Bert we have been playing with the software, "Instant Medical History" (IMH) with the intention that it will be useful for this very purpose. You cannot use e-mail in my opinion because you are stepping onto a merry go round that you cannot get off and it seems obvious to me that you will not be able to charge for every message, and the messages will snowball. The IMH software can be set up on a portal, (and be careful with what I say, as I am too ignorant to be quoted on the exact details) which your staff can direct patients to after they have triaged them. If the patient wants to use the service they may chose to do so, it is not, (IMHO) a covered benefit and we will not offer it on the insurance plan, but if they wish to use it, the cost is $35.00 on the credit card before they start. The IMH takes them through an algorhythm and based on that I may, 1- phone in an Rx. 2- call them for more details and then decide on a plan of action and finally, 3- Decline to treat over the phone, directing them to come in immediately or directing them to the ER. In that case I refund the $35.00 charge.
Thats the theory but we are still getting used to the software and I am not comfortable enough with it to contemplate trying to treat a patient with it.
In theory it should be most excellent for the recurrence of a chronic condition or for the simple things a person doesn't want to take time off work, and is really uncomfortable discussing on the phone at work, (I need a refill of the Anusol HC, those hemorrhoids came back.) For those situations the convenience should make it worth the $35.00.
If I every get it going, I'll let you all know.
We are using it for pre-op history and for new patient history and it is awesome, most especially when it takes the history in Spanish and sends it to AC in English. Really like that.
Does it interface into the ac chart or only import?
