What is the right-fit EMR (Electronic Medical Records) for your practice?  Since an estimated 10% of private medical facilities do not use a full EMR system, then it’s safe to assume that most of these offices do not see any need to upgrade to a higher system.  It’s easy to say that electronic medical record software is a necessity in this day and time, but in all actuality, only you know your profession and what type of system you require in order to do business. 

Let’s be honest about some things though.  You well know that running an office with a small staff of people can be expensive.  You have to pay for full time or part time workers and also have to carry the burden of error with you, meaning, that if your human secretaries and data entry specialists make an error you have to cover for that mistake.  It’s not always wise to turn things over to a computerized system.  Using a spreadsheet or a basic money managing program may only complicate things for you. 

Herein lays the advantage of EMR software.  Electronic Health Records software is specifically made for the medical profession.  Instead of templates or blank items to contend with (or heaven forbid, program yourself) you are working with charts, invoices, appointment scheduling and e-prescriptions.  This is software programmed, not for the IT consultant you bring in twice a month, but for you—the physician who doesn’t have time for computers but still needs a modern day system that is completely searchable, updateable and easy to use.

Of course, all physicians have their own preferences as to what electronic health record software is right for them.  You may have your own list of features that that is vitally important to you.  Some of these EMR selection criteria may be so specific and important that a program’s exclusion of such a feature would render it useless.  Keep in mind that the best certified EMR programs are customizable, as they are made for physicians who work in a fast-paced environment.

That said, let’s consider 10 of the most important features of EMR software.

1. Web-Based and Secure Portability
2. Complete Integration With Other Medical Systems
3. E-Prescription Compatibility
4. PQRI Automation Automation
5. Adaptive Learning (System Memorizes Data)
6. Patient Portal Accessible From Anywhere
7. Flexible, Non-Template Based Systems
8. Electronic Document Management and Imaging
9. Voice Recognition and Handwriting Recognition
10. In Compliance with Federal and State Regulations

As you can see, EMR software should be, and for the most part is, highly flexible and customizable to your needs.  These are just some of the features that may help your business.