Improving care and boosting revenue: OB-GYN EHR solutions

One solution to ease the strain on OB-GYN practices: an EHR designed specifically to meet the needs of a specialty practice. An OB-GYN EHR offers smooth, streamlined workflows with fewer unnecessary clicks and simpler documentation. Keep reading for more on how OB-GYN practices can use a specialty EHR to combat common problems.

OB-GYNs are burning out

Compared with other specialties, OB-GYN has a higher burnout rate. According to Medscape, about 44% of OB-GYNs reported being burned out, compared with 42% of physicians overall. Among the most cited reasons: too many bureaucratic tasks, lack of respect from professional associates, insufficient compensation, too many hours at work, and too much time on the computer. Government regulations further increase the burden on OB-GYNs, the study found.

 Physician burnout from computerization influences more than just job satisfaction — it impacts patient outcomes. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research indicated that the overall usability of EHR systems is a strong driver of a physician’s workload. EHR platforms that require a high degree of concentration and extra time to navigate increase the cognitive load on physicians, which can contribute to more errors and poorer decision-making.

OB-GYNs are also at elevated risk of developing compassion fatigue, a major indicator of burnout. Compassion and empathy are not infinite resources and recovering from compassion fatigue requires self-care and focus on work-life balance. With the right tools to minimize unnecessary tasks, clinicians can log off and rest. 

OB-GYN practices need the right tech solutions

OB-GYN billing is notoriously complex, with multiple services rendered simultaneously that can lead to more complicated claims and slower reimbursement. And with low Medicaid reimbursement rates, OB-GYN practices must take on high patient loads to maintain cash flow. OB-GYN medical software dispenses with unnecessary clicks and superfluous data collection and allows providers to conduct patient visits smoothly and efficiently with less extra work later.

While multi-specialty software is appropriate for many settings, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. OB-GYNs don’t need to collect the same data as podiatrists or neurologists, after all. Practices that choose an OB-GYN EHR can skip the overly broad checklists and instead utilize specialty-specific templates to collect the right data without superfluous steps. Platforms that allow customizable workflows offer OB-GYN practices another edge, allowing a truly purpose-built solution that fits the needs of the individual practice.

With integrated patient engagement tools, OB-GYN medical software can foster important patient-provider connections while saving time and providing valuable distance for clinicians at risk of compassion fatigue. Patient and providers can use secure messaging to communicate directly, with messages delegated to available members of the clinical team. Other tools like appointment reminders reduce administrative burden for front office staff and cut back on no-shows.

What to look for when choosing an OB-GYN EHR

A labor and delivery module is an essential feature for any OB-GYN practice looking to invest in a specialty-specific EHR. Look for templates that can be customized to meet facility documentation requirements. Labor and delivery modules with smooth workflows and simplified charting help providers spend less time on the computer and more time focused on mothers and babies.

Electronic prior authorization capability is a useful addition to ensure that patients have prompt access to contraceptive care. While federal regulations guarantee coverage of preferred methods among both privately insured and Medicaid patients, prior authorization is sometimes required for specific products within a given method category. Electronic prior authorization software can dramatically speed up requests while decreasing the administrative burden of calls and faxes.

Interoperable EHR platforms with mobile capabilities allow private practice clinicians to easily move between clinics and hospitals without any barriers to essential data exchange. Fluid information exchange also aids in care coordination and a more collaborative approach to care delivery. And with interoperable platforms, patients have better access to their own health data, empowering them to make informed choices and become partners in their own care.

Overcome burnout with OB-GYN medical software

Compared to physicians in all specialties, OB-GYNs are at an elevated risk of burnout and many cite the volume of computerized tasks as a major driver. A specialty EHR designed for OB-GYN practices can streamline documentation and workflows and make it easier to accommodate high patient loads. EHR doesn’t have to be a burden — with OB-GYN specialty software that includes features to meet specific practice needs, it can be an extraordinarily effective tool to deliver quality care more efficiently. Find out how Greenway can improve how you deliver women’s healthcare.

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