eClinicalWorks EMR Software is one of the top-ranked health IT companies that provides AI-powered Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software, Practice Management (PM) software, Population Health Management software (PHM), and... read more
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are an electronic way of keeping patient medical records. You can store anything from patient charts, medical history, blood work, payment schedules, and billing in your EMR. Also known as Electronic Health Records (EHR) they provide added functionality where patient demographics, histories, and similarities can be tracked as well as prescriptions, medications and SOAP notes, and much more.
Since the HITECH Act introduced Meaningful Use the medical and healthcare industries have been in a flurry to find an EMR/EHR system to suit their practices. Transitioning from paper to electronic recording of patient’s histories and administrative documents wasn’t easy, but the benefits to the future of healthcare of implementing EMR outweigh the difficult work of the present.
What is Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software?
Meaningful Use has dropped the bomb, leaving healthcare practices no choice but to convert their practice to an EHR system. But it is up to you to select the EMR vendor of your choice that best suits your needs. So now that you’re in the market, you either:
Although #3 is ideal it costs way too much to hire an IT department and support system to cater to the practice’s needs, especially for a small to medium-sized clinic. For #1 and #2, we have a brief, but succinct guide, to help you find the vendor perfect for you.
Latest EMR Software Comparison 2024
Patient privacy is a paramount concern for any physician, so you will need to make sure that the EMR system is HIPAA compliant at all times and that your patient information is secure. All the vendors are aware of the necessity of security and many provide data encryption technology to enhance the security in their software.
Medical practices come in all shapes and sizes. Some are single doctor private practices while others are large hospitals with branches all over the country that need one system to sync all the records. Unfortunately, one piece of software does not fit all. Single specialty software will not be able to accommodate a load of a larger practice, while multiple clinician software will be useless and unnecessarily expensive for the single doctor. There are EMR vendors that provide services for a specific range of doctors per practice. Make sure that the vendor you’re interested in is equipped to provide services to a practice of your size.
One of the decisions your practice will have to make is whether you want just an EHR system or one with integrated Practice Management for billing and scheduling. There are advantages to having both together but there have been cases where some practices only went for one if they had unique requirements that a vendor could not fulfill, or had already paid a hefty amount for a PM system and were not looking to replace it yet.
Doctors are not IT professionals, and though some might be tech-savvy, it would be egregious to expect them all to be experts on the EMR software. Ease of use is essential to making the transition from paper to electronic smooth, as well as day-to-day practice to go along without a hitch. If the software is too complicated and hard to understand, it is a waste of precious time and needlessly aggravating. Some vendors offer free training while others don’t; make sure you ask for training if your practice needs it.
Not all specialties are created equal, so why must their software be generic? Basic EHR software works well and is good for general practice and most specialties, but doctors have complained about specialty-specific software not being available on the market. The specialty software has inbuilt recording systems that make specialty practices function efficiently. Only a few vendors provide specialty-specific software, so there aren’t many to choose from. But more vendors are cottoning on to the demand and there should be more options shortly.
Support is a major issue most practices have with their current vendors. A good support team can make small glitches or major roadblocks easy to maneuver, while a bad one will just make things worse. Some vendors provide support as part of the plan you are already paying for, while others charge extra for support. Scout the market, read reviews or just ask point-blank if there will be a special support team assigned to each practitioner and whether you’ll be charged for the service.
Like anything else, the EMR industry is also subject to constant change. From new technology to legalities and governing bodies, everything is constantly changing. Here are some of the changes that can be applied for you to keep track of:
Previously at a health care conference, Andy Slavitt, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, declared that Meaningful Use was over and would be replaced by the end of that year with something better. But a deeper look into the claims revealed that Meaningful Use not only stayed there but also kept on improving. Because Meaningful Use is the need of the hour today. It not only improves the quality, efficiency and coordination of a patient care but also empowers certified EHR tools securely and efficiently.
Previously conducted research had found that only 25% of practitioners were interested in a web-based model and only 50% were willing to have it as their initial model that eventually transitioned to cloud-based.
But now, since times have changed it is no surprise that more and more vendors are transitioning to cloud-based software because demands of the industry are changing. And why not? Cloud-based EHR systems offer simple implementation, tremendous savings, superior accessibility, and collaboration as well as simplified scalability.
Cloud-based EMR software cuts down on steep upfront costs for client-servers and can be hosted on any device that has a web browser.
Latest MIPS Changes To Follow in 2024
| Electronic medical records | Electronic health records software (EHR) is software that assists in developing and storing patient medical records digitally. This unique system assists physicians in tracking patient histories, notes, medications, and demographics. The most popular features of EMR software include e-prescribing, E&M coding advice, and SOAP notes. Quality Electronic Health Records Software (EHR) also offers lab integration, voice recognition, tablet support, and device integration. |
| Medical billing | Medical billing modules or Medical Billing software manage the development of patient statements and submission of insurance claims. Key functions of such systems include claim scrubbing, e-claim submission, coding, payment posting, eligibility inquiry, and reporting. |
| Patient scheduling | This module is designed to automate the entire process of scheduling patient appointments. Core features of a good patient scheduling module may include sending reminders through phone, text message, and email, automated follow–ups, and multi–location support. Such modules are usually offered along with a billing module in a practice management software suite. |
| Radiology information systems | A radio information system (RIS) is one that manages the workflow and operations of radiology imaging centers or large medical practices having radiology imaging departments. Such EHR Software or modules automate the entire process of storing, operating, and distributing patient medical images and related data. |
| Picture archiving and communications systems | PACS is designed to manage, store and retrieve DICOM images. Such systems are often used in combination with a RIS (Radio Information System) to perform the radiology workflow proficiently. |
| Medical accounting | The term Medical accounting refers to a system designed to automate accounting processes for medical practices. Major functions of such systems include general ledger, A/P, A/R, and financial reporting. |
Today over 600 companies provide EHR/EMR and Practice Management Software and with this growing competition selecting the right electronic medical records software or practice management software is always a very difficult choice. EMRFinder understands your problem and provides a complete and comprehensive catalog of specialty-specific potential EMR Software, perfect for your practice needs. There are many things to be considered when thinking about starting to use or switch your current Electronic Health Records Software (EHR Software). This buyer’s guide covers every necessary aspect to consider before making a final decision.
The term EMR Software or EHR Software (Electronic Health Records) is basically used for the electronic documentation and maintenance of medical records for patients via computer or a mobile device. EHR Software essentially improves the efficiency of practice by helping to make more accurate documentation of encounters resulting in improved profitability. Its usability has been recognized and it became a part of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) in 2004.
Besides financial profitability, practices have seen the following benefits of using an EHR/EMR Software:
Specialty-specific software enables physicians and other medical professionals to store detailed clinical information, such as demographics, medical history, social history, lab reports, etc.
Specialty-specific EMR Software or EHR Software must be fairly customizable to the unique style and documentation requirements since all medical practices have a specific need based on the background and medical specialty. For example, Pain Management or Dermatology specific EMR software should include the ability to store before/after photos and to annotate on images. Similarly, specialties like Pediatrics, Oncology, Podiatry, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Nephrology, Dialysis Centers, Rheumatology, and Chiropractic Care require their unique set of features to simplify adoption.
Because of the massive adaptability requirement, every EMR Software is not suitable for any practice. EMR Software designed for hospitals or multi-provider clinics does not necessarily support a solo or small practice. So what are the factors that will make an EHR Software vendor viable for your medical practice?
From solo to large providers and multi-specialty clinics, every practice has its own unique set of challenges that must be addressed by the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software vendor some of which are listed below.
Small or solo practices with small office space and a limited number of staff members are generally short on budget compared to larger practices. Due to these constraints, many providers simply prefer cloud-based EHR software and employ Free EMR Software or choose an affordable EMR Software vendor with a low fixed monthly fee.
Often belonging to the same medical specialty, medium-sized practices require unique features such as interoperability, dedicated customer support, multi-device support and extensive reporting functionality to keep an eye on the overall performance of the practice, as their budget is also comparatively larger.
Larger medical practices usually offer medical services that fall under various medical specialties (e.g. Orthopedics, Pain Management, Surgery, Chiropractic Medicine, Family Medicine, etc.). Comprising fifteen to twenty medical providers, these practices often require support for multiple users to access the systems simultaneously. Scheduling software and a scalable solution to accommodate multiple locations, providers, and resources such as Dialysis Chairs, procedure room allocation, etc. are also the requirements of larger practices.
Hospitals or enterprise organizations have the most elaborate list of requirements, which are usually documented in the form of an RFI or RFP to assess and shortlist vendors that can meet them.
Hospitals or enterprises are often the target market of EMR software companies such as Athenahealth, McKesson, Epic, Cerner, eClinicalWorks, Allscripts, NextGen, drChrono, and Meditech, etc. and they usually provide ideal EHR software solutions for larger corporations such as ACOs, PCMH, IPAs, CINs (Clinically Integrated Networks), and Public Health Departments, etc. These EHR software companies usually offer features like integration with multiple other software and medical devices, inventory management modules, interface with local labs (LIS), machines and diagnostic equipment along with drug dispensing (pharmacy management software) and electronic medication administration record (EMAR), etc.
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) consist of various software, all with different functionalities and applications. Here are a few tips one should consider before selecting an EMR Software:
Safety and security of patient data and medical records is a principal concern for not only clinicians and medical providers, but their patients as well. A strong EMR Software ensures the safety and security of medical records and all the related patient information and guarantees HIPAA Compliance providing them privacy (especially during the patient’s communication with their doctor via Patient Portal). Top EMR Software Vendors from today (AdvancedMD, PrognoCIS, Modernizing Medicine, Chirotouch, Kareo, etc.) use data encryption technologies and other advanced tools in every section of the EMR Software to make sure that they safeguard patient records.
Due to its various advantages, cloud-based EMR has grown more popular among physicians lately. A Cloud-based EHR software is mostly device dependent and supports multiple devices such as Smartphones (iPhones and Android phones) iPhones, iPads, desktop computers, and laptops. The EMR software can be accessed from any location at any time provided that internet access is available. The Cloud-based EHR Software technology usually requires minimum or no maintenance or upfront cost making it ideal for doctors running small clinics and private practices. Some of the Cloud-based EMR Software vendors include ChartPerfect, Care Cloud, AllegienceMD, CureMD, ChartLogic, etc.
The move to the public cloud for healthcare is vital in the current changing landscape. For practices that do not adopt new cloud services, the old inferior feature set coupled with the higher prices will hinder the business dramatically. This gulf between the old software and the new cloud-based software will only grow more exponentially as time goes on.
One of the characteristics of a strong EMR software is that it is ONC-ATCB certified and complies with the guidelines and protocols defined by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC). The software vendors who comply with these measures go through severe testing and conform at a benchmark level set by the federal body. This testing ensures that all areas of the software are checked for example Patient Portal, the way the software communicates with Pharmacies via E-prescription (e-Rx), HIEs, labs, hospitals, etc. Most of the EHR vendors nowadays have all the details related to their compliance with the standards established by the ONC (Click here) present online.
Today when it comes to the world of computers and digital devices, Apple is the undisputed leader in the US. Therefore, it will not be odd if healthcare providers today specifically look for EMR Software that works on Mac systems (Mac EMR Software). However, unfortunately, not all EMR software vendors support Mac devices, therefore when looking for an EMR system it is essential that the EHR Software has built-in support for Mac so that the software can be used with existing systems and any further investment in new computers can be avoided.
Certain specialty-specific electronic health records (EHR) systems must offer unique tools for that specialty for clinical documentation. For example in gastroenterology, the EMR system should include specific tools that should be able to document clinical workflow and specify the area of concern (e.g. issues concerning the GI tract) and must offer much more than capturing raw data or text. (Gastroenterology EMR Software).
When selecting an EMR System, one of the basic and most important decisions that you need to make is if you want the EMR Software solution by itself or integrated with a Practice Management System for scheduling and billing. Having an integrated EHR and PM solution has its pros, yet there have been instances where practices chose an EHR by themselves, as they had some unique needs that EMR Software vendors could not be met or they had already made large payments for separate Practice Management solutions and could not replace it, in fact, were bound to use it.
With competition rising every day in the field of healthcare IT, many EHR Vendors who provide integrated Practice Management solutions included in the software bundle easily outclass competitors with standalone EMR Software including the ones that offer a specialty-specific EMR Solution. EHR software providers with integrated Practice Management systems often tend to provide widespread reporting competencies to monitor how the practice performs and manages administrative tasks better.
Like all other software solutions needed by a medical practice, it’s very important for a healthcare organization to have a strong billing system to be able to communicate with insurance companies and to charge all the services rendered. Medical Billing Software works best when integrated with EMR software. The clinical documentation complies with all the mandatory standards and forms a financial document that’s sent electronically to insurance carriers or financiers so that they can validate and process at their end. This helps streamline operations and various administrative tasks and makes sure everyone is on the same page where financial matters are concerned. By using the Medical billing Software system, practices are able to produce patient statements, confirm patient eligibility, and generate claims, and much more. Medical billing solutions integrated with EMRs prove to be ideal for healthcare organizations who wish to manage to bill in-house.
Different EMR Vendors offer varying prices. Some EHR Software sellers offer their services for free, while others provide specialty services for extremely high costs. In both cases, there always might be chances of several hidden costs that might be revealed later. When selecting an EMR Software, make sure you finalize your budget and discuss all the hidden costs included in the contract with your potential vendors. Also, make sure you ask them about the charges for services such as support and training.
With technological advancements happening every second, life has become faster than ever. To keep up with this fast pace, people in all walks of life like to rely more on handheld devices especially because of their handiness, mobility and a number of other uses. Like all other professions, the field of medicine also relies heavily on the use of technology more and more. Doctors nowadays, need an EMR system with which they can use Tablets or iPads to take down notes about symptoms, patient history, and electronically prescribe medication to the patients and a mobile application synced with all the mobile devices being used in the practice.
Though some doctors and physicians might be very proficient with technology, at the end of the day, they are not IT professionals. They always prefer software that’s easy to use, so that not only their transition process from their existing systems (paper or existing EHR) is smooth, but also their everyday experience with their Electronic Health Records software goes without any hindrances. An EMR System that’s too complicated to understand can waste a lot of time resulting in users to be aggravated. Also, there are some EHR companies that provide users with training free of cost, so at the time of selecting an EMR software, make sure that you ask the vendor to train you and other staff members of the practice to have a better grasp of the software and if there will be any additional costs involved for training.
All medical providers work in their distinctive manner and have unique needs according to their specialties. Therefore, most of the EMR Software Vendors today ensure that their EHR Software is specially tailored for a specific specialty or a number of specialties. This was a predictable conclusion of the EMR Software journey, as more and more healthcare providers were required to switch to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems. Most of the EHR software companies at that point of time were essentially focused on selling their software to all healthcare providers regardless of their specialties. But the specialty-based medical providers soon realized that the software did not meet the requirements of their practices. Therefore, the demand for specialty-specific EMR systems increased. To meet that demand, EMR software vendors started producing specialty-specific EHR software and as a result of that, today there are several unique EMR systems available for almost all the specialties like Cardiology, Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, Urology, Optometry, Pulmonology, General Surgery, Alternative & Holistic Medicine, etc.
When you adopt EHR software for your practice, it eases your routine tasks and helps your practice in so many different ways. But what will you do when your software faces a technical issue? It’s normal for any software application to malfunction from time to time. This is when you should pick up your phone and contact the customer service representative of your EMR software service provider. An efficient customer support service addresses all of your concerns and issues and tries to resolve them in a knowledgeable and skilled way. Only a customer service rep can understand the issues or changes in the behavior of your Electronic Health Records software application. Then the rep can pass on your concerns to the appropriate department to get your issue fixed. A good customer service representative always ensures customer satisfaction. On the other hand, a bad and rude customer rep will only make things worse. Most of the EMR software vendors provide customer support as a part of the plan that you are paying for, while some of them charge extra for this service. Before implementing an EHR software you should make that clear with the vendor if there will be a special support team assigned to the practitioner within the package or not.
The EHR industry, like everything else, goes through constant changes all the time. Whether it’s new innovations or updates in technology, or changes in legalities, the EMR industry is always changing. Following is a list of such changes that you should keep track of.
It was revealed in a previous research how only 25% of practitioners were interested in a web-based model and only 50% were willing to have it as an initial model that eventually transitioned to cloud-based. But ever since it has been established that cloud-based EMR software cuts down on steep upfront costs for client-servers and can be hosted on any device that has a web-browser. It’s no surprise how more and more vendors are transitioning to cloud-based software also because the industry demands are changing.
EMR software is quickly widening their range of practice types in order to become more accessible to healthcare services. The amount of people who lack the time and knowledge, who are in health IT, is increasing each year. This makes optimizing these software solutions more difficult as they must now cater to different needs. Douglas W. Bowerman, MD, predicts we will see a “continued trend towards accessibility” in EMRs, both in terms of how we access them – on mobile, for instance – and who can access the software.
In 2025, the demand for EMR software solutions for healthcare practices has continued to rise, with market growth estimated at around 6-7% year-over-year as healthcare providers increasingly prioritize digital transformation and interoperability. This increase is largely driven by the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing within these systems, which enhance clinical workflows and patient care. Epic Systems has expanded its dominance, now capturing over 35% of the market, particularly among large multi-specialty organizations. Meanwhile, Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) has faced challenges, especially in retaining smaller hospitals, contributing to a slight decline in its market share. Together, major players like Epic, Oracle Health, Meditech and Allscripts account for a significant portion of the current EHR market.
The trend in EMR (Electronic Medical Record) software is gravitating towards increased customization and modular design. This shift is driven by the diverse and evolving needs of healthcare providers across various specialties. Customizable EHR systems will allow medical professionals to tailor interfaces and functionalities to their specific workflows, enhancing efficiency and reducing cognitive load. Modular EMR systems will offer flexibility, enabling healthcare facilities to integrate only the modules they need, such as tele-medicine, billing, or patient engagement tools, thereby avoiding the complexities of one-size-fits-all solutions. This approach not only improves user satisfaction but also facilitates better patient care by providing clinicians with tools that are more aligned with their practice needs. Ultimately, this evolution will lead to more adaptable, efficient, and user-friendly EHR systems in the healthcare industry.
The healthcare industry is increasingly adopting cloud-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) solutions, recognizing their numerous advantages over traditional on-premise systems. These cloud-based systems offer cost reductions by eliminating the need for expensive hardware and maintenance, as they operate on subscription-based models. Enhanced data accessibility allows healthcare providers to access patient records from any device with internet connectivity, facilitating real-time collaboration and improving patient care. Scalability is another significant benefit enabling practices to adjust resources according to their needs without substantial infrastructure investments. Additionally, cloud EMRs provide robust security measures, including advanced encryption and automatic data backups, ensuring the protection of sensitive patient information.
Cloud-based EMRs are integrating AI to enhance data accessibility and security. AI algorithms monitor for unusual data access patterns, bolstering security measures. Predictive analytics optimize system performance, ensuring reliable access to patient records. These advancements make cloud-based EMRs more efficient and secure for healthcare providers.
Medicare Access and CHIP Re-authorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 (previously known as Meaningful Use) created the Quality Payment Program that:
athenaOne: A Powerful Medical App Loved by Doctors
Developed by athenahealth EHR Software, athenaOne is among the top rated medical apps on the Apple App Store. athenaOne has garnered this reputation largely due to the many benefits and conveniences which it offers, through its robust set of tools and features.
Its ease of use and intuitive user interface has made it a favourite among US healthcare providers, helping practices beat industry benchmarks. Doctors have noted faster workflows, which allow them to quickly complete notes and place orders.
athenaOne currently sits at a 4.6-star rating on Apple’s App Store, and is more than powerful enough to support healthcare providers through their day!
