In the United States, approximately 20% of small businesses fail within the first year of operation. There's no shortage of causes behind the occurrence, such as poor marketing or no market need for the company's services.

Using the wrong tools for your operations can also derail your company, and this is especially true regarding software. EMR software is one of the most useful applications you can implement, but not everyone understands what it is or how to use it. Let's explore the key information you should keep in mind when moving forward.

What Is EMR Software?

Also known as electronic medical records software, EMR applications aim to consolidate relevant patient information. To clarify, you could use EMR software to create a database of each patient's chart so you can quickly retrieve the required info.

You can think of this application as a digital version of the patient charts. It contains info like:

  • Demographic data
  • Notes
  • Diagnoses
  • Lab test results
  • Allergy info

You can also use EMR software to order certain lab tests and prescribe medications. Medical bill coding is made easier when you use this application, as well.

EMR vs EHR Software

Many people confuse EMR software with EHR applications. Although they both store patient data, there are key differences to consider. EMR software isn't designed to be easily transferable.

Organizations that often send healthcare information to other facilities can benefit from using EHR software instead. EMR applications are used within a specific office instead of multiple practices, as well.

EHR systems are maintained by multiple providers. This creates the opportunity for many conflicts to arise, as all providers must adhere to the same standards.

EHR networks also inherently contain more information than EMR systems. Understanding these discrepancies can ensure you make the right decision for your needs.

Choosing EMR Software

Not all applications are created equal, and it's essential to do your research before making your decision. Pricing is one of the most important attributes to consider.

Stay away from software that's far less expensive than its competitors. This likely indicates that the developer cuts corners and won't be able to meet your needs.

However, you don't need to choose the most expensive options. Somewhere in the middle of the industry's price range is the ideal option, and you won't have to stretch your budget. Does the software have the features you require?

You should have no trouble using it to complete your desired tasks. Some of the most notable are billing management, access to a patient portal, and easy integration. Your needs may vary, and it's best to establish what you're looking for before searching for software.

The application should also have ongoing support from the developer. Otherwise, numerous complications could occur.

For example, hackers are always looking for ways to procure sensitive information from businesses. This is one of the many reasons why the cybercrime industry is projected to cost the world over $10 trillion by the end of 2025. The last thing you want is to use an outdated application that puts patient data at risk.

This could even result in legal action being taken against you. With enough vigilance during your search, you shouldn't have an issue finding the best software for your situation.

Best Practices

There are certain best practices you'll need to keep in mind when moving forward so you can get the right results. This will help ensure you avoid pitfalls you may have otherwise encountered, as well. Listed below are some of the most notable.

Train Your Team

Without the right training, your team won't be able to make full use of your organization's EMR software. This could lead to lapses in performance and security issues. Your provider will likely provide training resources your team can use to get up to speed.

However, you should still assess their proficiency once you implement the software. It's recommended to periodically test how well they use the software throughout the year.

This will provide insight into areas of concern. Ensure your team has access to the required resources so they can overcome problems on their own.

Maintain Medical Device Security

It's crucial to keep your devices secure at your facility. You can achieve this in two primary ways:

  • Focusing on physical security
  • Maintaining access control

Physical security includes how well you safeguard company devices, such as keeping them locked away when not in use. Access control refers to situations where only certain individuals can access certain information.

For example, low-level employees shouldn't be able to see patient information that only doctors are supposed to have access to. You can achieve this through multifactor authentication.

Users will need to provide multiple forms of identifying information before they can log into certain accounts, view sensitive data, etc. Implementing a zero-trust policy is also effective.

As the name implies, no user is trusted no matter how many times they've accessed data in the past. They'll need to authenticate themselves each time before access is provided.

Adhere to Industry Regulations

There's no shortage of regulations you'll need to adhere to in the healthcare industry. The way you store patient data is one of the most notable concerns. Even minor infringements can be costly, as they often result in expensive fines and fees.

There's also something to be said about how these situations impact your company's reputation. If word gets out that you were penalized for infractions, your audience might not trust your facility to handle their information. They could choose to work with a competitor instead.

Make Your Decision Appropriately

Once you've decided to use EMR software, it's imperative to make the right decision. The info in this guide will help ensure you make the best decision for your needs and reach your goals effectively.

Alleva has a solid background in health software, allowing us to push the boundaries of healthcare technology and deliver amazing results. We strive to exceed all expectations and bring your vision to life. You'll learn more about the benefits we offer when you book a demo today.