Elevate Your EMR System
The correctional industry has been one of the last healthcare fields slowly moving to computerized record-keeping systems. Currently, there are incentives and penalties by both insurance companies and the government to encourage a shift to EMR, but many correctional facilities do not bill to insurance, resulting in a lack of urgency to embrace this change.
Move to an EMR System
This past year has seen significant changes within jail record-keeping. Gone are the days of sending in paper prescriptions. Providers within jails will need to adapt to new requirements for e-prescribing by submitting prescriptions electronically to the pharmacy¹. E-prescribing aims to streamline the prescription process, enhance efficiency, and improve overall patient care within facilities. Additionally, the US Marshals Service has moved to an updated electronic Prisoner Medical Request procedure.
Moving to an EMR offers a more secure and efficient medication management system. It reduces potential for errors and simplifies the tracking and monitoring of medications. Patient information protection, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance are among the key benefits of making this transition. Reduced liability is one of the most significant benefits to moving to an electronic medical record-keeping system. Move to an EMR System.
Evaluate Your EMR System
To keep up with the demands of advancing EMR systems, many systems on the market require frequent updates and the purchase of additional software. This can slow the efficiency of record-management and deter jails from moving to an EMR system. Look specifically for an all-in-one system that meets the needs of your site without downtime. An EMR system should²:
interface with your existing jail management system (JMS) without installation fees.
be fully customizable.
offer free, easily exported records.
work at full functionality without internet connection.
track the health outlook of your jail through free reports.
integrate with Surescipts for complete patient medication history.
EMR systems specifically designed for corrections are essential in elevating outcomes for your patient population. The EMR should provide complete and accurate patient prescription histories that can be accessed from anywhere, immediately upon pulling up a patient’s profile. Electronic systems must also feature interoperability with labs, hospitals, other EMRs, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Watch out for additional-cost services and look for and EMR that offers full capability without hidden fees. Evaluate your EMR system.
For more information, please contact training@sparktraining.us.
“Standards for electronic prescribing.” Federal Code of Regulations, title 42 (2024): 4284-4285. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-423.160
2. “DetainEMR Features.” AIMM, (2024). https://www.detainemr.com/detainemr-features/#
Disclaimer
All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented should be treated as guidelines, not rules. The information presented is not intended to establish a standard of medical care and is not a substitute for common sense. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change without notice. Each situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. WHEN IN DOUBT, SEND THEM OUT. ®