"E-M-Are You Serious?"

(a continuation of Nov. 25's post "Is EMR really that scary?")

Doctor: So, IO-- while I like what I'm hearing, I'm skeptical. The sad fact is, doctors have been using paper charts since the beginning of time--

IO: -- well, since the beginning of doctors, and paper...

Doctor: -- right -- and, you have to understand, I've heard horror stories from friends who invested in an EMR system that not only slowed them down and failed to increase revenue, but actually made them lose money. How do I know IO Practiceware won't do that?

IO: Okay, a few things. Of all the systems we've installed since we opened as a company, 100% of our EMRs have benefited the doctors and their practices. Which is to say, to this day, all of our clients use their EMR successfully.

Doctor: E-M-Are You Serious?

IO: Oh yeah.

Doctor: How? Explain.

IO: Where to start? To be honest, most people looking into purchasing EMR don't always know what to look for. Because of this, the touch screen might not at first seem all that crucial to the success of your EMR. But we assure you -- it is. It's just faster. Period.

Doctor: Don't a lot of other companies' EMRs use touch screens as well?

IO: Some do, yes...but beware of impostors! With these other companies' touch screens, the on-screen maneuvering with your finger functions exactly like a mouse, so it isn't any faster. Sometimes it's actually slower.

Doctor: Tricky distinction. How is IO's touch screen different?

IO: Well, our software was programmed specifically to support the touch-screen interface, so when using our EMR, you never have to simulate the act of writing, typing, or using a stylus with drop down screens; this wouldn't speed things up much. Instead, we thought long and hard about the best way to group together observations, diagnoses, and recommendations, such that we lead you from screen to screen, from button to button, anticipating your next move, assisting you in grouping together observations. These systematic and logical groupings, combined with the inherent fastness of using a touch screen to push buttons, helps you to positively fly through your patient's exam.

Doctor: How have you catered your software so specifically to the needs of ophthalmologists?

IO: Well, unlike a lot of other companies that sell EMRs, IO Practiceware was designed exclusively for ophthalmologists. To that end, we've researched extensively the best way to organize our charts so they make the most sense for you -- logical groupings by symptom, possible treatments -- you name it.

Doctor: And do I also have the option of customizing according to my own preferences and methodologies?

IO: You betcha!

Doctor: Whoa, you just sounded like Sarah Palin.

IO: Sorry.

Doctor: So what about imaging?

IO: That's one of the coolest parts! In addition to having all x-rays, printouts, and patient-related images right there at your fingertips, our EMRs have a draw function that not only lets you record your visual observations, but which will interpret your markings on the spot, supplying you with possible diagnoses even before you have to look them up.

Doctor: Wow.

IO: Yep. The whole process is so quick, you might even have time to kill -- which means you'll have to make small talk, maybe ask your patient about his golf swing, or tell some eye-related jokes, or do that trick where your pen disappears.

Doctor: I love that trick.

IO: I know, me too.

Doctor: Okay, now I'm really interested. Tell me more!

(stay tuned for Act III: "Crossing T's and Dotting Eyes")