About DBR Associates: We provide professional-level technology solutions to companies ranging from small healthcare practices to Fortune 500 companies. With 11+ years of experience, our goal is to help our customers realize significant improvements in productivity by providing recommendations and guidance based on our deep-rooted industry knowledge.
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Introduction to EHR Systems
In today's healthcare private practices, it's essential to have an efficient electronic health record (EHR) system to manage patient data. EHR systems have revolutionized how doctors and healthcare professionals manage patient information, making it more efficient and accessible.
An electronic health records (EHR) system is a digital version of a patient's medical record. It includes information such as medical history, diagnoses, medications, allergies, test results, and other critical data. EHR systems allow healthcare providers to access this information quickly and securely, improving patient care and safety.
This article will provide an overview of EHR systems, their benefits, and the top EHR software options on the market, along with tips on choosing the best system for your practice.
Understanding EMR vs. EHR
Electronic medical records (EMR) are digital copies of patient charts and information that are critical to medical practices.
Electronic health records (EHR) systems are designed to share patient data across various healthcare providers and facilities.
EHR systems are more comprehensive and allow for better coordination of care.
Benefits of Using EHR Software
There are several benefits of using EHR software, including:
- Improved patient care
- Streamlined workflows
- increased practice efficiency
- Increased staff/provider productivity.
Healthcare providers can access patient data from anywhere, anytime, and on any device, improving patient care and safety.
There is also a reduced risk of medical errors as they provide real-time information on patient medications, allergies, and diagnoses.
Top EHR Systems in the Market for Private Practices
There are several EHR software options available for private practices, each with its unique features, functions, and pricing. Some of the top EHR systems in the market include Cerner, Kareo, NextGen, Allscripts, DrChrono, and TherapyNotes.
Cerner EHR
Cerner EHR is a cloud-based EHR system designed for large healthcare organizations. It offers a range of features, including patient engagement tools, clinical decision support, and revenue cycle management. Cerner EHR is highly customizable, allowing healthcare providers to tailor it to their specific needs and the needs of their practice.
Kareo EHR
Kareo EHR is a cloud-based EHR system designed for small to medium-sized practices. It offers a user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and a range of features, including scheduling, billing, and patient engagement tools. Kareo EHR is also highly affordable, making it an excellent option for smaller practices.
NextGen EHR
NextGen offers a cloud-based EHR system designed for small to large healthcare organizations. It offers a range of features, including customizable templates, clinical decision support, and patient engagement tools. NextGen EHR is highly scalable, allowing healthcare providers to expand as their practice grows.
Veradigm (formerly known as Allscripts) EHR
Veradigm (formerly Allscripts) EHR is a cloud-based EHR system designed for small to medium-sized practices. It offers a range of features, including customizable templates, patient engagement tools, and clinical decision support. Allscripts EHR is highly affordable, making it an excellent option for smaller practices.
DrChrono EHR
DrChrono EHR is a cloud-based EHR system designed for small to medium-sized practices. It offers a range of features, including customizable templates, patient engagement tools, and revenue cycle management. DrChrono EHR is highly user-friendly, making it an excellent option for practices new to EHR software.
TherapyNotes EHR
TherapyNotes EHR is a cloud-based EHR system designed for mental health practices. It offers a range of features, including customizable templates, patient engagement tools, and TherapyNotes EHR is highly user-friendly, making it an excellent option for mental health practices new to EHR software.
Athenahealth EHR
Athenahealth EHR is a cloud-based electronic health records system designed to meet the needs of medical practices of all sizes. The system offers a suite of tools to optimize clinical workflows, improve patient engagement, and simplify administrative tasks.
eClinicalWorks EHR
eClinicalWorks is a cloud-based EHR system designed for large healthcare organizations. It offers a range of features, including customizable templates, patient engagement tools, clinical decision support, and revenue cycle management. eClinicalWorks EHR is highly scalable, allowing healthcare providers to expand as their practice grows, and provides an array of integrations with other healthcare systems.
EHR Software Pricing Comparison
Here is a high-level comparison of pricing options available for each EHR system listed above. Pricing varies based on the number of users and desired features.
We recommend using this information as a baseline and checking with each EHR provider for the most up-to-date pricing when evaluating your options.
All pricing is based on a monthly subscription.
| Provider | Pricing | Unit |
| Cerner | $25+ | Per User |
| Kareo | $175+ | Per Provider |
| NextGen | $299+ | Per Provider |
| Veradigm | N/A* | Per Feature |
| DrChrono | $199+ | Per Provider |
| TherapyNotes | $49+ | Per User |
| Athenahealth | $140+ | Per Provider |
| eClinicalWorks | $449+ | Per Provider |
*Veradigm/AllScripts requires potential customers to inquire about pricing to receive a quote based on their specific needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an EHR System
When choosing an EHR system, there are several factors to consider, including the size of your practice, the type of practice, the features you need, your budget, and your team's technical abilities. It's essential to choose an EHR system that meets your specific needs and can be easily integrated into your practice.
Best Hardware for Running EHR Software
To ensure that your EHR system runs smoothly, it's important to have reliable hardware that exceeds the required technical specs for the software.
The best hardware for running EHR software includes a high-performance computer with an Intel or AMD processor and at least 8GB of RAM.
We also recommend having a reliable fast-speed internet connection, secure server, and backup power supply to manage patient data safely and efficiently.
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Implementing an EHR System in Your Practice
Implementing an EHR system in your practice can be a time-consuming and complex process. It's important to have a plan in place that outlines the steps you need to take, including:
1. Training staff and change management
To maximize the benefits of EHR software, it's essential to provide training and support to your team. EHR training should include how to use the system, how to input patient data, and how to access and share patient information. It's also essential to have ongoing support to ensure that your team can use the system efficiently.
2. Setting up hardware and software
It's essential to have the right hardware to run the EHR software that you choose or else you'll run into issues that will slow down productivity. Once you have the right hardware in place, most EHR providers have onboarding programs to help ensure that your software is set up to run correctly.
3. Integrating the system into your existing workflow.
Most EHR systems are capable of integrating with other healthcare technologies, such as telemedicine platforms and patient portals, and improving patient care and engagement.
It's essential to choose an EHR system that can integrate with other technologies that you use to manage your practice.
It's also important to have a plan for data migration and to ensure that your EHR system is compliant with industry standards.
Final Thoughts on Maximizing Efficiency with EHR Systems
EHR systems have revolutionized the way healthcare providers manage patient data, improving patient care and safety. There are several options available in the market, each with its unique features and pricing.
When choosing an EHR system, it's essential to consider each practice's specific needs and budget. It's also essential to have a plan for implementation, training, and ongoing support.
Frequently Asked Questions about EHR Software
What is EHR Software?
EHR software is a digital version of a patient's medical record. It includes information such as medical history, diagnoses, medications, allergies, test results, and other critical data. EHR systems allow healthcare providers to access this information quickly and securely, improving patient care and safety.
What is the difference between EMR and EHR?
EMR systems only contain medical records from one provider or facility, while EHR systems are designed to share patient data across various healthcare providers and facilities. EHR systems are more comprehensive and allow for better coordination of care.
What are the benefits of using EHR software?
The benefits of using EHR software include improved patient care, streamlined workflows, increased efficiency, and cost savings. EHR software allows healthcare providers to access patient data from anywhere, anytime, and on any device, improving patient care and safety. EHR systems also reduce the risk of medical errors, as they provide real-time information on patient medications, allergies, and diagnoses.
What are the top EHR systems for private practices in the market?
The top EHR systems in the market include Cerner EHR, Kareo EHR, NextGen EHR, Veradigm (formerly Allscripts) EHR, DrChrono EHR, and TherapyNotes EHR.
What factors should I consider when choosing an EHR?
When choosing an EHR system, it's essential to consider the size of your practice, the type of practice, the features you need, your budget, and your team's technical abilities. It's also essential to choose an EHR system that meets industry standards and can be easily integrated into your practice.
The DBR Difference
If your practice is looking to implement a new EHR, contact the experts at DBR today. Our team has successfully managed and executed the full implementation and integration of over 75 EHR and Practice Management systems for client practices.
We understand every practice is different. This is why we take a hands-on approach with each private practice to not only implement technology solutions, but to improve the overall patient experience, optimize staff workflows, and drive additional revenue and growth through gained productivity and efficiencies. We have experience and the private practice expertise, let us show you how.
