The Right EHR Can Change Your Practice and the Wrong One Ruin It

As health organizations incorporate forms of digital management into their workflow, Electronic Health Record (EHR) software has become more ubiquitous across the healthcare space. However, as EHR adoption increases, the differences between beneficial and unhelpful EHR software have never been more apparent. Issues regarding poor usability and the adverse effects that come with it are front and center in what practices need to consider when making their EHR decisions. 

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights just how important it is to choose the right EHR for your practice. The findings suggest well-thought-out and user-friendly EHR systems lead to improved quality of care and less work for physicians. At the same time, however, 43.9% of the study’s respondents were in a very different situation. 

Due to poor EHR usability and unintuitive systems, they reported everything from being distracted in examination rooms to struggling with patient interaction. Negative experiences such as these are still far too prevalent and can negatively impact work-life integration and patient care, with such demoralizing effects potentially lead to physician burnout. 

It only goes to show how important it is to find an EHR that fits with your workflow and is adaptable to your practice, instead of one that demands you adapt to it. Working with the wrong EHR can be a nightmare, but the potential benefits of an intuitive and easy-to-use EHR system still outweigh the risks.

These figures indicate the invaluable role that EHR usability plays in improving patient care and physician well-being. With an intuitive and well-made EHR software, you can make sure that your patients are getting the care they need without running the risk of your doctors burning out.

What Sets Good EHRs Apart From the Bad Ones

Because EHRs have the potential to either transform your practice or severely disrupt it, the process of choosing the right system couldn’t be more crucial. The American Medical Association (AMA) provides a list of EHR design and configuration essentials that can serve as a guide.

Highlighting common pain points, the list comes from a study analyzing EHR usability and what makes a sound, easy-to-use, effective system. 

Features for Now, and as Your Practice Grows 

Although each EHR software varies significantly in terms of the features they offer, each aims to serve the same purpose: streamline your practice’s workflow and improve patient interaction. However, features and usability can make or break your experience, meaning they are the single most important factors to consider when in the market for an EHR software.

The primary difference is in how those features can support your practice. Key aspects to look for, according to the AMA, include:

• Support for team-based care, such as a fully integrated messaging system for seamless coordination between care teams 
• Ample customization options for the varying needs and demands of different specialty practices
• A suite of automated tools that reduce cognitive workload, such as an online booking system or digital prescription management systems
• Integrated digital and mobile patient engagement features like apps and patient portals

Not Just Software, but a Good EHR Company Partner

With dozens of EHR platforms all promising to bring positive changes to your practice, it can be an overwhelming selection process. To narrow down your options, it is worth asking whether or not you can rely on your EHR company as the dedicated partner it should be. A few key aspects to keep in mind include:

Experience

When choosing an EHR, the number of years a company has been in business can tell a lot about what you can expect from its products and services. Naturally, going for companies that have stood the test of time is the wiser choice. You are more likely to receive a polished system that has seen years of innovation.

Track Record

Past achievements, user reviews, and feedback are reliable barometers to gauge the quality and usability of an EHR software. Also, ask how often the company works with clients and incorporates user requests. Open communication when it comes to new updates and changes is an excellent indicator of an EHR company’s dedication to delivering quality products.

Support

Whether it is during the implementation process, or even further improving your practice’s day-to-day functions, having a partner you can count on is essential. 24/7 support, on-site and online training options, and regular updates to address the changing landscape of healthcare all play a role. The support you receive has a dramatic impact on your experience of your EHR. 

Choosing the Right EHR is Crucial for Success

The right EHR, and the right EHR company, can do wonders for your medical practice, improving efficiency, productivity, work-life integration, and the quality of care. On the other hand, however, the wrong one can also send your practice into disarray.

These are the very standards we hold ourselves to as we work with physicians every day. Meditab’s flagship solution, IMS isn’t just software; it’s an experience facilitated by a company partner that will be there for you every step of the way. 

It’s what other EHRs are missing: continued service, support, and quarterly enhancements that advance as the industry does. The combination of commitment and innovation produces cutting-edge features such as:

• Templates and modules for more than 40 different specialties
• An integrated, HIPAA-compliant telehealth solution with IMS Televisit
• IMS Chat, a system designed to provide smooth, secure, team-based communication
• Robust mobile EHR access through IMSGo
• Patient App and CarePortal, platforms to increase patient engagement 
• Plus, free webinars and regular user meetings to discuss new developments.

A product of over 20 years in healthcare technology, IMS is a trusted partner for hundreds of practices across the United States.