Medical Specialists Seeks Innovative Ways to Increase Patient Interaction by Utilizing Electronic Medical Record Technology

    MUNSTER, IN, October 06, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Much has been said and written about electronic medical records (EMRs) depersonalizing the doctor patient relationship, as doctors spend much of a visit typing on a screen. However, when Medical Specialists implemented the EMR in its clinics and worked toward meeting the industry standard of meaningful use, President and CEO, Alexander Stemer, MD, also sought ways to merge the company's various forms of advanced technology to achieve better care and better patient interaction.

"New technology is here to stay. Instead of focusing on its limitations, Medical Specialists has decided to focus on how to use the technology to enhance the patient experience," said Dr. Stemer. "Our mission is to utilize the full potential benefits of our EMR."

To do this, Medical Specialists has invested in dual screens in each of its 170+ exam rooms and connected their imaging and lab equipment so that physicians can use the large screen monitors to visually show patients their CT, MRI and X-ray images and information about other test results. By taking this additional step, the company's healthcare providers are not just typing into a computer. The screens spark conversation and increase interaction. This initiative has brought two forms of technology together to provide the patient with more information to enhance their overall experience.

Another way Medical Specialists has merged two forms of technology is demonstrated in the current efforts involving Medical Specialists, Allscripts and Shareable Ink. Through Dr. Stemer's vision of utilizing technology to enhance the patient experience, he has brought together two different companies and taken their different products to create an innovative new tool. This new tool will allow physicians to better use EMR technology without sacrificing "face time" with the patient.

As a result of this new endeavor, Dr. Stemer was one of only two featured speakers invited to present at a national conference to discuss EMR innovation. "With innovative and out-of-the-box thinking, it is possible to merge technology and personalized healthcare, Dr. Stemer said."

Dr. Stemer would be happy to talk with you about the advances Medical Specialists has made and continues to make regarding the use of healthcare technology and how it can be used to enhance the patient experience.

Medical Specialists is a unique healthcare organization comprised of highly trained and compassionate primary care and specialty care physicians and surgeons. Providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of Northwest Indiana since 1978, Medical Specialists brings university level medical care to the community setting. Please contact Medical Specialists at 219-934-0900 or via the web at www.medspecindiana.com for more information.

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