The Benefits of EHR Software Explained

Electronic health record (EHR) software is designed to provide patients' medical records in digital formats. The main purpose is to make it easier to manage patient records over the computer. It's also easier to share these records between different medical facilities. Since the 1960s, medical providers have used computerized patients' records, but it was only until the 2000s when EHR software was being implemented and used on a wide scale. Certain healthcare laws like the HITECH Act made this implementation more appealing by offering incentive payments. Today, many healthcare professionals use electronic records daily and cannot perform their duties without them. In the future, thousands more medical facilities will adopt EHR systems into their computer systems and train their employees to benefit from its use.

What is EHR Software?

By the 1970s, electronic patient records were being used in hospitals. In 2009, the HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) act was created to encourage the implementation of EHR systems all over the U.S. Since the law has passed, many healthcare facilities across the world have implemented EHR software programs into their computers.

The “Meaningful Use” clause was designed to promote the meaningful use of EHRs and improve the quality of healthcare as a whole. Professionals who used the system noticed fewer errors and more coherence on medical documents. Another portion of HITECH is to reward the healthcare providers who use EHRs and penalize those who do not use the tools. Providers who adopt and use EHR systems to their benefits receive thousands of dollars in incentive payments.

Benefits of EHR Software

It's common for patients to visit more than one doctor or medical facility. Some patients visit two or more doctors in the same week. It's important for doctors to be able to share their records with other medical providers in a way that's fast, easy and secure. Sharing records through an online EHR system is the best solution.

In the past, paper records had to be faxed or delivered on foot. When people faxed documents, they could not guarantee confidentiality. When the documents were hand delivered, it took hours or days to reach their destinations, and on some routes, the papers were lost or damaged.

In addition, electronic health records have fewer errors than paper records. Many people make spelling or grammar errors when they write down information by hand. Other people have messy handwriting that is difficult to read. On the other hand, the information presented in electronic forms is clear, legible and easy to understand.

Popular EHR Software

The GE EMR system allows users to manage their medical records and manage the business in one setting. Users like the user-friendly design and self-service features.

eClinicalWorks is a leading source of exceptional products in health information technology. Nearly a million providers use their products in dozens of countries. Their EHR system offers customized solutions for any type of medical facility whether it's a physician's practice or an ambulatory surgery center.

Allscripts is a popular EHR that meets the standard needs of doctor's offices. Users have access to online or in-person training and 24/7 technical support. The software is HIPAA compliant and meets the requirements of Meaningful Use. Choosing the right EHR software program is based on several factors, such as cost, features and individual user needs.