The medical industry has moved from paper-based records to electronic records. EHRs enable doctors and nurses to store patient's medical history in a digital file. This allows them to quickly navigate patient data. Today, there are many types of EHR systems available in the medical field.
Although the initial cost of implementing this technology was high, there have been many improvements in patient data storage thanks to different EHR platforms. Health care organizations of all sizes can leverage EHRs to improve their caregiving and reduce unnecessary costs.
What is an EHR?
Electronic health records are an integral component of the health care industry. It is gone a time when nurses and doctors used pens and paper to record the vitals of patients. EHRs have been widely promoted and praised by hospitals around the world thanks to the digital revolution. There are many types of EHR software available today that optimize the sharing and storage of medical data.
Different EHR systems allow doctors to access vital data during an emergency, checkup details for individual patients, and monitor patient's vitals over time, such as blood pressure, sugar levels, and blood pressure. EHRs can store medical records on one computer system, which improves workflows and accessibility. This technology is an essential tool for companies to increase their facility's productivity and efficiency, not only clinically, but also economically.
It is crucial to choose the best EHR system for your clinic. The right product can streamline your workflows and provide better care. However, the wrong product could cause disruption to your clinic's services. We have provided a brief overview of EHR options available to give you a better understanding of their capabilities and benefits.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act has approved a regulation that requires all medical practices to electronically submit claims. This has facilitated the adoption of EHR in the US.
What is the Difference Between EMR and EHR?
EMRs and EHRs are often used by hospitals and clinics to streamline their clinical processes and keep nurses and doctors informed of critical patient information. While both EMRs and EHRs can be used by hospitals to store patient information, manage records, and streamline administrative workflows, there are many differences between these applications.
An EMR is a digitalized version of paper charts that provides a complete view of a patient’s medical history. EHRs compile and collect holistic health journeys of patients, including digital records, and information across providers and treatments. EMRs allow patients to view only their data. EHRs give them access to roles-based access that allows them to make modifications to the records.
EMRs are used extensively in hospitals and clinics to keep internal records. EMRs are widely used, but they have limitations. EMRs can only be accessed by a select group of physicians. EMRs cannot be moved by patients if they wish to change hospitals or doctors.
EHRs, on the other hand, go beyond basic clinical data collection to encourage interoperability share information with other healthcare providers such as specialists and laboratories to give a complete picture of a patient’s health.
You should carefully consider the needs of your clinic when choosing an EHR software program.
The Key Features
You have made the decision to buy an EHR system for your clinic. Have you thought about how you will choose the right EHR system from the many available options? No? Let's take a look at the various types of EHRs, and then, EHR key features . Every EHR should have the following capabilities.
Charts Avoid charts getting lost by integrating medical records into the digital space. Physicians can now access digitized content rather than handwritten documents.
Patients Portals Allow patients to log in to a clinic's portal and view their medical history, past visits, medication histories, and lab results.
Claims Processing Send claims quickly to agents and insurance companies for prompt resolution of medical payments. Give patients timely updates about claim status to increase patient satisfaction.
Statuses for Patients: Keep track of patient journeys and inform medical staff. They can send out wait notifications to patients in advance to keep them updated.
Support: Optimize EHR, with a scheduling program that feeds the modified, changed and new appointments directly to it. This streamlines the appointment booking process and saves time.
Primary Benefits
The many benefits of EHRs in the healthcare industry are numerous. EHRs can be used to standardize documentation and prevent errors, as well as create error-free charts. These are the benefits of implementing an EHR platform.
Streamline office coordination: This allows doctors, nurses, and staff to communicate seamlessly. Update doctors with important patient information before a consultation.
Reduce errors: Limit the inflow of errors into records using handwritten memos. Standardize patient records and save information electronically. Many times, paper trails are lost, leading to misdiagnosis and incorrect prescriptions that can endanger the patient's health.
Enhance Patient Care: Doctors have the ability to view patient data via charts and dashboards, which allows them to provide appropriate care. Patients can track their medical history and be better advocates for their health, which will improve the relationships between them and their care providers.
Attain Accurate Patient Information: Care providers can use ready-made digital files to help them assess the medical history of their patients and determine the best course. The files can be updated by physicians in real time, keeping them current.
Obtain Interoperability: EHRs often have integration options with EMR and medical software. This allows physicians and patients to modify care settings without having to worry about file sharing.
Top EHR Software
athenahealth
DrChrono
EpicCare
Cerner Ambulatory
eClinicalWorks
AthenaHealth
athenahealth EHR, a cloud-based EHR platform, is available to all hospitals and clinics. It offers many features, such as patient engagement and a portal for patients. This platform helps clinicians to take away administrative burdens. Clinics can also benefit from an integrated suite solution that helps them grow their business.
Athenahealth allows physicians to connect with other health care professionals across the country through the network. The support team can be reached by phone or email.
Based on our Jumpstart Platform Data, the Top 5 Most Highly Rated Modules
Ad Hoc Reporting
Patient Chart Management
Documentation Management
Auto-schedule Reports
Flowsheet
Other Features
Patient Kiosks - Supported by partner integrations
Email Support -- Not Supported
Dashboards -- Moderately Supported
DrChrono
DrChrono EHR provides benefits to independent practitioners across all types of EHR systems. It features e-prescribing and a patient portal. It connects clinicians to seamlessly manage scheduling, billing, and clinical workflows.
To increase efficiency, medical staff can also use customizable medical forms and charting shortcuts. It also allows doctors to schedule online appointments without having to download additional software.
Based on our Jumpstart Platform Data, the Top 5 Most Highly Rated Modules
Dynamic Scaling
Patient Chart Management
Immunization Management
Flowsheets
Order Management
Other Features
Ad Hoc Reporting -- Not Supported
Auto-schedule Reports -- Not Supported
Moderately Supported
Speech Recognition -- Not Supported
Financial Dashboards -- Not supported
EpicCare
EpicCare is an EHR solution that caters to large hospitals worldwide. It allows clinicians to record and track every patient's care journey. Medical professionals have the ability to improve productivity and streamline their workflows with Meaningful Use Stages 1 & 2.
It offers many features including analytics, revenue cycle management, and more. It also supports clinicians in seamlessly providing telemedicine services.
Based on our Jumpstart Platform Data, the Top 5 Most Highly Rated Modules
100 Ad-hoc Reporting
Dynamic Scaling
Dashboards
Patient Vital Monitoring
100 - Medication Management
Cerner
Cerner's Powerchart Ambulatory System is a hybrid EHR system that empowers clinicians of all specialties with medical software. Cerner streamlines workflows and improves clinical functions, while integrating well with other medical devices. It supports both cloud and on-premise installations and can create EHR files quickly for multiple patients.
Its easy-to use interface for acute ambulatory settings, which helps doctors improve their quality of care, is what makes it a huge success. It also offers many features, such as charting and clinical intelligence.
Based on our Jumpstart Platform Data, the Top 5 Most Highly Rated Modules
Auto-schedule Reports
Flowsheets
Patient Chart Management
Scalability
Training Material
Other Features
Reporting -- Not Supported
Processing Claims -- Not Supported
Order Management -- Not Supported
Results Management -- Not Supported
eClinicalWorks
eClinicalWorks EHR, an EHR and practice management system, is a very popular choice for independent clinics as well as large hospitals. It provides clinicians with the tools they need to deliver care, including documentation, scheduling, device integrations, and more.
Eva, a virtual assistant, can also be used to review important documents and patient records. This frees up time for doctors. It allows clinics and other medical professionals to use digital records to replace the traditional hand-written format.
Based on our Jumpstart Platform Data, the Top 5 Most Highly Rated Modules
Ad Hoc Reporting
Auto-schedule Reports
Flowsheets
Patient Vitals
Document Management
Types of Electronic Health Record Systems (EHR)
Multiple EHR systems have been widely adopted today and are being used worldwide by healthcare facilities. They can be used in conjunction with health care professionals to improve patient care and help organizations keep compliant while reducing medical costs.
It is crucial to choose the best EHR software for your hospital in order to achieve maximum efficiency. Let's take a look at some of the EHRs available.
Cloud-Based EHR Software
Cloud applications are often referred to as the "age of cloud" in the 21st century. This is a rightful designation. Like all industries, the medical sector uses cloud technology in a variety of applications, including EHRs.
Cloud-based EHRs allow you to access and store patient data online. Clinics can reduce overhead costs by choosing cloud-based EHR platforms. Third-party vendors manage the external servers, including security and software updates.