There are several factors to consider when opting to purchase and implement a new electronic health record (EHR) solution for an independent practice. As with any new technology, a new EHR can be a big transition for independent physicians and clinical personnel. However, with the correct information, selecting a new EHR for independent practices may be a simple and useful procedure.
The first thing to ask is where in the practice a new EHR or EMR, or electronic medical record, is required. Many healthcare professionals swap the terms, but they are actually slightly different. The Office of Health Information Technology (IT) defines the following terms:
EMRs (electronic medical records) are computerised versions of paper charts used in clinician offices, clinics, and hospitals. EMRs contain notes and information collected by and for clinicians in that office, clinic, or hospital, and are primarily utilised for diagnosis and treatment by doctors.
EHRs are designed to go beyond the conventional clinical data collected in a provider's office and include a more comprehensive perspective of a patient's care. EHRs contain information from all clinicians participating in a patient's care, and all authorised clinicians involved in that patient's care have access to that information in order to offer treatment to that patient.
The question of whether a new EHR for independent practices will be cloud-based or server-based is essential. The distinction between the two is straightforward: data in cloud-based EHR systems is saved on external servers and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, whereas data in server-based EHR systems is stored within the practice on a personal server. With cloud-based EHRs, much of the deployment and maintenance burden is outsourced to the Software as a Service (SAAS) provider, allowing doctors and practices to focus their resources on patient care rather than server installation and maintenance.
Finally, a new EHR for independent practices must be supported by the manufacturer and have minimum training requirements. Training using Elation's EHR system takes less than an hour. Elation is straightforward and intuitive, and mastery is achieved rapidly. Furthermore, Elation's support for independent practices is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so practitioners may focus on their patients without interruption.