We converted the paper charts to the EMR by scanning them in as the patient came to the office ( or called for refill etc). The basic rule was "any chart that gets pulled from the cabinet never goes back" , it goes to the electronic file as an imported item in the patient's chart. This has ( over 2 years time) opened up two entire rooms that used to be used for chart storage. One is a new room for the nursing functions ( vitals, injections etc) which improves work flow for the exam rooms. The other new room is being used as a procedure room, again improving work flow. My rent is the same but my office is 30% bigger and feels nicer too.
The counters are cleaner, the staff doesn't do any of that old" where is the chart" hunt routine.
Let the EMR do its thing. It is better than paper.
