Custom EHR System: Guide to Choosing the Right One

A digital health system is an electronic network that allows healthcare providers to directly exchange data about patients. Such systems are used for various functions within a hospital, such as scheduling appointments, processing billing transactions, and storing medical records. With the support of grants from the Meaningful Use program, adoption of EHR technology increased rapidly in recent years.

In fact, according to a report by IDC Health Insights, more than 90% of healthcare organizations have implemented some type of EHR system. If you’re considering switching to a custom EHR system you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll introduce you to both traditional and modern EHR systems. We will also discuss their pros and cons and walk you through how to choose the right one for your organization.

What Is A Traditional Electronic Health Record (EHR) System?

In the realm of digital healthcare infrastructure, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system emerges as a pivotal component, meticulously preserving patients’ pertinent data. Often referred to as a Medical Record Management System, this technology has its roots in the 1990s and has since garnered widespread utilization by a diverse array of entities, encompassing hospitals, governmental agencies, and private medical establishments.

These sophisticated EHR systems meticulously catalog a kaleidoscope of data points, ranging from the elementary aspects of demographics to the more nuanced intricacies of an individual’s medical chronicles. The repository encompasses an amalgamation of allergy-related idiosyncrasies, laboratory findings, and a compendium of the patient’s healthcare journey, thereby fostering a comprehensive understanding of their medical landscape.

Why You Should Be Using an EHR System

The genesis of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in healthcare provision can be traced back to the 1980s, with their adoption gaining significant momentum as the 21st century unfolded. At present, an impressive proportion exceeding 90% of healthcare institutions have embraced the incorporation of EHRs into their operations. While it remains feasible to function without a bespoke EHR system, this approach may engender a plethora of inefficiencies, such as escalating administrative expenditures, protracted patient waiting periods, and an augmented probability of medical inaccuracies.

EHRs contribute to the mitigation of these challenges by serving as a centralized repository for patient data, thereby granting practitioners access to comprehensive medical histories of each individual under their care. Moreover, the EHR system streamlines appointment scheduling processes, culminating in reduced wait times and an overall enhancement in healthcare efficiency.

What to Look for When Choosing a Custom EHR

As you contemplate the transition to an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, judicious selection of the appropriate solution is of paramount importance. A myriad of factors warrants consideration during the decision-making process, encompassing aspects such as cost, scalability, and user experience.

• Cost: The financial implications of EHR systems exhibit substantial variability, contingent upon the gamut of features offered. Prior to settling on an EHR, it is advisable to delineate your budgetary constraints and juxtapose the associated costs of various systems to identify the most suitable option.
• Scalability: Opting for an EHR system that possesses the capacity for growth in tandem with your organization’s expansion is crucial. This strategic choice obviates the need for repeated system transitions as your institution evolves, thereby fostering long-term operational efficacy.
• User Experience: The user experience intrinsic to your customized EHR system wields a profound influence on the organizational culture. Aim to select an EHR that bolsters efficiency while maintaining uncompromised functionality, thus striking an optimal balance between the two facets.

By meticulously evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your organization’s objectives and ensures a seamless integration of the EHR system into your healthcare ecosystem.

What is a Modern Electronic Health Record?

Expounding upon our previous discourse, a conventional Electronic Health Record (EHR) system functions as an electronic nexus, facilitating seamless data exchange pertaining to patients among healthcare providers. In contrast, contemporary EHR systems exemplify a digital health paradigm, meticulously preserving patient information. Characteristically, these modern systems are hosted on cloud-based platforms, rendering them accessible via web-based interfaces and amenable to utilization by both healthcare providers and patients alike.

The EHR landscape has undergone significant modernization in recent years, as evinced by the burgeoning adoption of cloud-based infrastructures, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. These cutting-edge technologies engender an enhanced capacity for data analysis, decision support, and predictive modeling, thereby fostering a more streamlined and informed approach to healthcare provision. Consequently, the integration of these advanced components within EHR systems ushers in a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centric care in the medical domain.

Pros of Modern EHR System

In juxtaposition to their traditional counterparts, contemporary EHR systems present an array of advantages that significantly enhance healthcare provision. The following elucidates some of the salient benefits inherent to modern EHR systems:

• Streamlined Clinical Data: The efficiency of modern EHR systems enables healthcare providers to optimally manage clinical data, thereby fostering improved patient care and adherence to industry regulations.
• Enhanced Patient Experience: The integration of features such as patient portals and unified messaging within modern custom EHR systems substantially elevates the patient experience, fostering a more collaborative and informed approach to healthcare.
• Augmented Productivity: By curtailing administrative burdens and refining workflow processes, modern EHR systems contribute to a marked increase in productivity within the healthcare sector.

The advent of modern EHR systems signifies a monumental stride in the evolution of healthcare, with their advanced capabilities poised to revolutionize the manner in which patient information is managed, analyzed, and utilized for the betterment of patient care and overall industry efficiency.

Cons of Modern EHR System

Not all modern EHR systems are perfect. Let’s take a look at some of their downsides. Modern EHR systems can pose significant scalability issues. They are designed to grow with a business as it expands. However, this can create inefficiencies during times of rapid growth. Modern EHR systems can also add complexity to an organization. This can be particularly challenging for small organizations with limited resources. Modern custom EHR systems can be less secure than traditional systems. A breach in security can have serious implications for an organization. Modern EHR systems can also have a negative impact on the physician-patient relationship. In extreme cases, they can cause physicians to spend less time with patients.

Wrapping Up

In today’s healthcare landscape, health systems are adopting modern custom EHR systems to improve patient outcomes. An EHR system can have a significant impact on a business. It can affect your organization’s culture, workflow, and bottom line. If you’re considering switching to an EHR system or building your own custom one, keep the information in this article in mind. You can use it to identify the best system for your business.