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(Jan. 21, 2010) Editor:
Thank you for writing about the transition to electronic medical records (EMR) in your Jan. 7 issue (“Top of the Charts”). I was disappointed that, in your otherwise extensive coverage of the local challenges, you failed to mention or have any discussions with me or my colleagues at Eureka Family Practice.
Not only are we the oldest medical group practice in Humboldt County, but we are also the first to implement a fully functioning EMR. We have been “electronic” for over six years now. We made the transition at considerable personal expense because we knew it was the right thing to do for our patients and for our practice. The quality of our medical records — in terms of accuracy, completeness and timeliness — has increased dramatically since we stopped using paper charts. Further, we are actively participating in a nationwide project involving hundreds of practices that share the same EMR program, comparing our outcomes across practices as well as comparing us to national standards.
While I agree that implementing an EMR is difficult, I can emphatically state that at this stage the EMR makes our daily work lives easier, allows us to provide more timely and appropriate care to our patients and unequivocally improves quality. The critical step for providers (aside from purchasing and using a robust software package) is to embrace the technology. If a provider is unwilling to change work habits, or is unwilling to utilize the tools built into the system (e.g., tracking necessary preventive services, keeping medication lists up to date and allowing the software to check for drug interactions, to mention but a few of the capabilities of EMR), then the provider clearly ought to stick with paper.
An EMR is only a tool, and is only as good as its end user will allow it to be. Personally, I cannot imagine practicing without it.
Leo Leer, M.D., Eureka
Sweet Spot: For once, the informative edges out the amusing. Dr. Leo Leer wins a Bon Boniere sundae for sending our favorite letter of the week.
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on the cover
Railroad!
Proposed lines ‘set rich blood a-tingling’ in early 1900s
Some Other Proposed North Coast Railroads
Choo-choo Fantasies
Exposing this east-west rail nonsense
seven-o-heaven
Undeterred Will
Will chides Andrew for lack of attention to detail and makes plans for his inevitable victory.
Today
44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race
STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.
Flow 2012 Fashion Show
STAFF PICK / events / 8 p.m. Arcata Theatre Lounge, 1036 G St. Student designed and produced clothing. Fundraiser for Arcata Arts Institute. $35/$25 students. artsinstitute.net. 822-1220.
Woodside Preschool's Rummage/Bake Sale
events / 8 a.m.-noon. Woodside Preschool, 900 Hodgson St, Eureka. www.woodsidepreschool.com. 445-9132.
Lanphere Dunes Restoration
STAFF PICK / outdoors / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School. Help remove non-native invasives at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tools and gloves provided, wear work clothes and bring water. Carpool to the protected site. 444-1397.
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