 Software "Pinterest")
Freepik
An electronic health record (EHR) is an IT-based medical application that offers numerous benefits to health practitioners beyond a digital version of a patient’s medical record. Adopting this technology can help physicians retrieve and share up-to-date patient information instantly, even in wee hours and when they are not in their clinics. It advances the efficiency and productivity of healthcare providers so that they can diagnose and provide exceptional care to their patients, while at the same time significantly reducing, if not eliminating, medical errors.
If you are planning on using EHR Software to assist you in your independent practice, you must choose the right system diligently. To find a solution that will benefit you the most, you should consider the following factors as you conduct your search:
Usability
No matter how powerful and advanced the EHR system is, you will not benefit from it unless you can use the software application easily. As such, you must find a user-friendly technology so that transitioning from manual to digital will not take much of your time.
To ensure ease of use, take advantage of live demonstrations and free trial offerings of EHR providers to assess the system. As you try the product, ask yourself if the software can genuinely help your practice. Observe if you can readily get the hang of things and if it is easy for others to understand and use the system as well.
Features
Do not forget that the main reason why you are looking for an electronic health record solution is to make your practice hassle-free, convenient, and more efficient, which is why you cannot commit to a system without looking at features. Make sure that the functionalities that will help you achieve your goals are included in the software. Some of these notable features include the following:
- Tasks Overview Capabilities
This feature allows you to readily see urgent tasks and activities that you need to accomplish so that you can manage your schedule more effectively.
- Electronic Prescribing
E-prescribing helps in enhancing the process of prescribing medications to your patients. One study showed how this technology could minimize prescribing mistakes, boost efficiency, and reduce healthcare expenses.
- Data and Billing Information Sharing Capabilities
A good EHR system allows you to securely share your patients’ medical records with other health providers to improve the quality of care. It should also help you to readily forward billing information to your patient and insurance providers without having to complete tons of paperwork.
Certification
Another factor to contemplate when choosing a system is that it should be a certified EHR technology, which means the software solution meets specific standards set by relevant government agencies. Choosing such a solution essentially guarantees that the system has the technological capability, functionality, and security features needed to meet the “meaningful use” criteria as prescribed by law.
Software Provider Customer Support
Make sure to examine how the software provider plans to assist your office once you commit to using their system because you cannot maximize its use without technical support. Choose a vendor who will modify the technology according to your needs and how you conduct your practice so that it will be easier for you to adopt the system. Check for the availability of training support at the start of implementation as well.
Looking for EHR Software is easy, but finding the right system for your practice requires time and research. Make sure that you only pay for the right software solution by considering the factors mentioned above. Keep in mind that you can only experience the advantages of this technology if you are utilizing one that fits your medical practice and needs.
