Electronic Health Record Vendors

Electronic health records (EHR) are part of the health information technology (HIT) that is shaping the way healthcare services are delivered, tracked and shared among healthcare providers. Electronic health records provide a means for patient records to be stored. HIT allows consumers to consolidate their records and move them from place to place, give new physicians easy access to previous health issues and treatments and allow information to be accessed from any location. Electronic health record vendors provide a number of solutions for health care providers. Hospitals and doctors should look closely at the options before investing in an EHR system.

Regulations

• The National Health Information Network is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services that has built a set of standards for electronic health record vendors to follow to maintain consistency between healthcare providers. Look for vendors in compliance with these guidelines. The regulations call for software applications that serve to coordinate the transfer of records from hospitals to clinics, private physicians, pharmacies and other healthcare providers.

Choice

• The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises physicians to choose an electronic health record vendor that has worked with other practices of similar size and to make sure that the programs interface with existing healthcare management systems. They advise large practices to appoint a committee to review the options and provide research on the vendors they recommend. The association provides members with a vendor rating system to use when choosing an EHR vendor that includes guidelines to rate quality and functionality of the features, costs and references from the vendor.

Ratings

• Check the ratings from various organizations that have surveyed EHR vendors. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society is a membership organization that has compiled a list of vendors and rated their products and services. The AAFP provides members with a list of vetted vendors that meet the group's standards of quality and will give members a discount on the software products.

Web-based Applications

• Electronic health records can be stored and accessed through web-based systems hosted by EHR vendors. Records are available anytime with a password and Internet connection. Medical Office Online allows healthcare providers to take a test drive of the systems they offer. Allegiance MD specializes in small physician and surgical practices with all the software applications you need from EHR to front office and billing programs.

Consultants

• Look to an outside consultant to review your practice and recommend the best electronic record vendor based on the size and specialty of your practice. EMR Experts is a software broker that represents both server-based and Internet EHR vendors to put together the best systems for your needs. Baker Newman Noyes is an independent EHR consultant that does not represent any vendors and provides unbiased recommendations.