Not knowing IOPs can make you a better clinician

A couple of years ago at a continuing education conference, I was sitting in a practice management lecture when the lecturer asked for a show of hands for all those who had purchased electronic health record (EHR) software as of yet.

Nearly all those in attendance raised a hand. Then, he asked for a show of hands for all those who were happy with their EHR. The show of hands was essentially the polar opposite.

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With that in mind, there are several aspects of my own EHR software that I really appreciate over paper charts. Besides the fact that I can actually read what I wrote (or typed), one thing that I particularly enjoy is the fact that I am able to consistently look at a new patient’s optic nerves without knowing his or her intraocular pressure (IOP) values beforehand.

I’ve been aware of this concept since optometry school and residency, but I was unable to consistently practice it until my father and I decided to make the transition to EHR several years back.

With paper records, my assistant would simply hand me a new patient’s chart, and I would briefly look it over before seeing the patient (including IOPs at the bottom of the front page).

Now, I am able to look at a new patient’s chief complaint and medical history before a comprehensive examination without having IOPs staring me in the face. Rather, I would have to actively tab over in my EHR software to see IOPs. This makes it a lot easier for me not to “cheat” before seeing a new patient, especially one who has been referred in for a glaucoma consultation.

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