WGU C816 - EHR Implementation
Challenges and Staffing Solutions
Report
, 2
EHR Implementation
A1: Issues In The Hybrid Record
For Anywhere Memorial Hospital, there are several issues with clinical documentation in
the hybrid record.
First, there is a current need for a full-time team of HIM (health information
management) employees to gather and scan records into the system. If the document scanning
system is down, complete records are not able to be accessed in the paper or digital record
because of the backlog. HIM staff also need to find and gather paper records for scanning which
has already resulted in lost or misplaced records. The number of HIM employees needed to
locate and scan records may also be a drain on resources and money.
Second, providers do not always have access to the information they need in the paper
record. Because parts of the paper record may be in queue for scanning, or with another member
of the care team, making a diagnosis or ordering treatment may be delayed as the provider may
feel or know they do not have all the information needed to make a good medical decision.
Third, because of missing information in one or both systems providers are not able to
complete their part of the medical record promptly. Providers may also feel the need to hold onto
records until they can complete their documentation which can lead to delays in scanning the
information into the digital system. Also, because of missing or incomplete clinical
documentation, charges for patient visits are being postponed which leads to deficits in the
revenue cycle.
Fourth, tracking any deficiencies in medical records is currently done by hand. This
means that both the paper and digital systems need to be monitored, issues logged, tracked, and
Challenges and Staffing Solutions
Report
, 2
EHR Implementation
A1: Issues In The Hybrid Record
For Anywhere Memorial Hospital, there are several issues with clinical documentation in
the hybrid record.
First, there is a current need for a full-time team of HIM (health information
management) employees to gather and scan records into the system. If the document scanning
system is down, complete records are not able to be accessed in the paper or digital record
because of the backlog. HIM staff also need to find and gather paper records for scanning which
has already resulted in lost or misplaced records. The number of HIM employees needed to
locate and scan records may also be a drain on resources and money.
Second, providers do not always have access to the information they need in the paper
record. Because parts of the paper record may be in queue for scanning, or with another member
of the care team, making a diagnosis or ordering treatment may be delayed as the provider may
feel or know they do not have all the information needed to make a good medical decision.
Third, because of missing information in one or both systems providers are not able to
complete their part of the medical record promptly. Providers may also feel the need to hold onto
records until they can complete their documentation which can lead to delays in scanning the
information into the digital system. Also, because of missing or incomplete clinical
documentation, charges for patient visits are being postponed which leads to deficits in the
revenue cycle.
Fourth, tracking any deficiencies in medical records is currently done by hand. This
means that both the paper and digital systems need to be monitored, issues logged, tracked, and
