The 11 Best EHR Software for Medical Practices

What is the primary function of an EHR?

An EHR's primary function is to create a real-time, patient-centered digital record of a person's health history. This includes demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data, and radiology reports. It automates and streamlines the clinician's workflow, providing a broader view of a patient's care that can be shared across different healthcare settings.

How do you evaluate an EHR's workflow efficiency?

Evaluate workflow efficiency by measuring the number of clicks required to perform common tasks like writing a prescription, ordering a lab test, or completing a patient note. A good EHR minimizes clicks and presents relevant clinical information contextually. Request a live demo with a scenario specific to your practice, and ask to speak with current users in your specialty to understand their day-to-day experience.

Why is ONC Certification important?

ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology) Certification ensures an EHR system meets specific government-recognized standards for functionality, interoperability, and security. Using a certified EHR is a requirement for participation in certain federal incentive programs, like MIPS. It provides assurance that the software can securely exchange health information and perform required clinical tasks.

How to choose

• 1.Define Your Practice Needs: Determine if you need a system tailored for a specific specialty (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics) or a generalist platform. List your top 5 must-have features before starting your search.
• 2.Prioritize Cloud vs. On-Premise: Cloud-based EHRs offer lower upfront costs and remote access, but have recurring subscription fees. On-premise systems require a significant initial investment in servers and IT staff but give you more control over your data.
• 3.Verify Interoperability: Confirm the EHR can connect seamlessly with your local hospitals, labs (like Quest and LabCorp), and health information exchanges (HIEs). Lack of interoperability creates data silos and inefficient workarounds.
• 4.Request a Custom Demo and References: Do not rely on canned sales demos. Provide the vendor with 2-3 common patient scenarios from your practice and have them walk through the entire workflow. Always ask for and call at least two references from practices of a similar size and specialty.