Last Updated | November 27, 2024
The healthcare industry is rapidly changing, making it increasingly difficult for solo practices to balance patient care and administrative processes. A HIPAA-compliant EHR system helps ensure that workflow processes are smooth and hindrance-free by automating routine tasks and data access in real-time. Since so many options are available, choosing the best EHR for solo practices that benefit physicians and nurses alike is difficult. We have compiled a list of user-friendly and intuitive software to help them reach their specific goals and a few generalized basics.
What is a Solo Practice?
Solo practices typically include a small working staff and a limited patient base. Operations in a small organization are easy to manage and allow you to design, evolve, and develop the practice in any way you like. With a smaller patient base, you can offer personalized treatments and build strong relationships with your patients and staff. In such a situation, reliable medical CMMS software is needed for efficient management or custom emr systems for small practices.
Solo practitioners often need information from multiple sources to provide patient care. HL7 is a standardized format for exchanging healthcare data. It simplifies this process by transmitting information in the form of structured messages without needing additional software. With HL7 integration, healthcare practitioners can safely access and share sensitive patient information.
What Is an EHR System?
EHR software development boomed right after the pandemic, especially with the increased adoption of digital record systems. The healthcare industry’s future seems directly linked to the role of EHRs, as they are an essential part of clinical operations.
An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is an all-inclusive system that physicians can use to record their patient’s medical information. EHR systems offer significant benefits; however, since customization is available to meet specific requirements of healthcare setups, such as EHRs for behavioral healthcare, selecting the right one is challenging. Before you select the best EHR for private practice, set the features and functions needed for clarity.
They can be broadly classified into two categories:
Physician-Hosted EHR
This type of system requires physicians to invest in comprehensive hardware and software to keep the EHR data on their server. Since this server is present on-site, the responsibility of data safety directly falls on them. Although this type of EHR platform gives physicians extended control over their patient data, it adds a maintenance burden to the list, which can be taxing.
Remotely Hosted EHR
Data storage and security are present on the third-party server, and the hosts are responsible for maintaining and securing the information.
Types of EHR Systems
The market has multiple prominent Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems with unique strengths. Some of the top EHR systems include:
- Epic Systems: Epic is well-known for its comprehensive suite of integrated EHR solutions, making it a preferred choice for large healthcare organizations. Its main emphasis is on patient care coordination, and it offers extensive features like automated appointment scheduling and billing to support clinical workflows across various specialties.
- Cerner: Cerner supports interoperability, enabling effective data sharing among providers. Its focus on population health management enhances care quality and efficiency. Cerner collects patient data, applies advanced analytics to identify high-risk populations, and helps devise care plans accordingly.
- Meditech: It specializes in integrated healthcare solutions for smaller hospitals and community health systems. Meditech offers user-friendly interfaces and customizable workflows to meet specific organizational needs.
- Praxis EMR: Praxis EMR is innovative and offers flexibility in noting patient data because of its template-free design. This adaptability helps clinicians document information according to their preferences and workflows.
- eClinicalWorks: eClinicalWorks is a cloud-based EHR that can serve multiple ranges of medical practices. It offers features like telehealth integration and patient engagement tools and supports seamless communication between patients and providers, improving care delivery.
Why is Epic the Most Popular EMR System?
Epic is a leading EHR system known for its comprehensive suite of features. It integrates various aspects of patient care, from registration to billing, streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiency. Epic’s scalability and interoperability make it suitable for all types of healthcare organizations. However, cost-benefit analysis must be done before implementing t in small-scale organizations since budget constraints exist.
Why EHR is Essential for Solo Practices?
Storing and managing patient records electronically in EHR systems is much better than hard paper copies. They are secure and easily accessible to authorized users. Some of the key benefits include:
- Efficiency: EHRs eliminate the need for manual data storage, reducing the risk of errors.
- Security: Patient data is stored and backed up online, reducing the risk of loss or destruction.
- Accessibility: EHRs are easily accessible by patients and healthcare providers from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Patient acquisition tracking: Identify effective marketing channels to attract new patients.
- Billing and accounting management: Streamline financial processes and improve revenue collection.
- Online appointment booking: Allow patients to schedule appointments conveniently online.
Clinical Documentation and EHR
Clinical documentation impacts care quality and patient outcomes. Nursing documentation, in particular, provides a detailed overview of patient assessments, care plans, and other relevant patient information. This detailed documentation supports multiple teams in delivering optimal customized care. By using accurate documentation formats, nurses ensure that critical information is shared timely and accurately, benefiting patients and the organization alike. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) provide real-time patient information for better decision-making and seamless care coordination. EHRs contain details about medical histories, assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and other information in a centralized repository, ensuring continuity of care.
How Does EHR Improve Documentation?
Paper record inefficiencies depict why EHR documentation is gaining immense popularity. Illegible handwriting and disparate paper records are some roadblocks that led to the need to go paperless with EHRs. Electronic Health Records are much more organized than paper charts. They allow faster retrieval with the help of HL7 and contain an updated list of each patient’s major illnesses, surgeries, allergies, immunizations, diagnoses, treatments, and medications. EHRs minimize the repetition of unnecessary tests, preventing healthcare staff from making treatment errors.
Since healthcare facilities no longer need extra space to store patient files, record rooms could be transformed into more productive spaces, such as exam rooms, increasing patient flow in hospitals. Data in EHRs are available to all types of authorized personnel, helping doctors review patients who are not on their panel. An EHR system contains templates that help remind clinicians to add more history or details of the physical exam, making sure no detail is missed. The system can also reduce redundant paperwork and have the capability of interfacing with a billing program that submits claims electronically.
EHRs for Solo and Individual Practices
Top EHR Systems for Solo Practitioners
When choosing the best EHR system, solo practitioners must consider options that offer scalability, customization, and ease of use.
The top 5 EHR systems, like Epic, Praxis EMR, Athenahealth, DrChrono, and CureMD, are renowned for their comprehensive features. They provide secure, HIPAA-compliant solutions that enhance practice efficiency and patient care, making them ideal choices for solo practices.
How To Choose The Best EHR for Solo Practice?
The benefits of a well-performing EHR system may be clear; however, executing and adjusting it can be challenging for everybody working in your practice. All team members must understand the implementation goals and long-term strategy before making a decision. Keep the following factors in mind while evaluating the best EHR for your private practice.
Ease of use
Simplicity is important since multiple people will use it. An unautomated system can curtail your workforce and hinder your staff’s routine tasks. Avoid options that would drive your patients away or increase your workload when selecting an EHR system. Many vendors offer free trials, so use this opportunity to assess whether the system will be valuable to your practice.
Cost
The costs of EHR software vary depending on the vendor, features, and the number of providers in your practice. Research the activation cost, initial licensing, and charges for each additional element you choose.
The price for smaller practices is generally a monthly fee multiplied by the number of providers operating the system. It can vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, which can be determined by consulting with the vendor.
Implementation and Training
The implementation process can take a variable amount of time, from a few weeks to a couple of months because of factors like EHR complexity, data migration, staff training, customization, etc. In addition, some vendors may offer training to make sure everyone in your firm is up to date with the new software and provide support services for a limited time without an additional cost.
Customer Service
Vendor support is crucial when adopting a new EHR system since it is quite challenging. Poor support leads to issues later on. Therefore, partner with vendors who offer excellent customer service and are available whenever and wherever you need it.
Consideration of Data Security and Privacy
Whether implementing EHR on a larger scale or opting for an EHR for private practice, data safety is the must-have feature. Do not overlook this criterion when seeking the best EHR for solo practice. Greater levels of security complying with HIPAA and GDPR are also reflected in the pricing.
3 Benefits of Using an EHR for Your Solo Practice
Best EHR for Solo Practices in Mental Health Space
When choosing the right EHR software for mental health practices, professionals must consider factors such as the size and specialty of practice relevant to health legislation. Below are two of the best-suited EHR systems for mental health practices.
NextGen Healthcare
NextGen Healthcare is an EHR and practice administration solution that supports features like automated appointment scheduling and E-prescribing to make processes more efficient. It offers both cloud and on-premise deployment. Its smart documentation solution, NextPen, allows clinicians to capture patient information immediately into their EHR. This digital pen digitizes handwritten data with a small camera at its tip. Moreover, it can also collect data from various sources, such as graphs, drawings, notes, treatment plans, and patient questionnaires.
Kareo
Kareo is cloud-based medical equipment with EHR integration and practice management capabilities. Its features align with the requirements of mental health solo practices and are an example of integrated healthcare. Some features include initial examinations, e-prescribing, treatment plans, appointment scheduling, and request management. Kareo’s Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (ECPS) capacity automatically inspects and alerts prescribers about any harm caused by prescribed medications. Users find Kareo easy to operate, and its customer support team is quickly responsive.
Best EMR for Psychiatrists in Solo Practices
PrognoCIS: Psychiatry EMR Software
PrognoCIS is an easy-to-use, award-winning, and MACRA-certified software. It is a top choice for EMR for psychiatry practices, a fully customizable and tailored system that several psychiatrists and practices use. Its features enhance communication, streamline documentation, and optimize billing processes. PrognoCIS is a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based software that integrates telemedicine capabilities, making it ideal for solo practitioners looking to span patient care and practice efficiency.
Best EMR for Physicians in Solo Practices
Practice Fusion: Physician Practice EMR
Practice Fusion is one of the best EHR for small practices and is ranked first for small and individual practices. On average, this small practice EMR costs $31,710 per year. Its fast e-prescribing system helps patients get prescriptions and instantly send orders electronically to any e-prescribing facilitated pharmacy in the country. With its practice management tools, you can save time on executive tasks, concentrate on engaging patients, and grow your practice using its online patient portal. Its automatic appointment reminders and smart billing choices reduce no-shows and help generate ROI.
EMR for Small Therapy Practice
CentralReach
CentralReach is a major EHR and EMR solution for therapists and educators. It is focused on applied behavioral analysis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and PK-12 special education. It is one the best emr for solo practice and can organize and optimize all your processes, including intake, billing, cash flow, scheduling, and access to documentation. CentralReach enables patients to look for a physician and find their match using many standards, including zip code, language, distance from the patient, credentials, and availability. Moreover, broad functionality offers a protected online way to connect to clients. With it, you can simplify back-office practice, minimize inefficiencies, and boost client experience.
Free EMR for Small Practices
Hippocrate
Hippocrate provides advanced technology custom-made to cater to the needs of healthcare professionals, with over 133 countries adopting its solutions for improving medical care. The Hippocrate Free EMR Software offers features for solo practices like online scheduling, high security with encryption, medical marketing tools, and an e-prescription patient portal. This scalable platform ensures data confidentiality and is designed in collaboration with medical experts to deliver high-end healthcare services. Additionally, its analytics tools help identify user patterns to improve patient treatments, making it an ideal choice for small practices seeking to enhance patient care within budget constraints.
Optimize Workflow With Seamless Integration of EHR System With Folio3 Digital Health
We hope this piece clarifies the best EHR system for small-scale/solo practices. If you are looking for a similar solution, Folio3 Digital Health is here to help. Our team of expert healthcare developers can integrate software with custom solutions to meet your needs. Folio3 Digital Health experts ensure that perfect, HIPAA-compliant solutions are delivered with the latest HL7 and FHIR interoperability standards.
Conclusion
Electronic medical records (EMRs) are software clinical professionals use to record patient medical care within private or public practices. They are digital copies of information collected in hospitals or clinics for diagnosis and treatment. A useful EMR software offers unique and innovative characteristics to help you automate your processes and improve the patient experience. It simplifies your practice workflow administrative tasks, helps generate revenue, and enhances patient care. The choice of selecting the best EHR for solo practice depends on your needs. Therefore, make sure you have key features and considerations in mind before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Three EHR Software Systems Commonly Used by Physician Offices?
Epic, Meditech, and Cerner are physicians’ most commonly used EHR systems. Epic has been dominating the EHR market for hospitals and other health systems. Around 39.1% of hospital users use Epic, and 23.4% of the remaining share is of Cerner. On the other hand, Meditech holds around 16% of the overall market share.
Which EHR Software is Best?
According to KLAS research, Epic is the best EHR software; it is currently installed at about 2,353 locations. Most organizations prefer Epic because it delivers a highly up-to-scratch experience for medium-size to large ambulatory enterprises in terms of direct contracting.
Is Epic Good For Small Practices?
Although many surveys have revealed Epic to be the best EMR system due to its support feature, its high pricing can make it impractical for small practices. This is because it requires them to buy all their hardware, which is costly.
Is Epic EMR for Solo Practice Worth Buying?
Epic’s self-hosted services start at $1,200, while its price for large hospitals and healthcare organizations is hefty. Epic is not a small practice EMR software system because it is expensive; however, it is worth buying for its features and quality.
What Is The Cost of EMR For Private Practice?
The cost of EMR for private practice typically ranges from $200 to $500 per provider per month. Setup and training can initially add $1,000 to $5,000.
What Are The Maintenance Costs For EHR Systems?
EHR maintenance costs typically range from 15-20% of the initial implementation cost annually. These prices cover software updates, technical support, system upgrades, and data security measures. Smaller practices might spend around $1,200 per user per year, while larger practices can benefit from economies of scale, reducing costs to approximately $685 per user.
How Can EHR Systems Improve Patient Engagement in a Solo Practice?
EHR for small practices can significantly improve the patient experience by:
- Enhancing communication
- Personalizing care
- Increasing patient access
- Building trust
Leveraging these capabilities in an EHR for a small practice can enhance patient outcomes. Solo practitioners can create a more patient-centric practice and improve overall satisfaction.
What Are The EHR Challenges For Nurses?
Nurses revealed that EHRs can be time-consuming and they interrupt patient interactions. Complex interfaces, limited mobile access, and auto-correct errors lead to frustration and medication mistakes. On the other hand, incomplete data and lack of condition-specific templates increase documentation burdens and legal risks. To overcome these challenges, nurses need user-friendly interfaces, strong mobile access, interoperable systems, and adequate training to optimize their workflow.
How Has the EHR Affected Research and Quality Improvement Within Nursing?
Patients receive better medical care when healthcare providers have access to complete and accurate information. EHRs have significantly impacted nursing research by providing structured patient data. They enable large-scale studies, trend identification, and intervention evaluation, leading to advancements in evidence-based practice and improved patient outcomes.
What is the Correlation Between The Nursing Process and the Electronic Health Information System?
Electronic documentation contains flow sheets that help assemble information about the patient’s needs, improve the patient’s information accuracy, and enhance the quality of patient care. They also aid NPs in assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
About the Author
Khowaja Saad
Saad specializes in leveraging healthcare technology to enhance patient outcomes and streamline operations. With a background in healthcare software development, Saad has extensive experience implementing population health management platforms, data integration, and big data analytics for healthcare organizations. At Folio3 Digital Health, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative digital health solutions compliant with HL7 and HIPAA standards, helping healthcare providers optimize patient care and reduce costs.
