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A Buyer's Guide to Medical Software

Electronic Health Records Software Systems

What is EMR Software?
Electronic health records (EHR) software, also known as electronic medical records (EMR) software, are software systems that provide a longitudinal, electronic version of a patient's health history. Information commonly found in an EMR includes a patient’s progress or SOAP notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past health history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports, to name just a few. In addition to storing patient information, these systems are often integrated with medical billing software or practice management software for a fully-integrated workflow. The market offers a wide range of web-based EMR systems, as well as systems installed on-premise.

 

EMR software, when properly implemented, has potential to dramatically change the healthcare landscape in the United States. When compared with traditional paper-based charts and record keeping, computerized medical records can reduce overall healthcare costs, increase efficiency, decrease errors, and provide organizations with vast amounts of information for data mining. In short, the adoption of EHR software, and even personal health records (PHR), represents a sea change in how the healthcare industry takes care of patients.

 

EHRs are designed for inpatient and outpatient use by health providers. As of 2009, approximately 20% of office-based U.S. physicians are using an EMR with basic features, compared with only 7% of hospitals.

 

Benefits of Digital Health Information
Whether using a web-based system or an on-premise system, doctors and hospitals should see a number of benefits when moving to digital record-keeping, such as:

  • Improved data security;
  • Reduced documentation expenses;
  • Shorter billing cycles;
  • More accurate coding;
  • Improved clinical decision making; and,
  • Better documentation.

 

In short, EHRs can increase a practice or hospital’s ROI and improve patient care. Other benefits may include reduced storage costs (from converting paper charts to digital form); eligibility for Pay-for-Performance (P4P) programs; drug to drug interaction checking; and reduced transcription costs.

 

How to Find the Right EMR Software
Before a physician purchases an EMR system, they’ll need to review a number of important considerations. These include questions such as:

  • Is the software appropriate for your specialty?
  • Should billing and scheduling be integrated into one system or should the new software interface with existing systems?
  • How easy is the software to use (accessible navigation, use of familiar terms, intuitive interface)?
  • What kind of maintenance and support package does the vendor offer?
  • How viable are the companies being evaluated (financially and strategically)?
  • What are the long-term costs of a particular system (license fees, support fees, transaction costs)?
  • Does the software meet or exceed the criteria established for Stimulus Bill incentives?
  • Which deployment option is appropriate (on-premise or web-based)?

 

We recommend that practices “think big, start small and grow quickly.” That means buying into a big vision of how effective the practice will become by going digital. At the same time, it means accepting that you won’t realize that vision overnight.

 

Common EHR Features
What information a practice or hospital needs to collect, as well as the specialities that are represented, will determine what features they’ll require. The features and capabilities of the over 300 systems on the market today vary widely. However, there are a number of core features that a provider will want to know if electronic medical record companies are offering. For example:

  • Computerized physician order entry (CPOE);
  • Recording patient demographics;
  • Maintaining a problem list of diagnoses;
  • Prescribing electronically (e-prescribing);
  • Maintaining an active medication list for patients;
  • Implementing drug/allergy checks at the point-of-care;
  • Sending patient reminders;
  • Sharing patient information between providers;
  • Providing patients with digital copies of their health information;
  • Checking insurance eligibility and submitting claims electronically; and,
  • Data sharing with immunization registries and public health agencies.

 

Many software vendors offer modules that have different features, which a provider can implement after the initial software implementation. The ideal situation however is to thoroughly evaluate what your needs will be both now and in the future to complete the implementation process all at once.

 

If a practice has hardware, they’ll also want to ensure that the software can interact seamlessly with it. For example, a cardiologist will want their cardiology EMR program to be able integrate with an echocardiogram.

 

Challenges of Evaluating EMR Systems
One of the biggest challenges when evaluating EMRs is sifting through the sheer number of choices on the market to determine if a particular product meets your needs. As mentioned above, a physician or hospital will need to ask a variety of questions to determine if the software is the right fit. Once a provider does that, there are still even more challenges ahead.

 

Assessing the viability of an EMR software vendor is one of the more important challenges. Consider this scenario. You spend three months selecting a new EMR system and another three months implementing and training. Your office staff get accustomed to it. Then you learn the software vendor has gone out of business. No more support, no new upgrades, and no delivery of that additional module they promised would be available soon. Here are some questions to ask when assessing the viability of a software vendor:

  • Does the vendor generate enough cash flow from operations to support continued investment in development and support?
  • Does the vendor have adequate working capital (current assets minus current liabilities)?
  • What does the vendor’s product development road map look like?
  • Is the vendor focused on your specialty and the product you are buying?
  • Is the vendor large enough to acquire other companies or small enough to be acquired?

AdvancedMD EHR Software

AdvancedMD provides a market leading Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) electronic health record (EHR) and practice management (PM) software platform delivered to 20,000 providers and 300 billing service providers nationwide. As a compl... More

Allscripts EHR

Arguably the largest EHR and practice management software company in existence, Allscripts offers a broad range of EHR and practice management systems for a wide range of practice sizes and specialties. CCHIT Certified. More

Alteer Office EMR

Fully integrated EMR & PM software streamlines office workflow leading to greater productivity, enhanced patient care and increased profitability. Key differentiators: Comprehensive work-flow helps the office to contin... More

Aprima EHR (formerly iMedica)

Aprima is an award winning practice management and electronic health record (EHR) software system with CCHIT and PQRI certifications. Built on Microsoft .NET and N-Tier, Aprima is a robust system with patented multi-tier security,... More

eClinicalWorks

eClinicalWorks® is a leader in ambulatory clinical solutions. The company’s unified Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Practice Management (PM) system manages patient flow from check-in to check-out and streamline... More

Waiting Room Solutions

Waiting Room Solutions is an award-winning, CCHIT certified, web based EMR and Practice Management System built by physicians. It is provided through a Software as a Service (SaaS) model -- delivered on a monthly subscription basi... More

A.I.med by Acrendo Software

A.I.med is an electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management software system created for smaller sized practices. With a sophisticated backend system, users can customize the EMR in real-time and access it remotely from a... More

Abraxas EMR

Abraxas EMR is a Comprehensive, yet Easy Electronic Medical Records software with specialty-specific clinical content and workflows.   Abraxas EMR is CCHIT 08 Certified, the latest certification by Certification Commission f... More

ACOM Health RAPID Software

ACOM Health’s RAPID Chiropractic Software is a completely integrated software suite designed to automate all functions within a Chiropractic office.  It delivers a truly Paperless Practice by eliminating paper forms and... More

AdvantaChart

AdvantaChart is a specialty-specific EMR designed for small to medium OB/GYN and Internal Medicine practices. Utilizing innovative and proven technologies, AdvantaChart is easy to use, reasonably priced and known for unparalleled ... More

Agility EHR

Agility EHR™ 9.1 is a CCHIT ’08 certified, fully integrated electronic health record (EHR) and practice management system designed to meet the unique needs of providers who offer urgent care, occupational medicine and ... More

AllegianceMD

A web-based system offering billing, scheduling and medical records functionality. The system is unique in that it is accessed over the Internet through a web browser. Ideal for smaller practices in primary care and specialties. More

athenaClinicals

athenaClinicalsâ„ - athenahealth's low investment, high return EHR solution.  Behind our EHR is our intelligent, real-time rules database of insurance rules and regulations including a list of billing codes, drug formulary r... More

Avatar Suite

A high-end EHR and practice management solution for behavioral health providers. Unlike the company's Helper product for small practices, Avatar is designed for large organizations with enterprise requirements. CCHIT Certified. More

Benchmark Systems - MD Navigator

A comprehensive combination of software and services for EHR, billing, scheduling and document management. The company operates its own electronic claims clearinghouse, including remittance and patient statement services. More

CAM

Celerity is the only EMR vendor with a 100% money back guarantee and the leading provider of behavioral healthcare management tools and electronic medical records (EMR) for chemical dependency and mental health treatment providers... More

CareCloud Central

CareCloud Central is a cross-platform, fully integrated practice management solution built with state-of-the-art technology.  The software is cloud-based, scalable, and fully customizable, making it ideal for practices of any... More

CareCloud Concierge

CareCloud Concierge is a fully featured Revenue Cycle Management service for medical practices seeking to increase collections while minimizing the time and effort spent chasing down payers to secure compensation. The Concierge se... More

CareLogic Enterprise

Qualifacts CareLogic™ suite of integrated, web-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Billing software is designed for Behavioral Health and Human Services Organizations with 50 or more users.  Qualifacts implemented ... More

CareTracker

A completely web-based system for EMR, practice management, complemented by revenue cycle management services. Serves a wide range of practice sizes and specialties. CCHIT Certified (2007). More

Centricity

Centricity® Practice Solution from GE Healthcare is a completely integrated clinical and financial management solution that helps you take care of the whole patient – from first visit to final reimbursement, and every po... More

ChartLogic EMR

90 Seconds or 11 Minutes?  ChartLogic EMR is a unique charting system driven by speech recognition software which allows you to document your patient encounter in less than 90 seconds.  Doctors can effectively eliminate ... More

Chiro QuickCharts

Chiro QuickCharts is an EMR (electronic medical records/soap notes) built for a busy chiropractic clinic. We automate the patient check-in process and also make soap notes fast and complete. We offer a full range of product feat... More

ChiroTouch

ChiroTouch is a complete practice management & EMR software system designed to maximize efficiencies for chiropractic offices. Our unique software architecture allows for large practices with complex processes, or the small ch... More

ConcurMD

ConcurMD EHR provides clients with a comprehensive library of more than 100 note templates supporting many specialties, including but not limited to: Allergy/Immunology, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Gastroenterology, Ge... More

digiChart Net Practice

With digiChart, you will completely optimize your workflow – clinically, financially and administratively. Our solutions are built exclusively for OB-GYN practices like your own. Every day practices harness the power of digi... More

ECLIPSE

ECLIPSE is a complete practice management system, integrates with a variety of products and can be customized independently by local programmers to create everything from custom reports to “add-on” features. ECLIPSE is... More

Frontiers AIMS

Frontiers is a Perioperative Clinical Information Management System that: automates the entire Anesthesia and Pre-surgical Testing process, establishes an EMR, and standardizes clinical care—significantly streamlining workfl... More

gloSuite

gloStream provides physicians and healthcare facilities nationwide with CCHIT-certified, electronic medical record and practice management solutions delivered and supported through a nationwide community of local technology Partne... More

gMed

gMed’s Electronic Health Record system offers integrated applications that are specialty specific and easy to use for Gastroenterology, Cardiology and Urology practices.  The application seamlessly integrates procedure... More

Greenway PrimeSuite 2008

Greenway’s PrimeSuite® 2008 is a fully integrated, single-database and interoperable EHR and practice management solution. PrimeSuite 2008 became one of the first CCHIT Certified® 08 ambulatory EHRs based on criteria... More

HemOncPro

HemOncProEHR provides clients with a comprehensive library of note templates specializing in Oncology and Hematology practices. MedSym, Inc. currently offersHemOncProEHR’s to practices of all sizes. Practice Manage... More

ICANotes

ICANotes is an Electronic Record system that helps mental health professionals make, file and retrieve their clinical notes. ICANotes serves psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, counsellors, social workers an... More

iKnowMed EHR

Developed for oncologists by oncologists, iKnowMed EHR is a Web-based oncology-specific Electronic Health Record system that goes beyond delivering standard EHR features. iKnowMed EHR has many features that make it uniquely qualif... More

InSync

InSync from Intivia is a state-of-the art, intuitive and integrated EMR and Practice Management system that enables healthcare professionals to provide superior patient care and enhance compliance with regulatory requirements, whi... More

KeyChart EHR

Designed exclusively for ophthalmology practices, this system offers practice management, eprescribing, optical records and medical records. Includes optical inventory capabilities, glaucoma IOP graphs and E&M eye codes. More

MedcomSoft Record

MedcomSoft Record is a fully compliant and functional Electronic Medical Record and Practice Management Solution built by physicians for physicians. It covers everything from patient scheduling, charting, patient education, e-pres... More

Medflow EMR

Medflow EMR is an automation solution designed exclusively for any eye care practice large or small. Medflow products are designed by a company with people involved solely in eye care. Since 1999, Medflow has been dedicated to ser... More

MedicsPremier

A complete Windows-based system for appointment scheduling, billing, reporting, managed care control, financial ledger, letter writing and EMR. Serves practices of most any size and specialty. RIS/PAC application also available. More

MedicsRIS/PACS

MedicsRIS/PACS is a fully-integrated suite of solutions for practices looking for affordable, market-leading RIS and/or PACS (both RIS and PACS are available separately based on the needs of the practice).  Our solutions are ... More

MediTouch EHR

MediTouch EHR® is the first fully-integrated, Web-based, touch screen Electronic Health Record solution (EHR/EMR). This powerful, all-in-one EHR system is interoperable with our world-class Practice Management and Clearinghous... More

MedServices EMR

DataNet Solutions, Inc. is a provider of medical software solutions for the Medical Clinic Community, Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers, Hospitals, Universities and the Faith Based Medical Clinics (free medical clinics) who s... More

MedWorxs

Designed for small and mid-sized practices looking to go paperless by deploying practice management, EMR, secure email and e-faxing. Can support professional claims, anesthesiology, ambulance billing and institutional billing. More

meridianEMR

  meridianEMR is an electronic medical record software designed specifically for urologists and general surgeons. One of the few EHR vendors as of this writing to be CCHIT 2011 certified, and we earned the highest usability ... More

nextEMR

nextEMR® is a comprehensive and easy to use, web-based Electronic Medical Records(EMR) and Practice Management(PM) Solution for healthcare practices of virtually any size or configuration. Practices are able to sign up, purcha... More

NextGen

The NextGen product suite integrates as one system to enable consistent, real-time clinical and administrative workflow among providers, hospitals, and patients. Using our award-winning products, NextGen can help your group practi... More

NueMD Complete

NueMD Complete is the leading Internet-based practice management system and EHR for physicians’ offices and medical billing companies that helps users streamline their offices and shorten reimbursement cycles. NueMD Comple... More

OncoEMR

OncoEMR is a web-based oncology-specific EMR . It is scalable for community based practices from solo practitioners up to practices of 100+ oncologists. OncoEMR delivers scheduling, e-Prescribing, PQRI data collection/re... More

PracticeAdmin

PA is the first complete practice management system (i.e. scheduling, billing, claims management, and financial reporting) that can be accessed on-demand through the internet, and ... More

Pulse Patient Relationship Management

Integrated, Windows-based EHR and practice management system meets all current requirements for 2011 ARRA stimulus payments and guarantees qualification. Can be deployed incrementally to ease transition to EHR. CCHIT Certified. More

RISynergy

RISynergy, a “Best of Breed” product, is a Radiology Information System that optimizes departmental workflow and also provides over 100 different powerful statistical reports.  With over 26 years of continual prod... More

SequelMed EHR

An all-in-one solution for episodic and longitudinal health records management. Combines EHR, electronic document management and practice management capabilities. Also offers billing services. CCHIT Certified. More

SuiteMed IMS

An integrated scheduler, EHR, billing, eligibility verification, electronic document management, letter creation and patient portal system for the electronic medical office. Guaranteed ARRA certified. CCHIT Certified. More

TRAKnet DPM

TRAKnet DPM is a podiatry-specific, expandable, all-in-one practice management platform that enables seamless operation while increasing efficiency and effectiveness while reducing costs. TRAKnet DPM interfaces with and compl... More

VeinSpec EMR

VeinSpec EMR by EMRgence is an Electronic Medical Records system that is parallel to none, easy-to-use, dynamic, and fully customizable. Its comprehensive features are customer-driven, innovative, and continuously updated to ke... More