While most businesses are busy going paperless, with technology now being the normal way to do things, the healthcare industry needs to be precarious with its records. EMRs have numerous advantages over paper documents, but with so many available, which are the top EMR and software systems for your company?
The top EMR systems and software products for the healthcare industry will enable medical professionals to quickly access health records and coordinate individual health records efficiently. Electronic medical records are the digital charts that can show a reduction in medical errors.
While technology is nothing new, EMRs are still something that many practices and clinics are implementing and are something startups need to consider strongly. It’s hard to get it right the first time, so do your research and check out the below information and tips to help you select one of the top-rated EMRs for your surgery.
What Are EMRs?
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are digital records of a patient or client’s health care prognosis from one clinic
- EMRs are the digitized version of what used to be a paper trail of patient’s healthcare records
- EMRs are used to track patient data
- EMRs make it easy for doctors to view past results and medical diagnoses
How Can EMRs Improve the Healthcare Industry?Electronic medical records (EMRs) have improved the healthcare industry enormously. The progression to using digital records, though slow and ongoing, has improved coordination between providers, suppliers, healthcare professionals, and their clients.
In 2018 a study conducted by Stanford Medicine showed that, although needing improvements and various updates, two-thirds of physicians involved in the study agreed that Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have led to improved patient care. Here is how EMRs benefit the healthcare world:- Increases efficiency and quality of safety
- Reduces human-made errors
- Treatment tracking is made simpler
- Enhances coordination between clients and suppliers
- Improves patient security and privacy
- Reduces the time it takes to complete investigations
- Makes storage space more effective
- Avoids conflict and duplicate tests
- Information is readily available
- Follow up reminders enhance a medical professional’s duty of care for their patients
What is the Difference Between EMRs and EHRs?
Don’t get them confused, they are similar, and these systems work together, but they are not the same.
Where EMRs contain patient records and medical information, electronic health records (EHRs) make it possible to share patient data with other providers (when approved by the patient of course). Being able to share data across numerous institutions is one of the many benefits of EMRs and EHRs for the healthcare industry.
| Electronic Medical Records (EMR) | Electronic Health Records (EHR) |
| Medical records from one clinic | Medical records from multiple clinics |
| Information stays with the clinic | Information follows the patient |
| Tracks patient checkups and data | Is used for an overall approach to patient care |
| The clinic or doctor enters information in one place and if records need to be transferred, depending on the EMR used records might need to be printed to be transferred to other clinics which in turn is counteractive to the paperless trail. | Patients can log into the system to see their own records and whenever tests or information is added to the patient record it can be accessed by emergency departments and all people involved with the patients care. |
| Useful for family physicians or doctors who don’t need to share records with third parties | Useful for patients whose treatment goes beyond one medical facility. E.g.: blood test results, x-rays, ongoing therapy, and treatment that needs attention from more than one practice or clinic |
What are the Top EMR Software Products in the Healthcare Industry?
With so many to choose from today, it’s hard to know which EMR will suit your clinic, your patients, and the medical staff in the clinic. Did you know there are multiple types of EMR software systems available?
Here are some of the available EMR software systems:
- Mac EMR Systems (Compatible with Apple devices)
- Cloud-Based (online reliant)
- Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology (ONC) Certified
- Behavioral and mental health
Where hospitals are concerned, they would gain an advantage from incorporating EHRs into their system. For smaller, family, clinics where information and records do not need to be transferred between healthcare providers, you have many EMR options to choose from.
Here are the top EMR systems and software products in healthcare today:
CureMD
CureMD is a user-friendly software product that has great reviews for its easy navigation and simplicity.
Charts can be viewed by an app on mobile phones and through a desktop which makes it easier for physicians and doctors to access information when needed.
This software platform offers a customizable user interface so that users can access information in a way that is easier for them.
CureMD focuses on providing patient-driven software that will in turn provide better care for patients. Their customer support is also rated fairly high compared with other EMR platforms.
AdvancedMD
AdvancedMD has an integrated billing program that makes patient billing easier to manage.
AdvancedMD is highly rated across the board for its comprehensive and integrated software systems in both clinical and practice support at a competitive price.
Great for both startups and larger practices, AdvancedMD uses adaptable and time-saving methods to report and track electronic medical records.
Reviews also show that the support staff is helpful and knowledgeable when assistance is needed.
Cerner
Cerner is an award-winning EMR software product that has systems to suit every type of healthcare provider.
Connecting people and their healthcare providers through Cerner technology through an integrated database with a whole range of capabilities.
Cerner is cloud-based and used by various organizations small and large and is currently one of the leading EMR suppliers in the healthcare industry today.
Kareo
Rated 88 out of 100 in Business News Daily, Kareo care is one of the top-rated EMR systems for its user-friendly design.
The system uses a military-grade type of encryption to keep sensitive and private information secure.
Kareo is a good EMR system for smaller practices and for people that haven’t had a lot of experience with technology. It’s easy to learn, the support system and training are excellent, and it integrates patient billing, scheduling, medication filling, and notes all in one platform.
How to Implement EMRs into Your Clinic
- Who is using the system? Are they tech-savvy? Can they train others?
- The timeframe you have to implement the system, including staff training
- Does the system need to be accessed on a desktop, laptop, computer, remotely, etc.?
- Will you need software and training support?
- What are the security features of the system?
- What are the costs? Check hidden fees and ongoing costs vs your budget
- Is the software regularly updated to meet growing consumer demands?
Conclusion
There are multiple EMR systems to choose from and selecting the right one for you and your team will take some vigorous research. Some are more user-friendly than others while others are better suited to tech experts.
By keeping medical professionals and healthcare workers better informed through the implementation and use of EMRs, patients can get the quickest and the best care they are entitled to.
