| The Modern
Medical Office ~ Dr. Winnie Su's story
From the moment you enter the office of Dr. Winnie Su, it's
easy to feel like something is missing.
|
In fact something is missing - it's paper.
Dr Su and her partner Dr Helen Chen are two of a
small number of BC physicians operating
completely paperless office systems.
After Dr Su graduated from medical school at the
University of British Columbia and completed her residency, she knew she and
Dr Chen had
a choice.
Should they build their family practice clinic using a
paper filing system or a computer-based operating system?
|
|
|
Dr Winnie Su updating
patient her files using her tablet
computer |
"We weighted the costs and benefits of using a
computer-based system and we decided the benefits outweighed
the start-up costs of a computerized office system," said
Dr Su.
Reasons behind the decision
Having been exposed to a paperless system during her
residency at BC Women's and Children's Hospital, Dr Su had
already seen the advantages and challenges of working in a
computer-based office system.
Advice from her husband, who
specializes in designing information technology systems for
office environments, also helped to influence her
decision.
 |
As well, she realized a computerized system would
require less office space.
Less space would mean lower overhead costs in
rent.
Most two-physician clinics require an office space of
approximately 1,000
sq. feet. This size is needed to accommodate rows of filing cabinets
holding patients' paper records.
|
| Reception
area without filing cabinets |
Dr Su's clinic fits 4
examination rooms, a reception area and a small office into
817sq. ft.
The Differences
Patients can't help but notice a difference the first time they
visit this clinic.
Dr Su walks into each meeting with a patient carrying her
tablet. This
compact, portable computer travels
with her around the office as she sees and treats
patients.
Using the tablet, she can quickly find a patient's file,
review the patient's medical history and type notes during their appointment.
However, the office computer system is not simply a filing
system for patient information.
It is used to electronically
carry out all business related to patient care:
- Making appointments
- Filing patient information
- Reviewing and adding information to patient charts
- Doing medical billing
- Writing and sending referrals
- Accessing information via the internet
- Communicating with laboratories and medical specialists
- Receiving patients' lab test results
- Receiving reports from medical specialists
From Dr Su's perspective, this system improves time and
efficiency for herself as well as her office
staff.
Advantages of a computerized medical practice
Many patients are quick to comment on the system.
In the 10
months since the clinic opened, Dr Su has found her patients
are pleased with the benefits they receive through the
computerized system:
- A mother can see her baby's growth charted on a graph
- Lab results often return the same day due to electronic
transfer of information
- Lab results can be printed and handed to patients
As a physician, Dr Su enjoys the following
advantages:
- Patient files are always systematic and orderly
- Information is accessible quickly and easily
- Documentation is always legible
- Ability to access and review patient files from home
|
Security and Privacy
The system also promotes greater security of patient
records.
Dr Su and Dr Tseng carry their computer tablets with them
at all times. The tablets are never left alone in an
examination room with a patient.
All patient records are password-protected and stored on a
secured computer database accessible only to Dr Su and Dr
Tseng. |
|
| This computer stored under
a desk represents the only storage space needed by the
office. |
Dr Su also saves a back up copy of the office files onto a
disk each day and takes the disk home with her that evening.
This protects patient files from being destroyed if a fire or
earthquake were to ever damage or destroy their office
building.
Challenges
Although there are challenges to adapting to a
computer-based system:
- Accommodating for staff time involved in scanning paper
records of patients transferring
from other physicians
- Keeping up with system maintenance and support
requirements
- Initial start-up costs
Dr Su remains convinced she made the right decision.
Dr.
Appleton's Office Frequently
Asked Questions
IT
Fact Sheet News Release on IT Policy
BCMA
IT Policy Paper
|
