Local Doc’s EMR Issues
Going With A Full Blown EHR, Sorta Sucks - A letter from Dr. Joe
After such a title, please know this up front: I love my EHR/EMR…most moments of most days.
What I don’t love, not in the least little bit, is changing how I go about dealing with everything related to patient care information capture, manipulation, and sharing. Converting from a tried and true workflow that has allowed me to provide the best care I’m capable of providing (at least, that’s as true as it could be with paper-based data) to processes that feel foreign and kludgy and downright odd sorta… well… sucks!
After spending our formative years learning how to navigate paper and penmanship (deterioration of the later aside), we are now challenged by the transformation to an almost entirely different way to manipulate our information. Further, it isn’t just how the data goes from brain to storage; it’s how that info is accessed, viewed, and managed.
Sure, we (my staff and I) have all been using computers for a while now (from 3 to 40+ years,) but none of us were even remotely prepared for the overwhelming shift in processes and the enormous learning curves we encounter by going medically electronic.
I’ve tried to think of a comparable or analogous change. Changing how we do banking, changing how we access news and gossip, changing how we buy and window shop, changing how we research and do schoolwork, changing from viewing three television channels which closed shop at 2:00 A.M.to a bazillion — all of these were virtually effortless. We all do all of these things now, even though we weren’t “skillsetted” with them in our youths. None of them seemed like a mountainous climb.
But, changing from free flow data capture, be it for SOAP notes or lab orders, via the familiar pen and paper format to the seemingly simple point-and-click tech of a PC has been, without question, the greatest challenge of my life. (OK, aside from raising kids, maintaining a healthy marriage, dealing with cluster headaches, and remembering to put the toilet seat down, that is.)
It isn’t just how the data goes from head to storage — it’s how everything gets accessed, viewed, shared, and integrated into pre-existing mental categories. My synapses have been strained beyond their original design constraints trying to establish new neural connections and pathways for this completely queer new work style.I hope I’m not alone when I admit to being exhausted by “change management.” Back in the “pre-EHR days,” it was really easy (relatively speaking) to go to work, see patients, and deliver myself home at the end of the day with some smidgen of energy reserve. Nowadays, my serotonin and dopamine stockpiles are so depleted that I barely have enough left over for fêting my youngest son’s latest fourth grade feat or catching a chuckle from my wife’s current chef-challenged concoction.Why put myself and my longsuffering staff through all this? Simple. Because, as I said up front, most moments of most days, I absolutely love my EHR. I am daily astounded by the new capabilities I am gaining to deal with data. The upside usually outweighs the downside. It is, without question, worth it.
However, that doesn’t mean this transition time doesn’t sorta suck. It does, big time.
From the trenches…“Always be yourself…unless you suck.” – Dr. Joe Whedon
Categories: Networking, Workshops Tags:
3 More Workshops Still For October
3 Great Money Making, Game Changing Events
Thursday, Oct 28th 5:30 to 7:00PM
Optimize Your Professional Image
Career success comes as a result of more than talent, commitment, and hard work but is also determined by how you greet a client, conduct a meeting, deliver a presentation, entertain business contacts, and your professional image.
FACT: 85% of your job success is based on your people skills and only 15% is actually based on knowledge of products and services.
You can have a significant advantage! Learn:
- Your Professional Brand Power
- Lasting First Impressions
- The Power of Social Capital
- Top Six Business Etiquette Mistakes
- Professional Etiquette Power Tips
When: Thursday, October 28th From:5:30 – 7:00 PM (Snacks and refreshments will be served)
Where: Business Excellence Center
501 Scarborough Drive, Third Floor
Egg Harbor Township
Cost: $25.00 for Pre-registration (Deadline 10/24 11:59PM)- $35 at the door
Speaker/Trainer: Debra Gitto- Local author and professional Ettiquette Trainer and owner of Gitto Consulting
*******************************************************************************
Wednesday, October 27th- 12:00PM to 1:30PM
Power Networking For Quick Revenue
Are you tired of unproductive networking events and business mixers? Have you wasted valuable time only to meet sales reps, start-up and MLM ”professional” networkers? Most formal networking groups don’t even teach you the best way to network. It isn’t about how many business cards you have, it’s about helping successful businesses with money make more money! And you can get paid for your work or build a relationship into a partnership.
Come learn:
- The secrets of becoming a Power Broker
- How to identify and qualify the right targets.
- Learn body language secrets and bird-dogging tricks to mixers, luncheons, and events. How to work a room.
- What you need to find out from every contact (..that you want to associate with.)
- How to start a casual “joint venture or business alliance” realtionship.
- The key to it all? Proper and compelling follow-up!
When: Wednesday, October 27th, 12:00 to 1:30PM (Light lunch and refreshments provided)
Where: 501 Scarborough Drive, Third Floor, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Cost: $20 with pre-registration (deadline: 10/24 11:59PM) $30 at the door (cannot guarantee lunch without pre-reg)
*********************************************************************************
How to Make Money With Facebook and Social Media!
See Who Around Here Is Doing It Right
Most business are doing it all wrong! Doesn’t it seem like everybody is putting up Facebook pages, Twitter profiles, and making videos for Youtube? Why aren’t people buying from them? Why isn’t anyone finding, commenting, or joining them? How would you like to see who “IS” doing it right and how you can too! Yes you can make money, find new customers and build your brand cheaper and quicker than any other medium!
Stop Selling! Start Engaging 
If you are trying to “sell” on Facebook or Youtube, or Twitter, or push coupons and advertise specials, then you are missing the point and ruining an excellent opportunity to build a loyal customer base and brand awareness. There are several ways to grow your business with these new tools, but it needs to be strategic and well thought out! You can increase revenues but it may not be right from your fan page.
We’ll share some local success stories and go live to some examples of both “good” and “bad”.
Click Here to Register for:
Workshop: Social Media Tips and Tricks For South Jersey Business Owners
When: Tuesday October 26, 2010 6:30PM to 8:30PM
Where: 501 Scarborough Drive, Third Floor, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 (1/4 mile south of Rt322/40 (BHP) on English Creek Rd)
Trainer: Wendy Manganaro, Partner iColor Studio- Wendy is one of South Jersey’s most knowledgeable experts on Social Media. She is easily the busiest Social Media managers we’ve hired; designing and monitoring dozens of local businesses’ Facebook, Twitter and LinkIn campaigns. She is an engaging speaker, has given several talks to local businesses and was recently asked to speak in Boston MA. Her current (daily) research on SM and the partnership with iColor Studio (a Cherry Hill based advertising agency with a 25 year history of delivering quality, cutting edge campaigns) has made Wendy one of the best kept secrets in social media. They combine the latest in Web 2.0, Flash animation, graphic design and A/V technologies (and creators of the “Poducator ®”) to help marketing campaigns stand out and be more effective.
Fee: $20 Pre Registration / $30 at the door. (Space is limited- cannot guarantee late entries seating or material)
Categories: Business Growth, Networking, Social Media - Local Web, Start-Up Tips, Training and Seminars, Workshops Tags: atlantic city county southjersey networking, Atlantic city-south jersey- sales-marketing tips, business excellence center, google seo atlantic south jersey, jamie siracusa, south jersey networking, south jersey small business training success workshops, southjersey social media
Workshop: Make Money With Social Media! See Who Is Doing It Right
Tuesday October 26th, 6:30 – 8:30PM Only $20
Are You Hoping Facebook, Twitter, Flicker, Myspace and YouTube Can Help You Sell More?
Come learn why most business are doing it all wrong! Doesn’t it seem like everybody is putting up Facebook pages, Twitter profiles, and making videos for Youtube? Why aren’t people buying from them? Why isn’t anyone looking at them? How would you like to see who is doing it right and how you can too! Yes you can make money, find new customers and build your brand cheaper than any other medium!
Stop Selling! Start Engaging
If you are trying to sell on Facebook or Youtube, or Twitter, or push coupons and specials, then you are missing the point and ruining an excellent opportunity to build a loyal customer base and brand awareness. There are several ways to grow your business with these new tools, but it needs to be strategic and well thought out! You can increase revenues but not right from your fan page. We’ll share some local success stories and go live to some examples of both “good” and “bad”.
Workshop: Social Media Tips and Tricks For South Jersey Business Owners
When: Tuesday October 26, 2010 6:30PM to 8:30PM
Where: 501 Scarborough Drive, Third Floor, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 (1/4 mile south of Rt322/40 (BHP) on English Creek Rd)
Fee: $20 Pre Registration / $30 at the door. (Cannot guarantee entry, seating is very limited) Remember BEC members are always free, but must be pre-registered.
Categories: Networking, Social Media - Local Web, Training and Seminars, Workshops Tags: atlantic city county southjersey networking, Atlantic city-south jersey- sales-marketing tips, business excellence center, google seo atlantic south jersey, jamie siracusa, marketing magic, south jersey networking, south jersey small business training success workshops, southjersey social media
Healthcare Networking Group to Address Workplace Violence, Stress
Healthcare Business Opportunities
Cape-Atlantic H.I.R.G. Networking Meeting
The Healthcare Innovation Resource Group (HIRG) will hold an open Networking Meeting, Wednesday, October 20th, from 9:00AM – 11:00 AM at the Business Excellence Center in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
Special Guest Speakers: Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles, S. Jacki Zipes, EAP/LCSW, and Harvey Lambert, ACHS Counselor
Topic: Violence in The Workplace-What To Watch Out For, It’s Social and Health Impact
Register Here: or Call Jamie Siracusa, Cape-Atlantic HIRG President for information and details: Call – (609-) 677-0200
Admission: Free for members/perspective members and $10.00 for non-members and guests. Includes coffee, refreshments and light breakfast snacks
About HIRG:
We are dedicated to connecting, educating and supporting business development of local businesses and Healthcare Practices and Providors.
Healthcare is the second largest industry in the South Jersey region! Does your company want to do business with physicians, hospitals, imaging centers, surgery centers, pharma/biotech, alternative providers, rehab, nursing and home health centers? If so, come see how we can help you find the professional offices in need of quality solutions and vendors. HIRG is here to make both sides better. We screen and educate our member vendors and assess the needs, culture, and expected benefits of the regions HC practices, facilities, and decision makers. Healthcare doesn’t need to be inefficient or stressful anymore!
Since 2002, the Healthcare Innovation Resource Group (HIRG) has made connections for providors and vendors through out NJ, New York City and Pennsylvania. Now, with the changes in healthcare, it is time to regionalize and gain a local advantage. There is opportunity in this chaos. Healthcare providors get quick answers from trusted vendors, and member vendors get training, and support from HIRG’s vast industry expertise. Join us at our next meeting to learn how. Come prepared to answer the questions:
Providors – What do you want to improve or implement to make your practice or business better? Is your patient experience what it should be? Are your revenues optimized? Let us know, we have access to the resources you need.
Vendors: Who do you want to meet in healthcare and why? (Please be specific, we have a great network of members!) We will get you the proper introduction and ensure it is a productive and beneficial meeting for both.
Call Bonnie at (609) 677-0200 to reserve a seat! Or: Click Here to Register Online!
Bring lots of business cards!
Providers – What do you want to implement or improve to make your practice or business better?
Vendors: Who do you want to meet in healthcare and why?
(Please be specific, we have a great network of members!)
We will try to get you the proper introductions to ensure it is a productive and beneficial meeting for both parties.
Led by Jamie Siracusa, Executive Director of the The Business Excellence Center and Paul Szklarski, President of Rhine Associates, LLC, and a FACHE (Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives). This meeting is critical for all who wish to crack the secrets of the healthcare buying decision.
Call Bonnie to reserve your seat: (609) 677-0200 or simply reply back to this email with your contact information.
Visit us online at: www.bec-us.com for more information and other events.
Location and Directions:
The Business Excellence Center
501 Scarborough Drive, Third Floor Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Categories: Networking, Workshops Tags: atlantic city county southjersey networking, business excellence center, business opportunities, healthcare innovation resource group, hirg, jamie siracusa, selling to healthcare, south jersey networking
Social Media Presentations Marketing a South Jersey Business
Topic: Making Social Media Marketing Work for Atlantic City and South Jersey Seasonal Businesses.
There seems to be a misconception that if a business puts up a Facebook Fan Page and a Twitter account that they are marketing in social media. The way I look at it if you don’t have a “knowledgeable marketing plan” behind it, you are wasting your time. Just like if you put a boring flyer in a hundred screen doors you are doing direct marketing! You are not, you are just wasting your time and money! It has to be an extension of your solid, smart, effective, existing marketing plan. The slides above are an interactive, interesting, “Google” relevant, blog posting. They are tied into my Jamie Siracusa-Facebook, jamieBEC@Twitter account, and other blogs, that all help my main www.bec-us.com main web site get picked up #1 when you look for Jamie Siracusa, my South Jersey Marketing Magic program, or the Business Excellence Center! If we just had a static web page we’d be lost! If we just had a $0 fanpage with lame posts, same thing LOST. But we come up number one on one of the hardest keyword combinations in business!
If you want to get found on the Internet, you need to be searchable, relevant, and have your own website. In our basic programs we teach South Jersey businesses how to get found, how to be seen, and how to capture your prospect. All with a start-up budget. Then you can grow from there!
Know what your clients/buyers are searching for!!! Know how they want you to contact them!
Some social media advice for Seasonal, Atlantic City, Cape May and South Jersey businesses? First, make sure you have an optimized website. Second if you have a website, create a blog. (Make it a picture, video, or how to type of blog. Keep it simple. Just commit to updating it a couple of times a week (15-20 minutes) and your searches will be up in the top listings in no time! Now that you are making money, you can start your “Facebook Fan Page, Twitter, Myspace, and YouTube channels! (Actually you will probably call us to create and manage it for you! LOL, because that’s what happens!) Just Remember:
1) You have to be very careful with your facebook “advertising”! Don’t do it! It needs to be fun, interesting and conversational. Not a daily menu, sale, or special dinner price! You will be deleted, and probably not know it!
2) Why are you on Twitter? How many people around this area are getting their product, service, and buying information from Twitter? Please let me know because I haven’t been able to find ONE (1)! There are millions of people on Twitter, but they’re not buying widgets, or booking SEO workshops! But I am finishing a business marketing book and helping a self help program get launched that will have a Twitter “PIECE” to its marketing plan! Is your business local or regional at best? Your time is an expense! Be careful.
3) Most businesses will die a boring boring death on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! You need an action plan with interesting, regular updates! Questions and interactions, interesting photos and videos are what someone will look at. NOT a 3 week old 10% ugly coupon. Let’s face it should an accountant or a door manufacturer have a Fanpage? But a local bar, novelty store, bike shop, ice cream stand, painter, movie theatre, orthodontist, or restaurant sure could!
Call Jamie Siracusa, Executive Director at the Business Excellence Center, Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Phone: (609) 677-0200 for details on the full presentation!