http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/821584?src=wnl_edit_specol&uac=176037MVAt the recent MMA (Montana Medical Association) leadership conference here in town, this idea of medical scribe was discussed. I agree with Art, in this piece on Medscape.
I suggested to the MMA audience the use of technology, such as the Chromebook attached to a large screen TV, engages the patient, and in my opinion is much more cost effective than a scribe, and improves the patient doctor relationship in this technological age in which we find ourselves.
I think the patients appreciate the opportunity to view, mold, and create their own chart, and benefit from the projected data lines of BP's, BMI's, Weights, Lipids, and HgA1C's. I have found the patient doctor trust enhanced and the mystery of the EHR deflated with this type of scenario.
So before adding yet another staff member with a need for retirement and health insurance, think of some way to engage the patient with the EHR with the technological gadgetry currently available. IMHO, this set up not only maintains but accentuates the patient doctor relationship in the exam room.
