What is EMR system? Describing Examples, costs, and benefits of an EMR

Posted in Electronic Health Records

What is EMR System in Healthcare?

Electronic medical records, more commonly known as EMRs, are software applications designed for better healthcare management of patients. Understanding EMR systems and how they function is essential for healthcare organizations to successfully implement them.

An EMR is essentially like a digital version of a patient’s medical history, containing all records of a patient’s prior medical care. EMR systems in healthcare improve patient interactions by providing healthcare providers with detailed access to a patient’s overall health records. This easy access results in in-depth discussions between patients and providers with thorough discussion of prior medical records during consultations.

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) offer multiple functions that enable clinics and practices to operate more efficiently. From improving financial management to clinical outcomes, EMR software is making a significant impact on the healthcare industry. These systems streamline administrative processes and ensure better interactions between healthcare providers.

The Importance of the EMR System in Healthcare?

EMR systems in healthcare will help you race against time in the fast-paced world of medical care.

You need everything readily available to you. Whether you are a physician or a patient, you don’t want to spend any extra time sorting through medical charts. And that’s where EMRs like Prompt EMR come in. They provide all your health data in digital copy.

In contrast to hard copy medical records, an EMR provides data in a more physician-friendly manner. For example, the information is presented in the form of graphs and pie charts for different diseases. For many clinics, EMRs save a lot of space by removing the need for paper-based medical records, optimizing workflow, reducing operational costs, and also making it easier to reach out to other medical facilities and labs.

Patients also reap benefits from EMRs, as they are more accurate and easily trackable. Furthermore, they do not have to worry about the security and privacy of their health records as they are well taken care of. The use of EMR has also been proven beneficial in the mental wellness field. When exploring what is EMR systems meaning, Psychiatrists can also look into the best EMR to facilitate better patient care. Let’s take a look at the details regarding the types of electronic medical records software.

Understanding The “Epic” EMR System?

Epic is a software company based in the USA that deals with information technology and health informatics.

Through the years, Epic has earned its place as one of the top healthcare IT companies by providing the best healthcare integration solutions. Its user-friendly interface design for healthcare applications makes EMR software easy to use. Epic offers a wide range of functions and products to the healthcare industry, particularly Epic Care being one of their best products. Hospital EMR systems, including EMR for dermatology, are useful for physicians because they help organize all the data in one place.

The meaning behind Epic EMR software development is to address the prerequisites of 25 specialties comprising dermatology, dental, radiology, nephrology, cardiology, behavioral health, and occupational health. The core of the Epic EMR system, Epic Care, aids large medical facilities, hospitals, and individual practices in achieving better medical care.

Epic’s EMR system facilitates better patient interactions by providing personalized medical charts for a meaningful discussion between physicians and patients. This software is accessible through mobile applications, ensuring the availability of critical health information to both healthcare providers and patients. Improved accessibility of EMRs aids in on-time decision-making, improving the overall treatment outcome.

Physicians interested in making their Epic accounts have to submit a request containing all their basic information, including:

1. Biography
2. Medical Education
3. Licenses
4. Pictures

Once done, all the credentials are verified by the institution themselves, and then the physician’s portfolio is made at Epic.

The Most Popular EMR Systems?

Various types of EMR software are available depending on the users’ needs. Here is a list of the best healthcare compliance management software topping the charts:

CureMD EHR

CureMD is a cloud-based EMR, available in the form of an iOS application, providing mobility, interoperability, document imaging, and electronic prescriptions to its users.

athenaOne

Athenahealth offers an athenaOne EMR application available for both Android and iOS. Its best features include medication list management, clinical summaries, documentation support, and paper processing.

Epic Care

Epic electronic medical records ensure that the best epic integration services are delivered to the users through its iOS and Android applications. Interoperability, artificial intelligence, record sharing, and telehealth are some of their prominent features.

AdvancedMD

Specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses, AdvancedMD equips users with a cloud-based EMR system. It offers remote care, is more patient-centered, and is also compliant with HIPAA, MIPS, and MACRA regulatory measures without requiring manual review for each.

Cerner powerchart

Cerner Ambulatory is an integrated EMR suitable for health organizations of all sizes. Some of its features entail; patient portals, ambulatory organizers, and documentation. Women’s Health, pediatrics, mental health, oncology, and 40 more specialties are assisted by Cerner Ambulatory.

And there you have it! The EMR applications list is compiled above, so you can choose which one suits your preference.

What Is An Electronic Medical Record System?

The electronic medical record is exactly what its name implies: a digital version of the hardcopy medical charts. However, what makes it more efficient and effective for both patients and physicians is its potential to make healthcare a robust experience for both.

This EMR software provides some of the best medical imaging software development services. The electronic medical record of the patient consists of online data, such as prior medical history, diagnosis, allergies, immunization dates, medications, and lab results. Electronic Medical Record Systems are tools that not only store patient data but also allow patients to make better decisions regarding their health, track their appointment dates, and manage their billing competently. Additionally, the digital presence of records reduces the chances of error to none.

EMR systems provide clinical offices with a wide range of functions. The staff can use them to process payments and insurance cases, schedule meetings with patients, share information with other staff members and update the data continuously.

In today’s ever-evolving age of technology, many companies are providing HIPAA compliance packages and building HIPAA-compliant software and EMR applications available for both iOS and Android users. Apart from recording all medical data, EMRs can also evaluate and manipulate the data to the best of the user’s benefit, by providing relevant articles, videos, and web pages to them. The EMR system is a helpful experience for those who learn how to properly use it.

Whenever a new medication is prescribed to patients, EMR systems evaluate it and inform the patient about any probable harmful impacts. These electronic medical records systems integrate with other healthcare institutions and laboratories to procure the best healthcare services for their users.

What Are Examples of EMRs?

Different problems need different solutions! And the same is true for your health care, too. Are you a healthcare provider or a patient who needs to better manage their health problems?

If yes, this list of examples of EMT systems can be beneficial information for you. EMR software meets a number of their users’ needs, all in one place. In today’s day and age, many healthcare compliance consulting firms are building open-source HL7 interface engines and integrating them with electronic medical records.

Thankfully, EMR systems examples can make it easier to choose which software to use that will be most beneficial. There are five types of EMR software available, providing several services to physicians and patients. Listed below are some examples:

Cloud-based EMR Software

Cloud-based EMR software is a renowned example that makes data available online, making it accessible for remote usage.

MAC EMR Software

As the name suggests, this EMR software is specifically designed for Apple device users. Some exclusive Mac features are made available for the users, so they can access their medical data easily on any of their Apple devices with the internet.

ONC-certified EMR software

EMR software that is verified and tested by ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology) is called ONC-certified EMR software. This testing guarantees that software fulfills the standards of meaningful use of health information set by ONC.

Behavioral/Mental Health EMR Software

This EMR software particularly covers the needs of mental health clinics, therapists, and any other mental health-related groups. The note management feature of this EMR makes it easier for therapists to access their notes more adeptly.

Medical billing software

This software integrates with EMR to provide better billing management to providers. It covers different billing functions, such as confirmation of insurance claims and payments. Moreover, it reduces clinics’ administrative load by handling payments through an automated system.

What Are Common EMR Systems?

There are many different EMR software available in the market, but the most commonly used are:

• Epic
• Praxis EMR
• Cerner
• GE Healthcare
• Nextech
• eClinicalWorks
• Athenhealth
• Allscripts
• Nextgen
• Meditech

The Difference Between EMR and EHR Systems?

EHR (Electronic Health Records) and EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) are often used synonymously, but they are not the same.

An EMR system in healthcare setup EMR (Electronic Medical Record) is digital data of the patient used within a single practice, while EHR (Electronic Health Record) is a comprehensive record from multiple providers shared for better care coordination.

Some of the key differences between electronic health records and electronic medical records are as follows:

EMR	EHR
A digitized copy of the medical chart	A digital record of the overall health of a patient
Not modeled to be shared outside the single practice	This could be shared with several healthcare organizations
The patient is not allowed to take their EMR outside of their practice	The patient can take their electronic health records with them to share with other specialists
Mainly focuses on diagnosis and treatment by the single provider	It could be accessed by a different specialist, outside of a single provider, ensuring the best treatment and care

What is the cost of EMR systems?

When it comes to answering the question, how much does EMR software cost?

There is no simple answer.

Many factors must be considered before opting for an EMR system. The cost of developing a health app or medical software is very high. Many software companies tend not to reveal the cost of their EMR systems; instead, they encourage you to contact their sales team directly.

So, thoroughly research on your own before deciding on the vendor you choose. There are two major EMR cost systems based on their availability:

Permanent license

As the name implies, this pricing model allows you to own the EMR software for a lifetime once you have made the full payment.

This method is usually used for the software’s on-site implementation. It is run and maintained on your own practice’s servers.

The Upfront cost that you pay for the license ownership ranges from $1,200 to $500,000 and more.

Apart from this one-time payment, there are monthly maintenance costs and some hidden integration and customization costs.

You may also have to invest in hiring an IT staff to best maintain your software on-site.

Monthly subscriptions

It doesn’t give you ownership of the software. This module allows you to pay monthly and use the EMR system for a fixed time.

This method for a cloud-based EMR system is mostly used for remote practices so they can easily access the data online.

Apart from the upfront installation fee, the monthly subscription costs range from $200 to $35,000 or more, depending upon the system and features you choose to use. Customization, integration, and storage space can result in other hidden costs.

EHR Cost-Benefit Analysis

As society adopts more technology with each rising sun, the probability of your medical practice moving to an EHR system is sky-high. Many telemedicine software products for healthcare providers are available, but the cost of telemedicine software integrated with EHR systems is not cheap.

So, the question is whether or not acquiring the EHR system is valuable for your practice. A cost-benefit analysis of EHRs can help solve this problem. You can hire an EHR integration specialist to help ease the decision-making or follow these few simple steps to make the best decision.

EHR system cost

Carefully analyze the cost of the EHR system, including the implementation cost, maintenance, and updating costs.

Prompted and opportunity cost

Prompted or induced cost refers to any cost that you make to prepare your practice for EHR, including training or any productivity losses. Be flexible while counting this, as it varies with time. Any opportunity your practice loses costs you. Sometimes, it’s a very fuzzy estimation, so be vigilant.

Cost reduction and additional revenues

Any benefits your practice receives from the implementation of EHR are included in cost reduction. It’s hard to evaluate this amount as it’s mostly hypothetical but should be included in the cost-benefit analysis nonetheless. Similar to cost reduction, additional revenue evaluation is also based on speculations but it’s also a must for the analysis.

After carefully calculating the individual costs for each step, you simply sum costs and benefits and see if the benefits surpass the costs.

If that is the case, then your EHR implementation project is good to go. In case costs weigh more than benefits, consider making changes to reduce the cost and increase benefits. Still, if the results do not change, then abandoning the project would be a safe option.

How to Use EMR Systems?

Electronic medical record systems are software that relies heavily on your computer knowledge. So, to make the best use of the software, you must make yourself competent enough to operate them. If you are using the EMR in your clinic, your staff should also be skilled enough.

There are several online training sites that provide enough material to teach you the proper use of EMR. Moreover, training videos and lectures on platforms such as YouTube, Coursera, and other platforms are also great resources to help you and your staff master EMRs.

Approximate Cost of Implementing an EMR System?

One can not deny the usefulness of the EMR system in healthcare, with its intelligent and computational analytic abilities, EMR is proving to be a staple in the healthcare industry.

However, with so many benefits, these systems also present some shortcomings, the biggest ones being the cost of implantation and maintenance challenges. EMR applications may be considered somewhat expensive, but the value for money is great.

Electronic medical records cost usually range from $300 to $700 per month and upfront cost ranges from $2000 to $3000. While individual physicians have to pay approximately $163,765 for the implementation of EMR systems. These costs vary with different vendors and with different provider needs.

So before selecting the EMR system for your practice, do go through the following points:

• Does this EMR system meet the needs of my clinical requirements and my budget?
• Shortlisting the vendors; prioritizing the ones which you consider are best for your clinical goals.
• Choosing HIPAA-compliant software.
• Trying to arrange a demonstration of the selected or shortlisted software to help make the right decision.

Difference Between EMR and Practice Management Systems?

In any medical practice, there are two key components, clinical and administrative. EMRs deal with the clinical side of things like recording and providing all information about a patient’s health. While practice management software deals with the administrative side of clinics, enabling the staff personnel to work more efficiently.

EMRs are all about the patient’s health; some of their prominent features are:

• Digitalizing medical records.
• Patients are able to track their records through patient portals.
• More security and privacy
• Increased storage space capacity.
• Assistance in managing bills and appointments.

On the other hand, a practice management system equips your practice with the best features of marketing, managing leads, enhanced interactions, revenue tracking, and many other constructive components.

Its best features include:

• Social media marketing tools help immensely increase the number of patients.
• Managing your leads and converting them into clients with its efficient management tools.
• Maximizing internal and external communication with your staff and patients.
• Allowing patients to submit online reviews and surveys.

In short, both EMR and PMS are integral for your practice to run efficiently. While EMR digitalizes all your patient’s records, PMS caters to your administrative functions. So, to make your practice one of the best, choose your software very meticulously.

Acceptable Documentation in EMR for Review of Systems?

Review of systems (ROS) is a technique designed in healthcare systems and used by providers to prompt medical history from patients. It mostly covers organ systems, with special emphasis on subjective symptoms.

Acceptable medical record documentation must have the following features:

• The physician must document the most recent date of visit by the patient and update the ROS accordingly.
• The physician must also document the date and location of the prior ROS.
• Other staff members can also document the ROS as long as there is evidence that the provider examined their documentation.
• If the ROS stays the same in the most recent encounter with your patient, reference the date of the last ROS in the documentation.
• In case of a problem pertinent to ROS, the documentation must include positive reviews and pertinent negatives for system-related problems.
• For extended ROS, the documentation should include positive responses and pertinent negatives for 2 to 9 systems.
• The documentation must contain positive responses, individual pertinent negatives, and reviews of 10 systems for complete ROS.

Streamline Patients Records With HL7 Integrated EMR System By Folio3 Digital Health

Folio3 Digital Health offers tailored HL7 integration services to ensure secure and efficient transfer of patient information between EMR systems. Our team of skilled developers adhere to healthcare regulations like HIPAA to save your sensitive data from a potential leak. We contribute to improved patient outcomes through efficient healthcare coordination.

Conclusion

Understanding what are EMR systems in healthcare is necessary for healthcare providers who want to improve efficiency and patient care. Electronic Medical Record systems empower both healthcare providers and patients to best tackle their health issues. In this technology-dominant world, you simply can’t rely on old methods, specifically when you can have the best solutions to your issues. So, the sooner you learn the EMR software meaning and its intent, the better it will be for your health and business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest EMR system?

PrognoCIS is the most economical EMR system, with a starting price of $250 per month. It is a cloud-based software with EHR integration.

Is EMR software?

Yes, EMR is a healthcare-related software that facilitates both healthcare providers and patients.

University Hospital, adventhealth, Emory, kaiser, and VA

Hospitals associated with universities are called university hospitals. Adventhealth and Emory are US-based universities that deal with medical studies. Kaiser is a US-based integrated managed care consortium, while VA is the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, deals with the provision of lifetime healthcare benefits to veterans.

What’s the Clinical Cost of a New EMR System?

There is no definite answer to this question, as there are many variables involved. However, found through various studies, a physician would have to invest approximately $163,765 to implement an EMR system.

What is similar to EMR systems?

Understanding EMR system meaning is crucial to learn its closely associated terms. Electronic health records (EHR) are similar to EMR software, but they are not identical. EHR contains many functions of EMR in addition to its own.

What Do Typical EMR Systems Include, and How Do They Save Time and Money?

The EMR systems in healthcare include all the databases necessary for physicians and doctors to gather information from. They save a lot of time and money because all the data is in one place, and patients can access it easily.

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