Ultimate Guide to Free EMR Software
Free EMR software reduces the costs of going paperless for medical practice. Free EMR software offers the core EMR features of charting, decision support, and coding assistance which is critical for the workflows of your practice.
Free EMR Software doesn’t mean that it lacks functionality because it’s free of cost. However, the catch here is that there are certain limitations that should be kept in mind. These include free solutions that can be used by a limited number of practitioners and it requires the right talent and a lot of developer time for correct implementation.
What are the key features of free EMR Software?
Before you make the final decision it is important to know the key feature that makes up for free EMR software. These features provide functionalities for clinicians to help manage patient information and digital records.
E-Prescribing
The e-Prescribing (e-Rx) feature in the free EMR software allows physicians to send and receive prescriptions automatically. It reduces the issues that come with handwritten prescriptions and promotes patient safety.
Appointment Scheduling
 This tool makes it possible for patients to book online appointments from the comfort of their homes. Patients can easily make an appointment with the preferred clinician without having to make phone calls to the clinic.
Medical Billing
A free Electronic Medical Records software may offer medical billing solutions that handle end-to-end claims management and ensure that the practice is paid faster.
Charting
Charting tools such as inbuilt templates and voice recognition using Google Voice technology may help to simplify the charting process and help to document patient encounters faster.
Integrated Fax
The integrated fax system provides a complete set of faxing software to its users. It operates on a single desktop with a fax-capable modem connecting to a telephone line. This boosts productivity and decreases workflow.
How to choose free EMR Software?
The selection process can be further narrowed down by considering the following factors. These will help you support your final decision-making process.
System Design
Free EMR Software vendors give two choices either a cloud-based or a server-based solution. What a practice goes for depends upon preference and the amount of comfort level for the deployment offered.
Size
When selecting a vendor you should keep in mind the size of your practice. EMR software is designed according to scalability and practice size.
Certification
Certification ensures that the software system provides the security of patient data. For free Electronic Medical Records Software, you should be looking for ONC-ATCB certification which guarantees Meaningful Use objectives
Ultimate Guide to Electronic Medical Records (EHR) Software
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are an electronic way of keeping patient medical records. You can store anything from patient charts, medical history, bloodwork, payment schedule, and billing in your EMR. Also known as Electronic Health Records (EHR) they provide an added functionality where patient demographics, histories, and similarities can be tracked as well as prescriptions, medications, SOAP notes, and much more.
Since the HITECH Act introduced Meaningful Use the medical and healthcare industry has been in a flurry to find an EMR/EHR system to suit their practice. Transitioning from paper to electronic recording of patient’s histories and administrative documents wasn’t easy, but the benefits to the future of healthcare of implementing EHR outweigh the dredge work of the present:
- EHR promotes efficiency and a smoother workflow.
- It increases revenue through well-documented claims.
- It increases revenue through increased patient inflow.
- Decreased stationery costs.
- It improves care coordination.
- Patient information is safe and secure from natural damage.
- Streamlining healthcare practices across the country.
What is Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software?
What Are You Looking For?
Meaningful Use has dropped the bomb leaving healthcare practices no choice but to convert their practice to an EHR system. But it’s up to you to select the EMR vendor of your choice that best suits your needs. So now that you’re in the market you either:
- Have no clue what you’re looking for.
- Know exactly what you want but don’t know where to get it.
- Are considering investing in software specifically designed for your practice?
Although #3 is ideal it costs way too much to hire an IT department and support system to cater to the practice’s needs, especially for a small to medium-sized clinic. For #1 and #2, we have a brief, but succinct guide, to help you find the vendor perfect for you.
Latest EMR Software Comparison 2021
What to Look For in a Potential Vendor
Security
Patient privacy is a paramount concern for any physician so you will need to make sure that the EMR system is HIPAA compliant at all times and your patient information is secure. All the vendors are aware of the necessity of security and many provide data encryption technology to enhance the security of their software.
Size
Medical practices come in all shapes and sizes. Some are single-doctor private practices while others are large hospitals with branches all over the country that need one system to sync all the records. Unfortunately, one software does not fit all. Single specialty software will not be able to accommodate a load of a larger practice, while multiple clinician software will be useless and unnecessarily expensive for the single doctor. There are EHR vendors that provide services for a specific range of doctors per practice. Make sure that the vendor you’re interested in is equipped to provide services to a practice of your size.
Specific Services
One of the decisions your practice will have to make is whether you want just an EMR system or one with integrated Practice Management for billing and scheduling. There are advantages to having both together but there have been cases where some practices only go for one if they had unique requirements that a vendor could not fulfill, or they had already paid a hefty amount for a PM system and weren’t looking to replace it yet.
Ease of Use and Training
Doctors are not IT professionals, and though some might be tech-savvy, it would be egregious to expect them all to be experts on the EHR software. Ease of use is essential to make the transition from paper to electronic smooth, as well as day-to-day practice to go along without a hitch. If the software is too complicated and hard to understand, it’s a waste of precious time and needlessly aggravating. Some vendors offer free training while others don’t; make sure you ask for training if your practice needs it.
Specialty Specific
Not all specialties are created equal, so why must their software be generic? Basic EHR software works well and is good for general practice and most specialties, but doctors have complained about specialty specific not being available in the market. The specialty software has inbuilt recording systems that make specialty practices function efficiently. Only a few vendors provide specialty-specific software, so there aren’t many to choose from. But more vendors are cottoning on to the demand and there should be more options shortly.
Support
Support is a major issue most practices have with their current vendors. A good support team can make small glitches to major roadblocks easy to maneuver while a bad one will just make things worse. Some vendors provide support as part of the plan you’re already paying for, while others charge extra for support. Scout the market, read reviews, or just ask point-blank if there will be a special support team assigned to each practitioner and whether you’ll be charged for the service.
Hidden Cost
There are varying price lists out there, some offer free services, while others charge an arm and a leg for specialty services. Either way there will be hidden costs that you might get to know about later. Fix your budget and talk to vendors you interview about hidden costs within the contract and whether services such as training and support are free.
Mobility
Smartphones have changed the dynamics of mobile usage. Handheld devices are easy to carry around and can be used for any number of uses. Most people are ditching the cumbersome PC for a handheld device. Doctors mostly use iPads or Tablets in the examination room to take down patient symptoms, check the history and note down the prescription, so the vendor must have a mobile application that is synced with all the mobile devices being used in the practice.
Latest MIPS Changes To Follow in 2024
Features to look for in an EHR Software
| Electronic medical records |
Electronic health records software (EHR) is software that assists in developing and storing patient medical records digitally. This unique system assists physicians in tracking patient histories, notes, medications, and demographics. The most popular features of EHR software include e-prescribing, E&M coding advice, and SOAP notes. Quality Electronic Health Records Software (EHR) also offers lab integration, voice recognition, tablet support, and device integration. |
| Medical billing |
Medical billing modules or Medical Billing software manage the development of patient statements and submission of insurance claims. Key functions of such systems include claim scrubbing, e-claim submission, coding, payment posting, eligibility inquiry, and reporting. |
| Patient scheduling |
This module is designed to automate the entire process of scheduling patient appointments. Core features of a good patient scheduling module may include sending reminders through phone, text message, and email, automated follow–ups, and multi–location support. Such modules are usually offered along with a billing module in a practice management software suite. |
| Radiology information systems |
A radio information system (RIS) is one that manages the workflow and operations of radiology imaging centers or large medical practices having radiology imaging departments. Such EHR Software or modules automate the entire process of storing, operating, and distributing patient medical images and related data. |
| Picture archiving and communications systems |
PACS is designed to manage, store and retrieve DICOM images. Such systems are often used in combination with a RIS (Radio Information System) to perform the radiology workflow proficiently. |
| Medical accounting |
The term Medical accounting refers to a system designed to automate accounting processes for medical practices. Major functions of such systems include general ledger, A/P, A/R, and financial reporting. |
What you need to know about an EMR Software
Today over 600 companies provide EHR/EMR and Practice Management Software and with this growing competition selecting the right electronic medical records software or practice management software is always a very difficult choice. EMRFinder understands your problem and provides a complete and comprehensive catalog of specialty-specific potential EMR Software, perfect for your practice needs. There are many things to be considered when thinking to start using or switching your current Electronic Health Records Software (EHR Software). This buyer’s guide covers every necessary aspect to consider before making a final decision.
The term EMR Software or EHR Software (Electronic Health Records) is basically used for the electronic documentation and maintenance of medical records for patients via computer or a mobile device. EHR Software essentially improves the efficiency of practice by helping in making more accurate documentation of the encounters resulting in improved profitability. Its usability has been recognized and it became a part of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) in 2004.
EMR Software Benefits
Besides financial profitability, practices have seen the following benefits of using EHR/EMR Software:
- Improved practice efficiency
- Streamlined administrative tasks
- Improved profitability and revenue cycle (Medical Billing Services)
- Improved Patient Engagement (via Patient Portal)
- Decreased stationary costs
- Improved collections due to more organized claims
- Automated alerts and reminders help patients return to the office when necessary and notify the practice about any potential risk
- Enhanced Security and Safety (Cloud Storage & Back-ups) – Cloud-based EMR Software
EMR Software by Specialty
Specialty-specific software enables physicians and other medical professionals to store detailed clinical information, such as demographics, medical history, social history, lab reports, etc.
Specialty-specific EMR Software or EHR Software must be fairly customizable to the unique style and documentation requirements since all medical practices have a specific need based on the background and medical specialty. For example, Pain Management or Dermatology specific EMR software should include the ability to store before/after photos and annotate on images. Similarly, specialties like Pediatrics, Oncology, Podiatry, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Nephrology, Dialysis Centers, Rheumatology, and Chiropractic Care require their unique set of features to simplify adoption.
EMR Software by Practice Size
Because of the massive adaptability requirement, every EMR Software is not suitable for any practice. As EMR Software designed for hospitals or multi-provider clinics does not necessarily support a solo or a small practice. So what are the factors that will make an EHR Software vendor viable for your medical practice?
From solo to large providers and multi-specialty clinics, every practice has its unique set of challenges that must be addressed by the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software vendor some of which are listed below.
Small or Solo Provider Practices
Small or solo practices with small office space and a limited number of staff members are generally short on the budget compared to larger practices. Due to these constraints, many providers simply prefer cloud-based EMR software and employ Free EMR Software or choose an affordable EHR Software vendor with a low fixed monthly fee.
Medium-Sized Practices
Often belonging to the same medical specialty, the medium-sized practices require unique features such as interoperability, dedicated customer support, multi-device support as well as extensive reporting functionality to keep an eye on the overall performance of the practice, as their budget is also comparatively larger.
Large practices
Larger medical practices usually offer medical services that fall under various medical specialties (e.g. Orthopedics, Pain Management, Surgery, Chiropractic Medicine, Family Medicine, etc.). Comprising fifteen to twenty medical providers, these practices often require support for multiple users to access the systems simultaneously. Scheduling software and a scalable solution to accommodate multiple locations, providers, and resources such as Dialysis Chairs, procedure room allocation, etc. are also the requirements of larger practices.
Hospitals or enterprise organizations
Hospitals or enterprise organizations have the most elaborate list of requirements, which are usually documented in the form of an RFI or RFP to assess and shortlist vendors that can meet them.
Hospitals or enterprises are often the target market of EMR software companies such as Athenahealth, McKesson, Epic, Cerner, eClinicalWorks, Allscripts, NextGen, drChrono, and Meditech, etc. and they usually provide ideal EHR software solutions for larger corporations such as ACOs, PCMH, IPAs, CINs (Clinically Integrated Networks), and Public Health Departments, etc. These EMR software companies usually offer features like integration with multiple other software and medical devices, inventory management modules, interface with local labs (LIS), machines, and diagnostic equipment along with drug dispensing (pharmacy management software) and electronic medication administration record (EMAR), etc.
Market Trends to Be Aware Of
The EHR industry, like everything else, goes through constant changes all the time. Whether it’s new innovations or updates in technology or changes in legalities, the EMR industry is always changing. Following is a list of such changes that you should keep track of.
Cloud-Based Services
A recent study shows that only 25% of physicians have shown interest in web-based EHR software systems and only 50% have adopted it as an initial model that will ultimately transition to cloud-based software. The cloud-based EMR software cuts down the costs of having and maintaining all the hardware and client servers. It can be hosted on any device which has a web browser. That is why healthcare software vendors are switching to cloud-based EHR software.
EMR/EHR Software Demand
In 2025, the demand for EMR software solutions for healthcare practices has continued to rise, with market growth estimated at around 6-7% year-over-year as healthcare providers increasingly prioritize digital transformation and interoperability. This increase is largely driven by the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing within these systems, which enhance clinical workflows and patient care. Epic Systems has expanded its dominance, now capturing over 35% of the market, particularly among large multispecialty organizations. Meanwhile, Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) has faced challenges, especially in retaining smaller hospitals, contributing to a slight decline in its market share. Together, major players like Epic, Oracle Health, Meditech and Allscripts account for a significant portion of the EHR market, reflecting the ongoing evolution and consolidation within the industry.
Widespread Interoperability
Electronic Medical Records don’t offer patients the ability to access their own records across multiple healthcare organizations due to the lack of data-sharing standards set between different practices. This causes significant problems for patients who receive care from multiple different centers. The issue also makes the diagnosis of patients harder for physicians and healthcare providers. Due to this, EMR/EHR providers are updating their software to include interoperability and integration features to allow data to be shared between these different organizations.
Latest in EHR Software News
athenaOne: A Powerful Medical App Loved by Doctors
Developed by athenahealth EHR Software, athenaOne is among the top rated medical apps on the Apple App Store. athenaOne has garnered this reputation largely due to the many benefits and conveniences which it offers, through its robust set of tools and features.
Its ease of use and intuitive user interface has made it a favourite among US healthcare providers, helping practices beat industry benchmarks.
Doctors have noted faster workflows, which allow them to quickly complete notes and place orders.
athenaOne currently sits at a 4.6-star rating on Apple’s App Store, and is more than powerful enough to support healthcare providers through their day!
