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Electronic Medical Record System Quickly Returns Investment at Academic Center |
By Will Boggs, MD
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Jul 18 - Savings soon offset costs from implementing an electronic medical record (EMR) system in an academic medical center, providing a rapid return on investment (ROI), according to a report in the July issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
"The financial ROI for ambulatory EMRs is sound," Dr. David A. Krusch from the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York told Reuters Health. "The time is right (both on the part of the provider and the EMR technology) for the adoption and implementation of this technology."
Dr. Krusch and colleagues evaluated the return on investment for a pilot project for implementation of an EMR for the University of Rochester's five ambulatory practices with a total of 28 providers.
Based on practices before its implementation, within 2 years the system would bring an annual savings in the cost of chart pulls, new patient chart costs, filing costs, annual support staff salary, and transcription costs.
The total capital cost of the system was $484,577, and the researchers calculate the annual savings to be $393,662.
"Based on these cost savings," they say, "the initial expense was recaptured in 16 months. In addition, once the ongoing annual operating expense is accounted for, we have a new annual savings of $9,983 per provider."
"The technology is usable, can enhance workflow, and provide benefits to providers and patients in terms of cost, safety, and efficiency," Dr. Krusch concluded. In fact, he added, "Most practices and doctors are 'lined up at my door' wanting to be next."
J Am Coll Surg 2007;205:89-96.Article source http://w4rum.com/2810.t
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