Keep your patient records organized with our top picks for the best EMR software.
The best Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software makes it easier to manage patient records. It does this by having a single secure place from which to access a patient’s records and medical history, including charts and existing prescriptions, as well as lab results. Additionally, more and more EMR software also provides a direct self-service portal for patients to access important information, such as the results of a recent blood test, without having to ring the practice to find out. A patient portal can also be used to send required prescriptions direct to a pharmacy. Some will also have a telemedicine software feature for distance contacts. Sometimes both the terms EMR and EHR (Electronic Health Record) software are used interchangeably, but some vendors specify that EMR software is aimed at a single practice, while EHR is more for multiple practices and offices. Otherwise, in many ways they are very similar and cover broadly the same functions. The best EMR software will also integrate with existing medical practice management software being used, making administration and management of patient records work seamlessly with overall patient administration. It will also have medical billing software features built in, to ensure prompt payment for treatment from the patient or their insurance company. Here we’ll feature the best EMR software currently on the market. Ultra Charts from American Medical Software is an EMR solution that manages patient records, appointments, prescriptions, billing, and a patient portal. It’s fully integrated and certified, and is available either via the cloud or downloadable on-premises software. Where AMS Ultra Charts really comes into its own is two areas: ease of use, and support. It does exactly what it needs to, with EMR records seamlessly integrated into a billing and management system that works easily with insurance companies. There are also customized templates available to work across the health sector. While inevitably there is some learning curve in using new software, AMS are known for having a strong support ethic and will usually go out of their way to walk users through the system. Overall, AMS Ultra Charts is focused on just being easy to use while getting the job done, and if any problems come up in doing so it’s usually easy to get the support you need. Epic EMR is a robust piece of software aimed at hospitals where different specialist teams will need to have easy access to patient records. There are various screens and workflows for patient care, which extend into specialty and ancillary care. There are also billing and health insurance management options, and Epic EMR also comes with the ability to work across multiple health providers, especially community health settings. It’s a very comprehensive solution that works with a lot of data, which is both a pro and a con. By trying to do so much, users can run into problems if the platform hasn’t been properly configured and customized. This is especially the case where workflows needs to be shared between teams.
