Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island Makes Switch to Electronic Health Records, Improving Patient Care and Safety
Westbury, NY (PRWEB) July 15, 2013 -- Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI), one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the nation, has been transitioning from paper medical records to comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) in its patient services. EHR allows doctors and healthcare professionals to record patient information electronically instead of using paper records. OCLI doctors are now able to view diagnostic results and images directly on computer screens instead of printing them on paper. One of OCLI’s Founding Partners, Russell Fumuso, MD, recently began examining patients using the EHR technology for the first time. “Of course there were challenges but when the benefits of EHR are explained to the patients, they are impressed,” said Dr. Fumuso. “Most of them love the ‘wow’ factor of being able to review images of their eye on a high definition 23” screen as opposed to a sheet of paper.”
Using EHR to integrate important healthcare information may potentially help improve the quality of patient care and safety once fully implemented. OCLI first began planning the switch to EHR in February 2012. Their first office went live with the technology in July 2012 and they expect to have it operational in all of their 9 offices by the end of 2013. “Migrating from paper to electronic meant reinventing the wheel for many of our processes at both the clinical and administrative level,” said Steven Friedman, Chief Information Officer for OCLI. “The major challenge was making the transition as smooth as possible for everyone -- doctors, staff and most importantly our patients. The doctor/patient relationship is very special, and one that we only want to improve upon. While the doctor is examining the patient, a scribe is also entering the information electronically. This way the doctor has his or her full attention on the patient the entire time.”
“Providing exceptional medical services and patient care has always been our priority. Thanks to the wonderful staff at OCLI, we were able to make the transition as seamless as possible while continuing to provide the high level of quality care and commitment to our patients as we always have,” added Dr. Fumuso.
Patient feedback has been positive. One patient commented, “Dr. Fumuso was engaged and focused on me during my entire exam. I didn’t feel that having the computer and screen there took away from the human element or my experience as a patient.”
To learn more about OCLI or to make an appointment please call 1-866-SEE-OCLI (1-866-733-6254) or visit http://www.ocli.net.
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About Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island
OCLI, one of the largest and most prestigious ophthalmology practices in the nation, consists of 26 eye doctors and specialists representing most subspecialties of ophthalmology and optometry in 9 locations throughout Long Island; in Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, East Setauket, Manhasset, East Meadow, Port Jefferson, Mineola and Garden City. OCLI also has a research department that is involved in FDA studies to improve the treatment and diagnosing of ophthalmic diseases. For more information, please call 1-866-SEE-OCLI (1-866-733-6254) or visit http://www.ocli.net.
Sara Rietbroek, InfiniTech Public Relations, 516 829 5502, [email protected]
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