EMRs and the coder: How to use your coding knowledge to smooth EMR implementation

Why This Topic Matters

EMR design choices can affect the credibility of the medical record, the quality of documentation, and a practice’s exposure to compliance risk. The article helps readers understand why coding knowledge should be part of EMR planning and implementation.

Article Sections

1. EMRs, compliance, and documentation integrity

   Introduces the role of electronic medical records in practice operations and why implementation choices can affect compliance, documentation quality, and record credibility.

2. Potential drawbacks of progress note templates

   Reviews common template-related concerns involving documentation structure, user behavior, and the balance between standardized fields and patient-specific information.

3. Take action: Here’s a coder’s EMR to-do list

   Outlines broad implementation steps for involving coding and compliance staff in EMR planning, template approval, training, and access management.