| Electronic Medical Records |
Electronic health records software (EHR) is a 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) 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 |
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 Medical Practices Need To Know About 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 that is perfect for your practice needs. There are several factors to consider when evaluating the use or switch to your current Electronic Health Records Software (EHR Software). This buyer’s guide covers every necessary aspect to consider before making a final decision.
EMR Software or EHR Software (Electronic Health Records) is used for the electronic documentation and maintenance of medical records for patients via computer or a mobile device. EHR Software systems can greatly improve the efficiency of practice by improving the accuracy of documentation of encounters, resulting in improved profitability. Its usability has been universally recognized, and it has become a part of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) since 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 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, not every patient scheduling EMR Software is suitable for any practice. 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 EHR software and employ Free EMR Software or choose an affordable EMR 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 patient scheduling EHR 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.
Tips To Consider When Choosing An EMR Software Vendor
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) consist of various software, all with different functionalities and applications. Here are a few tips one should consider before selecting an EMR Software:
Security
Safety and security of patient data and medical records are a principal concern for clinicians and medical providers, and their patients as well. A strong patient scheduling Software ensures the safety and security of medical records and all the related patient information and guarantees HIPAA Compliance, providing them privacy (especially during the patient’s communication with their doctor via Patient Portal). Top EMR Software Vendors from today (AdvancedMD, PrognoCIS, Modernizing Medicine, Chirotouch, Kareo, etc.) use data encryption technologies and other advanced tools in every section of the EMR Software to make sure that they safeguard patient records.
Cloud-based EMR software
Due to its various advantages, Cloud-based EMR has grown more popular among physicians lately. Cloud-based EHR software is mostly device-independent and supports multiple devices such as Smartphones (iPhones and Android phones), iPads, desktop computers, and laptops. The EMR software can be accessed from any location at any time, provided that internet access is available. The Cloud-based EHR Software technology usually requires minimal or no maintenance or upfront cost, making it ideal for doctors running small clinics and private practices. Some of the Cloud-based EMR Software vendors include ChartPerfect, Care Cloud, AllegianceMD, CureMD, ChartLogic, etc. The move to the public cloud for healthcare is vital in the current changing landscape. For practices that don’t adopt new cloud services, the old inferior feature set, coupled with the higher prices, will hinder the business dramatically. This gulf between the old software and the new cloud-based software will only grow more exponentially as time goes on.
One of the characteristics of strong EMR software is that it is ONC-ATCB certified and complies with the guidelines and protocols defined by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC). The software vendors who comply with these measures go through severe testing and conform at a benchmark level set by the federal body. This testing ensures that all areas of the software are checked for example, Patient Portal, the way the software communicates with Pharmacies via E-prescription (e-Rx), HIEs, labs, hospitals, etc. Most of the EHR vendors nowadays have all the details related to their compliance with the standards established by the ONC (Click here) present online.
Mac EMR Software
Today, when it comes to the world of computers and digital devices, Apple is the undisputed leader in the US. Therefore, it won’t be odd if healthcare providers today specifically look for EMR Software that works on Mac systems (Mac EMR Software). However, unfortunately, not all EMR software vendors support Mac devices; therefore, when looking for an EMR system, the EHR Software must have built-in support for Mac so that the software can be used with existing systems and any further investment in new computers can be avoided.
Specialty EHR software
Certain specialty-specific Electronic health records (EHR) systems must offer unique tools for that specialty for clinical documentation. For example for gastroenterology, the EMR system should include specific tools that should be able to document clinical workflow and specify the area of concern (e.g. issues concerning the GI tract) and must offer much more than capturing raw data or text. (Gastroenterology EMR Software).
Integrated Practice Management Software
With competition rising every day in the field of healthcare IT, many EHR Vendors who provide integrated Practice Management solutions included in the software bundle easily outclass competitors with standalone EMR Software, including the ones that offer a specialty-specific EMR Solution. EHR software providers with integrated Practice Management systems often tend to offer widespread reporting competencies to monitor how the practice performs and manages administrative tasks better.
Integrated Medical Billing Software
Medical practices need to have a strong billing system to be able to communicate with insurance companies and charge for all the services rendered. Medical Billing Software works best when integrated with EMR software. The clinical documentation complies with all the mandatory standards and forms a financial document that is sent electronically to insurance carriers or financiers so that they can validate and process it at their end. This helps streamline operations and various administrative tasks and makes sure everyone is on the same page where financial matters are concerned. By using the Medical billing Software system, practices can produce patient statements, confirm patient eligibility, generate claims, and much more. Medical billing solutions integrated with EMRs prove to be ideal for healthcare organizations who wish to manage to bill in-house.
Ease of Use and Training
Though some doctors and physicians might be very proficient with technology, at the end of the day, they are not IT professionals. They always prefer software that is easy to use, so that not only their transition process from their existing systems (paper or existing EHR) is smooth, but also their everyday experience with their Electronic Health Records software goes without any hindrances. An EMR System that is too complicated to understand can waste a lot of time, resulting in users being aggravated. Also, some EHR companies provide users with training free of cost, so when selecting an EHR software, make sure that you ask the vendor to train you and other staff members of the practice to have a better grasp of the software, and if there will be any additional costs involved for training.
Specialty-Based EMR Software
All medical providers work in their distinctive manner and have unique needs according to their specialties. Therefore, most of the EMR Software Vendors today ensure that their EHR Software is specially tailored for a specific specialty or many specialties. This was a predictable conclusion of the EMR Software journey, as more and more healthcare providers were required to switch to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems. Most of the EHR software companies then were essentially focused on selling their software to all healthcare providers regardless of their specialties. However, the specialty-based medical providers soon realized that the software did not meet the requirements of their practices. Therefore, the demand for specialty-specific EMR systems increased. To meet that demand, EHR software vendors started producing specialty-specific EHR software, and as a result, today there are several unique EMR systems available for almost all specialties like Cardiology, Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, Urology, Optometry, Pulmonology, General Surgery, Alternative & Holistic Medicine, etc.
Latest in Patient Scheduling EMR Software
As of 2023, Patient Scheduling EMR Software has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare operations, enabling providers to optimize appointment management, reduce no-shows, and enhance patient satisfaction. The 21st Century Cures Act (2020) and the ONC Final Rule (2020) played a pivotal role in shaping this evolution by emphasizing interoperability and patient access to health data. These regulations encouraged EHR vendors to integrate advanced scheduling tools that seamlessly connect with patient portals, telehealth platforms, and other healthcare systems, ensuring a cohesive patient experience.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, accelerated the adoption of intelligent scheduling features within EHR software. In 2021, leading vendors like Epic Systems, Cerner, and Athenahealth introduced AI-driven scheduling modules that optimize appointment slots, predict no-shows, and send automated reminders via text, email, or mobile apps. These systems also integrated telehealth scheduling capabilities, allowing patients to book virtual visits directly through the platform, which became essential during the pandemic.
In 2022, patient scheduling EMR software began incorporating machine learning to further efficiency. For example, NextGen Healthcare and AdvancedMD launched tools that analyze historical data to recommend optimal scheduling patterns, reduce wait times, and improve resource allocation. The integration of wearable devices and patient-reported symptoms allowed for dynamic scheduling adjustments, such as prioritizing high-risk patients or rescheduling based on real-time health metrics.
By 2024, patient scheduling EHR software had evolved to include advanced features like multi-location scheduling, group appointment booking, and predictive analytics for managing seasonal demand. Cloud-based solutions became the standard, offering scalability and remote access for practices with multiple locations.
These advancements reflect a broader shift toward patient-centered, data-driven care, empowering providers to streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and deliver a more seamless and satisfying patient experience.
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!
