You're probably wondering about all the different types of EMR systems out there and trying to figure out which one is best for your practice.
With names like "ambulatory," "acute care," and "long-term care," it can get confusing real quick. But don’t sweat it, because we’re here to help!
We’ll cover:
Time to get a move on!
EMR (Electronic Medical Records) systems fundamentally streamline and digitize how healthcare providers manage patient information by storing patient data digitally.
EMRs make it easy to access patient histories, schedule appointments, bill insurance companies, and more. They’re a one-stop-shop for managing your practice.
There are systems for small clinics, large hospitals, specialists, you name it. Of course, trying to find the right one can feel like an RPG quest, but that’s what we’re here to help you with.
Just keep reading!
So you’re probably thinking, “Why do I even need an EMR system?” Well, there’s good news and good news: EMRs can save you boatloads of time, money, and sanity.
They’re extremely accurate: No more squinting at illegible handwriting or trying to decipher shorthand. With an EMR, everything is neatly typed and standardized. This also means fewer errors and less time wasted translating notes into something comprehensible.
Also, sharing patient info with other providers is a breeze. No more playing phone tag or sending photos of records via email like it’s 2005; EMRs let you securely message other doctors, share test results, and get quick consults.
Can you say “Cha-Ching!”? EMRs can actually save you money in the long run. Less paper means lower costs for storage and fewer staff hours spent filing records. EMRs also reduce duplicate tests by giving all your providers a complete patient history at their fingertips.
Sounds like two of a kind, right?
These two terms get thrown around so much that you’d think they were interchangeable. But nope, not quite:
With an EMR, you’ve got the patient’s info all in one place, which makes it easier for you and your staff to keep track of their care.
But an EHR takes it a step further by incorporating records from specialists, hospitals, imaging centers, and more. The idea is to give medical practitioners in general a complete picture of the patient’s health.
Some EHR systems do allow patients limited access to their records, though. They can view test results, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, and fire off a message to their doctor.
While EMRs mainly benefit practices, EHRs aim to improve coordination across the full healthcare spectrum and empower patients to take charge of their well-being.
If all this sounds kind of similar, don’t worry - even health IT pros get tripped up by the EMR vs EHR distinction.
Looking into a way to ditch the paper charts? That’s the ticket. Now comes the fun part—picking out a system that works for your clinic.
But, with more options for EMR systems now than reaction videos on YouTube, how do you sort the good from the bad?
Let’s break it down into the basics:
To make things a bit more complicated, there are quite a few types of EMR systems out there, and the difference between them is not exactly cut-and-dried.
Let’s make your life easier and dive into the most common types:
Something to think about: The lines between these types can blur, and many EMR systems have features that cross over into different categories.
But don’t worry, because that’s why we wrote the following section.
Now comes the hard part - actually picking an EMR system. With so many options, how’s a busy physician like yourself supposed to choose?
It helps to keep these factors in mind before you choose:
First, think about your practice size. If you’re a solo practitioner, a basic system should do the trick. But if you’ve got a whole team of docs, nurses, and staff, you’ll want an EMR that can keep up with your workload and workflow.
Some systems are tailored for large hospitals, while others are designed specifically for smaller clinics.
The type of medicine you practice also makes a tremendous difference. EMRs for primary care docs may not have all the bells and whistles surgeons want. Or if you’re a pediatrician, you’ll need an EMR with growth charts and immunization records galore.
So make sure any system you’re considering is geared toward your particular specialty.
Last but not least, give some thought to your budget. EMR prices vary widely, from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Factor in not just the initial software costs but ongoing fees like licensing, training, and technical support.
If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is. But don’t assume you need to shell out for the most expensive system either.
Shop around -you may find an affordable option that’s perfect for your practice.
That’s the scoop on all the different types of EMR systems out there.
Whether you're a doctor looking to upgrade or a healthcare admin evaluating options for your organization, now you've got a solid handle on the EMR landscape.
And who knows? Once you pick your EMR and get it rolled out, you may even have time for a little R&R in between appointments.
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