Understanding EHR and EMR Software
EMR and EHR software have transformed how medical professionals manage patient data and collaborate with other organizations to improve patient outcomes. With access to an accurate medical history, providers can create personal health plans that improve patient outcomes.
Difference Between EHR and EMR
Electronic health records (EHR) are comprehensive digital records of a patient’s medical history that multiple healthcare providers and organizations can maintain. When a healthcare organization utilizes EHR software, they have higher interoperability, which makes it easier to work with other healthcare providers and improve patient care plans.
Electronic medical records (EMR) are a digital version of the traditional paper charts and forms that healthcare providers and organizations use in clinical settings. EMR software solutions are typically used for individual medical practices, storing a patient’s medical history and visit summaries for that practice.
Importance of EHR and EMR in Today’s Healthcare Landscape
EMR and EHR software have transformed how healthcare organizations manage patient data. When organizations integrate EMR and EHR systems with other healthcare systems, medical professionals can access accurate patient information, from internal visits to the patient’s visits with specialists.
Without EMR and EHR software solutions, the healthcare provider relies on the patient to accurately record information and health outcomes from other appointments. With an electronic health record system, providers can access patient records from other organizations and make informed decisions on care plans based on a patient’s medical history.
Key Objectives in EHR and EMR Software Development
Throughout the EHR and EMR software development process, healthcare organizations must consider how to improve patient care, integration with existing systems, and the security of patient data.
Enhancing Patient Care
When moving cities or states, patients have to switch healthcare providers and typically don’t think to ask their old providers to send their medical history to their new provider. With EHR and EMR software, medical workers can access a patient’s health records without the patient having to enter their own medical history.
When healthcare providers have access to current and accurate patient health information, they can make educated decisions about their diagnoses, health plans, and prescriptions.
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
Healthcare software is at its best when it’s integrated with other systems, creating a seamless user experience. When integrating EHR and EMR systems with medical software, healthcare organizations can achieve data integrity across systems, reducing the need to manually enter data multiple times. Efficient data management reduces the amount of work required from administrative staff and reduces the risk of errors when entering patient data.
Data Security and Patient Privacy
When building software in the healthcare industry, data security and protecting patient health information are essential. Since EMR and EHR software manage sensitive patient data, it’s critical that these solutions are designed with security and HIPAA compliance in mind.
For example, users should be assigned access levels that determine the patients and information they are permitted to view. This will ensure medical professionals are accessing patient data only when necessary.
The Development Process
The EMR and EHR software development process will vary based on the development company and the software being built. However, the typical software development process includes planning and designing, testing and deployment, and then training and support once the software is live.
Software Design
At the start of the project, the software development company will work with the healthcare organization to determine how the software should appear and function. The EHR software development company will have experience in the healthcare industry and understand the various requirements and workflows that a healthcare organization will utilize the software to complete. Software development companies will also create high-fidelity mockups to provide a visual representation of the solution, allowing organizations to make changes before development begins.
Testing and Deployment
Quality assurance testing is a crucial step when building EMR and EHR systems, ensuring the software works as intended and protects patient data. After the software has been completely built, it will undergo end-to-end testing to identify any bugs that were previously missed.
Once the system has been diligently tested, the software development company will deploy the system to a live environment. The development company will create a deployment plan, including a timeline for migration from legacy systems.
Training and Support
Once the system is live, it’s time to train employees on how to use it in order to avoid errors early. Employees should be provided with in-person training sessions, recorded walkthroughs, and a user guide with FAQs. When employees are provided ample training opportunities and resources, they are more likely to take advantage of the features available in the custom system.
The software development company’s work is not complete once the EHR or EMR system is pushed live. Post-deployment support is essential for the long-term success of the system. Here are just a few reasons why changes might be necessary after going live:
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Users identify new bugs that were not identified during testing and need to be resolved.
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The healthcare organization’s workflows have changed, and the software needs to be updated to reflect this.
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A feature that made sense during planning might not be beneficial in practice and needs to be updated.
Why Choose Us for Your EHR and EMR Software Development Needs?
Our Experience and Expertise
At Geneca, we have partnered with multiple companies in the healthcare industry to build custom solutions that comply with HIPAA regulations. We understand the importance of building seamless workflows and data connections while securing sensitive data. With our experience and expertise in both technology and business, we can build an EMR or EHR platform that exceeds your expectations.
Explore our previous work in the healthcare industry to learn more about our expertise in the field:
Our Customizable and Scalable Solutions
One benefit of working with a custom EHR software development team is knowing you can customize features and workflows around an organization’s unique needs and requirements. Geneca’s software development team prioritizes your needs and examines how they will impact your business, ensuring we create EHR software solutions that have a positive impact on your organization.
When creating a custom healthcare software solution, it’s crucial to ensure it’s built to be scaled in the future. The healthcare industry and technology are constantly evolving, meaning your organization’s workflows are going to change in the future. A scalable system is able to grow alongside your organization, ensuring it can be used long-term.
Future Support and Updates
Geneca’s partnership doesn’t end once the product is live. We provide maintenance and support once your system is live, ensuring its lasting value to your organization. As the company that designed and built the custom system, we are best equipped to complete maintenance and updates that serve your business goals and generate growth.
Invest in Reliable EHR and EMR Software Development Today
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Geneca, we have over 25 years of experience in custom software development and practice transparent project management, allowing the client to be well-informed at every step. By partnering with us, you can access a team of developers and analysts with experience and a thorough understanding of the healthcare industry. If you’re ready to get started on your EMR or EHR system, reach out to Geneca today for a commitment-free consultation!