with other systems makes it recommended for use in every health facility. Integration of MediTouch with SureScripts enables wide networking among the pharmacies around the world. SureScripts is a very famous network that is recommended for any EHR. The link allows quick retrieval and tracking of a patient’s health records. Using the abovementioned network, healthcare personnel can understand the needs of a patient well. 

Whenever there is inadequate information about a particular patient, this system can come in handy. Therefore, MediTouch can be relied on if the health records in a precise facility are not correct and need to be confirmed (Lehmann, 2011). Another integrated feature is ePrecribe. This allows medical personnel share or send prescriptions to any pharmacy that is chosen by a patient. Therefore, the patient can collect the prescribed drugs from any pharmacy without having to go to the medical facility. MediTouch connects with at least two hundred laboratories across the United States. ePrescribing is one of the most popular applications for such devices as iPad and iPhone.

User Friendliness of Data Entry and Data Retrieval

The availability of health phrases, terms and forms makes data entry very simple. Individuals who face difficulty in understanding technical devices don’t have to worry because the system is designed to make everything easier for them. With the cloud, MediTouch allows an authorized person to access patients` health records from any device that is connected to the internet. Data that is required can be entered with no trouble since patients have different portals. They just log in and enter the information with the aid of the preloaded terminologies in the system. Data retrieval is also simplified because the system is connected to many health facilities. If data is lost, a healthcare provider can get it from other systems. Customization of the charts ensures quick entry of data. As a result, information can be presented in a simple diagram.

Benefits of the Software

MediTouch EHR Programs provide financial incentives for the meaning use of certified HER technology to improve patient care. The US government has offered incentives to health caregivers who demonstrate meaningful usage of EHRs. Incorporation of the software increases patients` participation and satisfaction. The PHR enables patients to get their confidential information. This is also facilitated by the integration of the patient portal in the system. The portal is very crucial in ensuring that each patient updates his or her information without any interferences or difficulty. Patients` history is used during appointments with a doctor. Therefore, the doctor can understand patients’ illness and recommend medication appropriately. Just like a consumer of a product, patients need to get satisfied with health care services they get.

There is need for better participation of patients in their overall recovery. They should be provided with every detail of their conditions in their portals. Thus, patients can easily inquire about everything that worries them (Scarlat, 2012). They can also inquire about their conditions without any difficulty. Incorporation of the free Meaningful Use certified patient portal into MediTouch serves to provide patients with the required engagement measures. Through the portal, patients can assess the following: Online Form Signing, Appointment Requests, Scan Insurance Cards and Confirmation of Appointments.

There are other advantages like billing benefits. These advantages involve Payment of Patient Balance and billing questions about one`s treatment. Through the portal patients can see and download their prescriptions, personal health records and lab results. Furthermore, the software plays an important role in ensuring improved performance efficiency. MediTouch has templates that cater to any medical care specialty. According to a research, MediTouch caters to about 20 health specialties. The system comes with many options useful to a medical officer. Charting is done professionally and in an efficient manner. Other systems sold to small healthcare offices are very cheap due to their inefficiency. Those sold to larger offices are rather expensive.

MediTouch, however, provides similar EHR designs to each and every office. This may be a small office or a group of healthcare providers. Reason for this is that many vendors of these systems do not sell customized software. It is important that every template is easily manipulated and operated. However, templates sold by vendors have interfaces that are difficult to use or even get information from them. Moreover, they need more typing (Scarlat, 2012). However, MediTouch is well customized with the regular phrases familiar to medical facilities. One cannot go wrong with typing because most terms are already available in the system.

Presence of different forms facilitates easier drawing of charts because users just need to open and start using the system. These forms come in various designs, thus, it is easy for any user to use the system and come up with his or her drawing. Customers` tastes and preferences are considered in this system. Customization of charts allows users to use various designs offered by the system. Therefore, patients can understand the information regarding their health well through the charts of their choice. The terms used in the system are simple to comprehend. Thus, individuals with minimal skills and experience in technical devices can find the system user-friendly. Usually vendors of different medical systems charge money for training provided to new staff. They even charge medical facilities for training provided to new employees. However, MediTouch EHR Electronic Health Record Software is free of charge. This is despite its maintenance, initial setup, and training of staff. The system is cheap to install, that is why most health organizations have adopted it. The charges charged by vendors increase the overall expenditure of health facilities. However, this does not happen when adopting MediTouch system.

Contractual terms are vital for every corporation. Unlike those vendors who oblige a healthcare facility to sign a contract for a fixed period, MediTouch does not require it. With this system, the duration can vary. It can be a multiple-year, a year or a monthly contract, depending on the needs of a health facility. Urgency is another reason taken into consideration when deciding on the duration of the contract. From the explanation above, it’s evident that MediTouch offers a flexible contract term for its customers. Flexibility of the system ensures that a healthcare facility gets enough resources to purchase the system and budget for other important issues pertinent to the center.

In comparison with other systems, MediTouch is highly rated due to its quality support systems for customer needs. Owing to the interoperability of MediTouch, it does not require additional steps like: no extra expenses due to integration maintenance, no misallocation of data and functions widely across billing and patient experience. The system has reduced importation of payer rejection reports by tracking them (Scarlat, 2012). It examines and confirms the eligibility of the reports. The system is easily integrated with other software, thus, it is also easy to see whether a patient has some unpaid bills. The eligibility confirmation is integrated into the scheduling software and undergoes frequent checking. This is done before a scheduled slot, thus, allowing the system to cross-examine if the customer is suitable.

MediTouch is also very advantageous since it is certified as a Complete Ambulatory EHR; it can be used on iPads and other devices. Integration process is very simple because the system is designed to function immediately. Employees can easily sign into the system. That is why there are no extra modules or service strategy to access it. Implementation of MediTouch does not require many plans and is incorporated with the needed forms to facilitate charting. It is essential that an appropriate pricing system is chosen for the Electronic Health Record. This is crucial especially during the initial stages to ensure proper performance of the health facility. Increased storage facility is ensured with the use of MediTouch EHR software. Subsequently, the system is available even in remote areas and can be used by various health workers.

The Implementation Process of EHR

When implementing the Electronic Health Records system, the first step is to evaluate readiness of medical providers to its introduction (Shoniregun, Dube & Mtenzi, 2010). An execution group needs to be chosen. This team will ensure that providers are appropriately assessed. Moreover, the team will be responsible for development of strategies, budgets and the entire implementation plan. Medical officers, vendors, administrators and other personnel are involved in the process. Many questions arise during this stage. For instance, reasons for the introduction of an EHR system need to be tackled. The assessment of providers can be divided into the following categories: technical, operational, management and leadership, and organizational culture. Every category can adopt a scoring mechanism that will show if the implementation process will meet the objectives.

The next step is to come up with an appropriate approach. The planning process considers such aspects like communication, resource assignment matrix, conversion needs and process enhancement plan. The most important aspects in communication involve determination of sponsors and stakeholders. Resource assignment matrix involves determination of costs which will incur, training of staff and internal funds needed. The functionality of the system depends on a provider’s goals and requirements. The problems that can be solved due to introduction of EHR system will be realized through the process enhancement plan. Replacement of existing systems that have traditional interfaces will be determined through the conversion plan. The budget plan that determines the expected costs related to the implementation process is another crucial step.

Third step of the implementation process involves choosing a proper EHR system depending on the goals of medical providers. The implementation team needs to critically determine the best system that will suit the needs of the facility. Purchase of a system can be done in three precise methods. Firstly, the team can select a vendor who can determine a good system. It is vital to trust the vendors in order to achieve a proper implementation process (Shoniregun, Dube & Mtenzi, 2010). Initial costs and other expenses that come with selection of a vendor need to be clarified before starting the process. In cases when problems arise, the vendor should be reliable and ready to assist in resolving the matter. Another way is to organize building of an in-house. This involves contracting with a system designer to come up with a system of a medical provider’s choice. The third method involves signing contracts with application service developers. This method is less expensive and thus considered better than the in-house or selection of vendors. Many small health facilities can afford this system. 

The fourth step involves pilot testing and training of employees. The employees should possess teamwork, communication and leadership skills. A group of employees can be chosen and trained by the vendor. They are then supposed to train other employees. Staff participation is an important aspect and therefore enough time should be set for the training process. Provision of a simulated environment is an added advantage in the process. This way, the staff can realize what is expected from them when dealing with the system. Achievement of meaningful use is the fifth step of the implementation process. There are specific results that the system has to provide. It is meant to provide safety of patient information, boost quality, efficiency, patient participation, increase care coordination and improve patients` health.

The sixth step involves continuous enhancement of quality. This stage consists of re-evaluation of the workforce and determining if they require extra training. There should be regular examination of the objectives of a health facility to identify the areas that require changes. If there is a need for the introduction of more enhanced technology, then this step should be considered as well (Zhang, 2012). Electronic Health records are meant to increase patient safety and minimize medical costs. The flow of activities within the facility needs to be improved. These evaluations are performed in order to guarantee competence and satisfaction of clients. 

Electronic Health records function to improve the general welfare of the patients and service provision. With a suitable EHR, health care providers can pay more attention to the success of a facility. Moreover, the progress of patients can be monitored from home. Despite the type of EHR chosen by an organization, there are some disadvantages. Nevertheless, due to many advantages associated with this system it is recommended for every medical institution that strives to satisfy its clients’ needs. Choosing to incorporate MediTouch system is just the beginning of any facility`s journey to success.