1. What are the top EHR systems?
Top EHR systems, as per consumer ratings, include CureMD, Athenahealth, Practice Fusion, Kareo and eClinicalWorks.
2. How does EHR differ from EMR?
EHR and EMR are often confused but they have one major difference. EMR is primarily designed only for maintaining medical records whereas EHR not only takes care of what EMR does but also offers interoperability – the ability to seamlessly share information between different EHR systems.
3. What is the difference between EMR and Practice Management?
Practice Management refers to various office tasks in a provider’s clinic. These office tasks normally include appointment scheduling and reminding, document management, generating data mining reports, managing office inventory, patient collections and denial management. On the other hand, EHR manages medical records, e-prescriptions, e-labs and interoperability.
4. What is the cost of an EHR system?
It depends on the kind of setup and the requirements of your practice. Usually an EHR system with cloud based support is priced under $500/month. However, if you choose to incorporate additional features into your EHR system, you might be additionally charged for it.
5. How can you access EHR system?
Most EHR systems are accessible on PC and Mobile/Tablet support. They also offer specialized apps for mobiles and tablets for jitter-free use.
6. Are EHR systems customizable or do I need to adopt them as it is?
Most EHR vendors will offer you to schedule a demo, where they will tailor a custom-made EHR system as per your system requirements and you may decide if it suits you or you want further changes in it.
7. Can I connect my pre-existing OMS (office management system) with the EHR?
OMS and EHR are two different entities and are meant for completely different functions. OMS is designed to manage administrative work whereas EHR is specifically tailored for medical record keeping. However, some EHR vendors may offer the option to migrate your OMS onto their EHR system.
8. What are the important things to consider when selecting an EHR?
The decision to buy and use any software in the world, including EHR software, should be based on whether it complies with these 6 pillars of EHR: Usability, Functionality, Efficiency, Reliability, Maintainability and Portability.
9. Is my data safe when using an EHR system?
All renounced EHR systems follow strict protocols of data safety and data privacy, as per stated HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966) to ensure that there is no unwanted access into the provider’s data.
10. Are EHR systems easy-to-use?
Top EHR systems are tailored in such a manner that they’re easy to learn for the providers and office staff who are new to using EHR. They also provide the facility of training you and your staff on how to use their EHR system.
11. Do EHR vendors provide aftersales support?
Renowned EHR vendors provide active customer support (via email, chat or call) and usually solve your EHR related issues within 24 hours. They also send periodic OTA (over-the-air) updates and bug fixes.
12. What are my options for EHR platforms?
EHR systems are offered in two manners: Local EHR (also known as On-Premise EHR) and Cloud EHR. Local EHR requires installation of an entire EHR system on your hardware – which might require you to purchase additional hardware since EHR systems can be too heavy. Cloud EHR does not require any installation on your hardware – it only needs an internet enabled device and you’re sorted.
13. Are EHRs meant to be for solo use or multiusers?
You can ask the EHR vendor to tailor an EHR system for you with regards to how many people can use it. For multiple users on a single EHR system, your EHR vendor might create additional accounts and charge you per user.
14. What is Meaningful Use (MU) in EHR software?
Meaningful Use refers to the minimum standards set by the US Government regarding how an EHR should share electronic data between practitioners, healthcare providers, patients and insurance companies, something which all EHR vendors adhere to.
15. What are the important certifications to look out for, when selecting an EHR software?
Important certifications to look out for, when selecting an EHR software, include ONC Certified HIT, ISO Certified, SureScripts Certified, CMS 5010 Certified and EHNAC HNAP-EHN Accredited.