We feel you: You’re absolutely slammed trying to keep up with all the data entry required in your EHR. You, and nearly every other physician out there.
Most docs spend two hours or more each day clicking boxes and hunting down codes just to keep up. But get this - you can get those hours back by automating your EHR data entry. Yup, you heard right.
Keep reading to find out how automating your EHR data entry can save you up to two clinical hours per day so you can get back to doing what you do best - healing patients.
We’ll cover:
- What is EHR/EMR data entry?
- How much time can you save by automating EHR data entry?
- How accurate is it really?
- The best solutions for automating EHR data entry
- Best practices (because you want to get things right)
Let’s dig in!
What is EHR/EMR data entry?
EHR data entry involves typing in all the details from your patient visits into those electronic health record systems. We're talking patient histories, exam notes, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, lab orders —the works.
It's a necessary evil, but let's face it, spending hours clicking through templates and typing lengthy notes is probably not why you went to med school.
But, there are a few ways to automate at least some of this data entry and buy back a couple of hours of your day.
Over time, those hours stack up, and you start reclaiming more and more of your life back.
How much time can you save by automating EHR data entry?
By automating some of that tedious data entry, you can save up to two hours a day.
Yes, you read that right. Two entire hours you can spend actually talking to your patients instead of looking at a computer screen with a glazed-over look.
But, let's break down the two-hour save in a way that makes sense:
- If you're manually entering patient data into your EHR, you're likely spending around 15 to 20 minutes per patient just on data entry.
- For a typical day where you see around 8 to 12 patients, that adds up to between 2 to 4 hours spent just typing away.
Now, bring in automation:
By automating the data entry process, you're cutting down those 15 to 20 minutes to just a couple of minutes per patient to review and confirm the information.
This significant reduction in manual data entry time results in saving around two hours per day — time that can be redirected towards patient care, consultations, or even a well-deserved break.
It's about working smarter, not harder, and letting technology take the load off repetitive tasks.
Now, while no system is 100% perfect, studies show automated and scribe-based data entry is very accurate (getting closer and closer to perfection), so you can rest assured knowing your records will still be in good shape.
But we’ll get into that below.
How accurate is EHR data entry automation?
Look, we get it — the idea of an AI tool documenting patient encounters seems about as realistic as performing open-heart surgery while skydiving.
But hear us out, because EHR automation has come a long, long way from the times of “Just say it again, please.”
Tools like Lindy were created with doctors in mind, using advanced natural language processing (NLP) to understand medical terminology and accurately capture details from a patient visit.
The accuracy will blow you away. In studies, NLP models have achieved over 95% accuracy in extracting relevant medical details from doctor-patient conversations and suggesting appropriate charting.
And because you review and approve the AI's suggestions, the chance of incorrect information ending up in the record is extremely small. Win-win!
And things get even better: Lindy has an accuracy of over 99%, so it beats out most NLP models easily.
We understand, you’ve probably been too busy to stay abreast of the latest tech changes for this to seem anything other than pie-in-the-sky.
But trust us: It’s here, it’s happening, it’s now.
The top 3 ways to automate your data entry
We don’t want to sound overly biased towards AI. There are actually three ways you can automate your data entry today and be all the better for it.
Let’s do a mini-breakdown of each one:
Virtual scribes may be your new BFFs
There used to be a time when in-person scribes were a thing.
But, if you’re not quite ready to share your office space, virtual scribes can be your silent partners, joining your patient sessions remotely.
Just arm yourself with a laptop, stable wifi, and a mic-ed-up headset to kick things off.
- Flexible, but not pocket-friendly: Although less expensive than traditional scribes, virtual scribes still average $20 an hour. You're in control though, paying only for the time you need them, which means more money in your pocket, and no huge salaries to pay.
- They're not magicians, though: While they're great at jotting down every word, don't expect them to lend a hand with physical exams. And yes, they'll miss out on your award-winning smile -though nothing stops you from sharing a selfie or two to brighten their day. (Ask for permission first, though!)
Talking your way to freedom with voice-recognition software
You can also swap typing for talking with voice recognition software. While not as smart as full-on AI assistants, they can still be accurate, fast, and cost-effective.
Avoid the carpal tunnel trap: Keyboard addicts, it’s time to cut down. Voice tech is not just about getting better dictation – it’s about preventing health symptoms from excessive typing.
Another type of office chatter: Sure, chatting up your software might raise some eyebrows initially. But as your team catches on, don't be surprised if they start chiming in.
Cost-effective: Non-specialized software will typically be a lot cheaper than AI-assisted tech. But, make sure you get HIPAA complaint options, like Microsoft Voice Dictate with Microsoft 365. Free options are a no-go.
Outsource to an AI assistant
As we alluded to above, NLP and AI-powered systems are already making huge waves in the medical space.
We recommend Lindy, the most powerful AI charting solution:
A huge help for charting: Lindy is on 24/7, with natural language understanding to transform patient consultations into EHR entries in a flash.
Integration matters: Lindy plays well with major EHR platforms like Epic and Cerner, slotting into your workflow without giving you any tech headaches.
AI's got your back: Sure, AI might not have the human touch, but it’s got an accuracy of over 99% to more than make up for it. It may not compliment you on your patient skills, but it does give you your life back.
It knows the lingo: Accuracy is just the start. Lindy also understands the medical terminology for a dizzyingly high array of medical specializations. Got a thick accent, or just mumble-prone? No problem.
Completely HIPAA and PIPEDA-compliant – Canadians, we haven’t forgotten about you.
Cost-effective: Try for free, Lindy’s got virtual scribes beat.
EHR data entry automation best practices
By following a few best practices, you can automate a huge chunk of your EHR data entry and reclaim your sanity.
Let’s take a look:
Optimize your setup: Make doubly sure your workspace is primed for efficiency. A good microphone for voice recognition and a stable internet connection can make a world of difference. Position your screen so you can easily reference information while conversing with patients or AI tools.
Train and customize: Whether it's AI, virtual scribes, or voice recognition, spend time on the front end personalizing these tools to your practice. Teach them your most used phrases, the nuances of medical terminology you frequent, and review their outputs regularly to refine their accuracy.
Create a workflow routine: Designate specific times during your day for different types of documentation. For instance, block out time immediately after patient visits for quick notes or summaries, then use your designated admin time for deeper documentation needs. This keeps the process manageable and less overwhelming.
Engage with your tools: Actively use and converse with your AI or voice recognition tools as if they're part of your team. The more you interact with them, the better these tools learn and adapt to your style and needs, making them more efficient over time.
Stay updated and adapt: Keep on top of updates to your EHR, AI tools, or any software you use. New features or integrations can further streamline your process. Be open to tweaking your approach based on these updates or feedback from your use of these tools.
Summing up
We know you're thinking there's no way something as slick as AI or a virtual assistant can capture all the nuances of your patient interactions as well as you can.
But don't knock it, until you try it.
Give Lindy a test drive and let it wow you with how she takes those tedious EHR tasks off your plate, freeing you up to have A+ face time with your patients – and live your best life.
