An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is a great tool for any practicing health and caring professional. Designed to assist the growth and management of a practice it provides features to enhance organization, which can lead to improved client care.
However, it is important to know that not all EMRs are built the same. Understanding the offered features and comparing them to what you need and what you want are critical. An EMR can offer a variety of features. Here we will discuss features we find to be important and you should be mindful of as you consider which EMR is right for you.
1. Security– One of our top considered features and one that probably goes considered last. Security and HIPPA compliance are crucial. Remember, though all the features may appear attractive, it’s all irrelevant if the overall software platform is unsecured. At the end of the day client privacy and security is a top priority.
2. Documentation Generation– A second top priority for consideration. With the need to document in these intensive fields anything that can alleviate some of this pain is paramount. Besides, the whole point of an EMR is to record right? So, consider an EMR that uses forms appropriate for your professional field such as progress notes in DAP or SOAP form, treatment plans, and more. Also consider the generation of important documents such as consent forms. The more pre-filled documents the better!
3. Billing– We consider this to also be high on the list. Part of the ability to be able to keep providing such an important service is the ability to be finically capable. An EMR that provides a billing component (and if they offer electronic billing even better). Also, consider how the EMR tracks billed invoices and accounts receivables.
4. Payroll– Is it just you or are there others too? Consider whether the EMR offers a payroll feature to assist with the ease of staff invoicing and payroll.
5. Registration– There are always new clients. Sometimes there are returning clients too. Consider the ease of bringing on a new client and/or re-opening historical client records.
6. Management– Managing caseloads can be difficult. What type of features are available to manage caseloads, from authorization management to services? Consider whether any alert or notification features are available.
7. Reports– Analysis can be crucial and very helpful. The ability to monitor quality control, review trends, and find areas of improvements can be highly beneficial.
8. Video Calling– With the pandemic having shifted care dramatically to telehealth, video call features may be of consideration. The ability to have flexibility in how you provide service to maintain continuity of care during these unpredictable times may be important.
9. Storage and Retrieval– The ability to store and have access to certain documents may also be of importance, consider what can be stored within the client record, and also how easy it is to retrieve information when needed.
10. Mobile Device Use– Sometimes we are on the move. If this is the case, will your EMR move with you? Consider an EMR that is user friendly and accessible across multiple browsers and mobile devices including phones, tablets/iPads, laptops and computers.
Though there are only a few highlighted here, there are lots of features to consider. Keep in mind, as you check out different EMR’s, how much of it can you actually use? EMR’s can be pricey, so make sure you are getting the most out of what you are paying for.
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