With seemingly endless EHR options on the market, deciding the best solution for your practice can be a significant challenge. At the end of the day, your EHR should make your job easier, and it should have powerful features that help you perform as well as possible. In today’s blog, we discuss a feature we think is underutilized — and that’s voice dictation. So, should EHR dictation be part of how you manage your practice? We say yes, and we’ll walk you through how to leverage this feature so you can save time on data-entry while improving patient care.
Why Your EHR Should Support Voice Dictation
The Importance of EHR Dictation
As more people need healthcare services, providers are stretched thin. Not only do physicians spend time with patients, they’re also responsible for keeping meticulous records of each encounter. Fortunately, the right EHR with the right features, like voice dictation, can make it easier to capture critical details even with a full workload.
1. More efficient documentation.
Medical dictation enables healthcare providers to efficiently document patient encounters by verbally recording information instead of manually typing or writing notes. Providers can save significant time as they speak their observations, assessments, and treatment plans directly into a dictation system, minimizing the need for extensive typing or handwriting. This streamlined process enhances overall documentation speed, enabling healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks.
2. Faster, more accessible data entry.
Medical dictation systems transcriptions can automatically be imported to an EHR or other compatible software, reducing time spent on manual data entry.
3. Increased coding accuracy.
Notes taken at top of mind often contain more accurate depictions of encounters. And when encounters are properly documented, it’s more likely that you’ll utilize the right codes to receive maximum compensation for services rendered.
The Impact of EHR Dictation on Patient Care
EHR dictation isn’t just advantageous for providers — patients can experience significant perks, too. As patients become more involved in their healthcare, they may have increased expectations from their providers. Medical dictation software allows providers to spend more time one-on-one with patients, but the benefits don’t stop there.
1. More thorough documentation leads to better health outcomes.
Medical dictation can lead to more precise and comprehensive patient documentation. When healthcare providers use dictation to record their observations, diagnoses, and treatment plans, the resulting documentation tends to be more detailed and accurate. This clarity can improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring they thoroughly understand their medical condition, treatment options, and care instructions. A deeper understanding of their conditions empowers patients to actively participate in healthcare decisions and follow prescribed treatments more confidently.
2. Patients can access their information more quickly.
Medical dictation expedites documentation, leading to quicker updates in electronic health records (EHRs) and other medical records. This timely access to accurate information supports better-informed decision-making by healthcare professionals and contributes to more effective and personalized patient care.
3. Patients may find their providers are more engaged during visits.
By utilizing medical dictation, healthcare providers can spend less time on manual data entry and more time engaging with patients during appointments. This shift in focus allows for more meaningful doctor-patient interactions. Providers can actively listen to patients, address their concerns, and provide thorough explanations without the distraction of extensive note-taking. This patient-centered approach fosters a stronger doctor-patient relationship, as patients feel heard and understood. Ultimately, medical dictation contributes to a more positive and patient-centric healthcare experience.
How to Use EHR Dictation Effectively
There’s no denying the benefits of medical dictation software, but like any tool, it must be used correctly to achieve the best results.
Ensure Data Security and Compliance
Your patients’ data is invaluable and it must be protected, so first and foremost, your dictation software must be HIPAA compliant. Medical dictation software is highly encrypted and can securely transmit information to EHRs. And if you plan to dictate notes, ensure you do so in an environment that respects your patients’ privacy and aligns with HIPAA regulations.
Choose the Right Tool for Your Practice
Choosing the right medical dictation software for your practice is a big decision. Here are a few things you should consider when making your selection.
1. The software should be compatible with your existing systems.
Ensure that the chosen dictation software seamlessly integrates with your electronic health record (EHR) system, allowing for efficient transfer of transcribed data. For example, Benchmark EHR is compatible with Dragon Medical, a leading provider of speech recognition software solutions.
2. The software should be highly accurate and efficient.
Evaluate the software’s speech recognition capabilities and ensure it can accurately transcribe medical terminology across numerous specialties. Look for a solution that offers customization options, allowing the software to adapt to your medical practice’s unique language nuances and specialized vocabulary. Additionally, consider the software’s ability to learn and improve over time, as this can contribute to enhanced accuracy as the system becomes familiar with the speaking patterns of individual healthcare providers. Here at Benchmark Solutions, we integrate with Dragon Medical, a platform known for its superb transcription capabilities.
3. The software should be easy to use.
Opt for medical dictation software that is intuitive and user-friendly, requiring minimal training for your healthcare professionals to adopt. The software should offer convenient features such as voice commands, template creation, and easy editing options to streamline dictation.
Want to see the power of medical dictation software firsthand?
Schedule a demo today.
Personalize Your Solution to Your Needs
No two medical practices are the same, and you shouldn’t have to work with technology that can’t support your unique needs. Speech recognition software solutions like Dragon Medical can be tailored to your preferences so you don’t have to change how you work. Custom workflows allow for a more seamless adoption and comfortable experience as you dictate case notes.
Benchmark EHR Supports Voice Dictation and Other Time-Saving Features
At Benchmark Solutions, we know your time is valuable. We built our EHR, PM, and RCM solutions to help providers operate efficiently without compromising on patient care. Benchmark EHR supports voice dictation through an integration with Dragon Medical, but that’s just scratching the surface of what our solution can do. With Benchmark EHR, you can:
- Harness the power of automated code recommendations
- Create your workflows based on your practice’s most common patient interactions
- Send prescriptions for filling with ease
- Automate distribution of meaningful use materials for patient education
- And so much more!
If you’re feeling frustrated with your EHR, we’d love to hear your concerns and discuss whether Benchmark EHR could resolve your pain points.
