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Dermatology EMR Software
Not all medical systems are created equal. While certain elements, such as electronic medical record (EMR) / electronic health record (EHR) systems, billing, and scheduling carry across most of the medical field, dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons have unique needs specific to their specialty.
Dermatologists and plastic surgeons rely heavily on visual cues, so graphical integration is a key element in dermatology-specific systems. More than 50 electronic medical record vendors serve the dermatology specialty, and a handful focus exclusively on dermatology. Evaluate these specialists, as well as those multi-specialty vendors that have developed specific templates and functionality for dermatologists.
Key Requirements for Dermatologists
In addition to core functionality—which includes electronic medical records, billing, inventory management, and scheduling features—dermatologists should assess their EMR solution for the following specialty-specific criteria:
| Before & after photo comparisons | The EMR should be fully capable of storing before and after photos of your patients and integrate seamlessly with your digital camera and other imaging systems, as well as the ability to draw directly on photos to demonstrate the procedure to the patient. |
| Dermatology-specific EMR templates | Generic EMRs may have templates dermatologists don’t need, and they may be missing sections that would make charting quicker and easier for dermatologists. The right solution will include templates for acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, other pathologies and immune-mediate skin diseases, and cosmetic treatments. |
| E&M coding assistance | There are hundreds of diagnoses, not all of them fit every condition perfectly, and the codes are all changing in the move from ICD-9 to ICD-10. Many EMR solutions include definitions and support for evaluation & management coding, and industry-specific solutions provide more assistance for unusual situations, while avoiding the clutter of thousands of unrelated codes. |
| Graphical charting | As a highly visual specialty, graphical documentation of diagnoses and treatments is critical. Dermatology-specific EMRs may allow touch-screen or digital-pen drawing to identify the location of treatment. |
| Dermatology workflow management | It is important that your EMR workflow maps to the way you, as a dermatologist, practice medicine. Step-by-step procedures facilitate with mapping, interpretation, diagnosis, and surgery to increase accuracy and reduce errors, seamlessly integrating into your EMR without distracting from the interaction with the patient. |
| Teledermatology | Most medical systems are already connected to the Web in some way. Truly bringing your practice into the 21st century means using the Internet safely and securely to exchange knowledge, establish second opinions, or follow up with individuals with chronic skin conditions. |
Trends You Should Know About
When selecting the best EMR software for dermatology, it’s important to consider trends that are common in electronic medical records. These trends are generally applicable to most facets of electronic health records, though EHRs for dermatology do have specific applications as well. Being aware of system trends wil help select the most beneficial practice for your practice. Some of the current trends include:
- Mobile device support. Mobile devices are becoming more and more popular in medical practices. Additionally, dermatology EMRs offer many applications accessible via iPad, and similar devices. Vendors have adapted to specialized physician’s needs, such as dermatologists. Dermatology-specific EMRs supply a wealth of applications that are useful and time-saving for dermatology practices.
- Software as a Service (SaaS). Cloud-based EMR software for dermatology has become more and more common, as on-premise solutions continue to be a heftier initial investment, and many dermatologists prefer the ease-of-use that accompanies a Web-based product.
- ONC-ATCB Certification. In April 2012, the proposed criteria for Meaningful Use Stage 2 was released. Applicable to all medical practitioners, the next Meaningful Use Stage includes proposed rules from both the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). ONC proposed a rule that would require Certified EMR Technology “to include to, at a minimum, support the achievement of "meaningful use" by eligible health care providers beginning with the EMR reporting periods in FY/CY 2014.” Meanwhile, CMS’s proposed rule clarifies specifications necessary to meet criteria for the programs--which determines the amount of aid that is refundable to a practice, with a maximum reimbursement of $44,000. This will affect dermatology EHR, which many vendors are preparing for by certifying dermatology EMR software.
Have an opinion on this guide? Email the authors. We appreciate the feedback.
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MediTouch EHR Electronic Health Record Software
MediTouch from HealthFusion is a Web-based EMR that supports most sizes and types of practices, including dermatology. The system offers a large set of features from graphics and drawing capabilities to E&M coding advice and more.
NueMD Complete
NueMD Complete is an integrated billing, scheduling and EMR system. It is web-based and has received ONC-ATCB certification. It supports nearly all sizes and types of practices, including dermatology practices.
Allscripts EHR
Allscripts has many dermatology-specific features in their family of EMRs. For example, they allow dermatologists to describe and graphically illustrate lesions. They also have templates for common diagnoses and treatments.
eClinicalWorks
eClinicalWorks offers an EMR and practice management system for several sizes and specialties, including dermatology. Their EMR has a long list of features including automatic coding, procedure workflows and graphics and drawing.
ADP AdvancedMD EHR Software
AdvancedMD offers unique features for dermatologists. For example, the system allows you to track sales of retail products and track referring providers. AdvancedMD is ONC-ATCB certified and offered on-premise or web-based.
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CareCloud Charts EHR
CareCloud Charts is a new web-based EMR that runs on a Mac or PC. It's a feature-rich, ONC-ATCB certified system with ePrescribing, document management, medication lists, eSuperbills, an encounter note editor and more.
Greenway PrimeSUITE 2011
Greenway has emerged as one of the leading medical software vendors. They offer a functionally-rich EMR and practice management system that has unique content and features for several specialties, including dermatology.
Aprima EHR (formerly iMedica)
Aprima supports many types of specialties, including dermatology. They offer an integrated EMR, billing and scheduling system that is ONC-ATCB certified. The EMR was certified by the CCHIT and is functionally advanced.
AllegianceMD
AllegianceMD is a Web-based system that can be used on Mac and Windows computers. It can be used by small and medium-sized dermatology practices. It can be purchased as a stand-alone EMR or combined with billing and scheduling.
PrognoCIS by Bizmatics
Bizmatics' PrognoCIS is an ONC-ATCB certified, Web-based electronic medical record (EMR) solution that works for many specialties, including dermatology. It's suitable for practices with up to 25 physicians. 2011 CCHIT certified.
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