5 Challenges ASCs Face When Implementing Patient Focused Ambulatory Software

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems have become an essential tool for healthcare providers in the digitization era. They help in organizing and storing patient data, streamlining workflows, reducing medical errors, and enhancing patient care. However, selecting the right EHR ambulatory software system for an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available. In this blog post, we from 1st Providers Choice will discuss the top five challenges that ASCs face when trying to implement hospital or practice-focused EHR systems and why partnering with an ASC-focused EHR vendor is the ideal solution.

Shortcomings of Hospital-Focused Ambulatory Solution

• Complexity and Workflow

Hospital-focused EHRs are designed to cater to the needs of multiple internal departments, including imaging, pharmacy, and lab services, which write into the same patient chart. This complexity can be overwhelming for ASCs that specialize in performing specific types of outpatient surgeries. Hospital EHRs may not be able to accommodate the unique billing and coding requirements of ASC software, which can lead to inefficiencies in workflows.

• Regulatory Requirements

ASCs have to comply with a different set of regulatory requirements than hospitals, such as 1st Providers Choice regulations, state-specific audit reporting, and benchmarking and accreditation. Hospital pain management software may not be able to capture the detailed data needed to comply with ASC reporting requirements, leading to additional costs.

• Cost

Hospital EHR systems are expensive and require significant configuration and training to be tailored to an ASC's needs. ASCs specialize in high volumes of procedures from one or a few specialties and require only a fraction of the capabilities a hospital EHR system would need. As a result, an ASC-specific EHR system is more affordable and provides a faster return on investment.

Shortcomings of Practice-Focused Ambulatory Solution

• Scheduling

Scheduling surgeries in podiatry practice management software requires capturing several details, such as procedure name, laterality and position, anesthesia type, authorizations, CPT and ICD-10 codes, allergies, preoperative testing, supply/equipment requests, and medication orders. ASC team members need to access this information to complete their clinical and financial responsibilities, which can be challenging with practice-focused EHR systems.

• Surgical Documentation

Practice-focused EHR systems lack the necessary documentation required for ASCs, such as patient assessment, operative notes, preoperative questionnaire, anesthesia, medications, surgical time-out, supplies, and risk assessment. Without this documentation, ASCs may face compliance issues and may compromise patient care.

The Solution: ASC-Focused Software

Partnering with an ASC-specific EHR vendor is the ideal solution for ASCs. Ambulatory software systems are designed to meet the unique clinical, operational, reporting, and patient requirements of ASCs. They offer intuitive workflows, built-in functionalities, and streamlined documentation for efficient and effective patient care. Furthermore, they are cost-effective and require minimal configuration and training, providing a quick return on investment.

Conclusion

Selecting the right EHR ambulatory software system is crucial for the success of an ASC. Hospital or practice-focused EHR systems may not be able to accommodate the unique requirements of ASCs, leading to inefficiencies in workflows, compliance issues, and compromised patient care. ASC-specific EHR systems offer a comprehensive solution to meet the specific needs of ASCs, providing efficient workflows, streamlined documentation, and cost-effectiveness. By partnering with an ASC-focused EHR vendor like 1st Providers Choice, ASCs can enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.