Community health centers, rural health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHC) and other organizations that fall under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, all have unique software requirements. In addition to providing primary care, free community clinics must offer dental, mental health and substance abuse services. What’s more, Government regulations warrant the need for a robust medical software system with modules that support:

• billing codes in compliance with Medicare and Medicaid;
• paper claim filing for the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA);
• audit trails for annual financial audits;
• Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting;
• free and sliding fee schedules, and;
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functionality.

While this level of functionality is often found in emr software designed exclusively for FQHCs, there are many cross-specialty systems that accommodate the needs of the free clinic community. Standard features to look for in this group include:

• tablet PC capabilities with handwriting recognition;
• secure integration to share patient data with hospitals;
• storage and retrieval of scanned documents and images, and;
• appointment scheduling for multiple doctors and facilities.

Here is a list of the products we recommend for providers in community-based healthcare clinics:

MedServices EMR is designed specifically for the Medical Clinic Community, FQHCs, Universities and Faith Based Medical Clinics who serve the uninsured and underinsured.

eClinicalWorks is an EMR and practice management software with unique features the meet the special challenges required by CHCs and FQHCs.

TouchWorks is a CCHIT certified EHR designed for medium and larger-sized practices. The system features a comprehensive knowledge base for a variety of specialties.

StreamlineMD is a complete, Web-based solution for practices of all sizes. Specialty-specific templates support Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Cardiology and more.

InteGreat IC-Chart is HIPAA compliant, supports comprehensive access audits and is CCHIT certified. It is designed for medium to large multi-specialty practices in an ambulatory setting.

Next Steps
View a free demonstration of one or more of the products above to better understand how they can meet the needs of your medical practice. From there, you can request a detailed price quote from the software vendors you like best.

FREE Consultation Still need help sorting through the options? Tap our expertise by calling for a FREE consultation. We don’t sell software and we don’t implement software, but we can save you weeks of research in one brief phone call: 1-800-918-2764.