For Dr. Rod Tanchanko's patients, his tablet PC has become as emblematic of the internist as the traditional stethoscope.
That ever-present computer is the locus of a complete electronic medical records (EMR) and practice management system, according to Dr. Tanchanko, who is in solo practice in Middletown, Del.
Tablet PCs are equipped with a sensitive screen designed to interact with a complementary stylus. Because the user is interacting directly with the screen, rather than through a mouse and keyboard, the PC is more portable and easier to use than laptops and can even be used while standing.
Each morning, Dr. Tanchanko starts the EMR program and opens his Internet browser. Wireless access provides immediate access to patient records and other information.
“I have a folder for my most commonly used patient education materials, and there's another folder for vaccine information sheets, and another for screening forms for various conditions. We're virtually paperless. Charts, lab data, patient records … everything is right there at my fingertips, most often in PDF format,” he said in an interview.
Dr. Tanchanko prints documents and patient education materials directly off the Web, from sources such as the American Academy of Family Physicians (www.familydoctor.orgwww.medscape.com
“Medscape even has animations, which are a wonderful teaching tool for conditions such as disk herniation. For evidence-based and medication information, I access the American College of Physicians' Physician Information and Education Resource, or PIER, and Epocrates, which serves as backup to my EMR's e-prescribing feature,” he explained.
Efficiency is further enhanced with central printing, so that all printed materials, including controlled prescriptions, are ready by the end of the patient's visit, Dr. Tanchanko said.
Why carry a tablet PC instead of installing computer stations? “The tablet PC allows better face-to-face contact with the patient, it's portable, and I don't have the expense of buying and installing desktop computers,” he explained.
“This system significantly reduces clutter, keeps materials up to date, boosts efficiency, and, best of all, the information is almost free. It has enhanced the visit experience for both myself and for patients, who generally feel that I have done a little extra for them,” he added.
Dr. Tanchanko is author of “An EMR Journey,” an e-Book available at www.anemrjourney.com