EHR System: Importance, Types, cost, Benefits and Examples

EHR meaning is Electronic Health Records. These digital platforms are used to store, manage and exchange patient health information. They offer a centralised, electronic and secure way of managing patient data, including medical history, lab results, medications, allergies, immunisation records, etc.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are digital systems designed to maintain patient health records electronically. EHRs replace traditional paper-based records and allow healthcare professionals to access and update patient information in real-time, from anywhere, using secure networks. This article will explore the different types of EHR systems, their costs and benefits, and some examples of popular EHR systems currently used in healthcare settings.

EHR System

If you are wondering about what EHR systems are, these systems provide many benefits compared to traditional paper-based systems. For example, they can improve the accuracy and completeness of patient information, reduce errors in diagnoses and treatment plans, improve patient safety, and make it easier for healthcare providers to access and share patient information. They also allow for better collaboration between healthcare providers and support population health management initiatives.

Despite these benefits, the implementation of EHR software can also present some challenges, such as high costs, complex and time-consuming implementation processes, and potential resistance to change among healthcare providers. Nevertheless, the digitalisation trend in healthcare is growing, and EHR systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare organisations worldwide.

Types of EHR Systems

There are several types of EHR systems, each with its features, functions, and benefits. Some of the most common types of EHRs include:

• Standalone EHRs- These are EHR software that is designed to be used by a single provider or practice. They are typically smaller in scope and are often used by smaller methods that do not require a more comprehensive system.
• Practice Management EHRs- These systems combine EHR functionality with practice management tools, such as scheduling, billing, and patient portal functionality. They are designed to support the day-to-day operations of a medical practice.
• Hospital EHRs- Hospital EHRs are designed for larger healthcare organisations like hospitals and clinics. They provide comprehensive features, including patient care management, lab and radiology results, and clinical decision support tools.
• Ambulatory EHRs- Ambulatory EHRs are designed for outpatient settings like clinics and doctor's offices. They offer a range of functionalities, including appointment scheduling, prescription management, and patient data management.
• Long-term and Post-Acute Care EHRs- These systems are designed specifically for long-term and post-acute care facilities, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centres. They focus on patient care management, including care plans, medication management, and documentation of patient progress.
• Behavioral Health EHRs- Behavioural health EHRs are designed specifically for mental and behavioural health providers. They provide a range of features and functionalities, including appointment scheduling, progress notes, and medication management.

Cost Breakdown of EHR System

The cost of EHR software can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the system, the vendor, the implementation process, and ongoing maintenance and support. Some of the main components of the cost of EHR include:

• Licensing fees- This is the fee that is paid to the vendor for the use of their software. This can range from a one-time cost to an ongoing subscription fee.
• Implementation costs- This includes the cost of installing the software, setting up the system, and training staff. Implementation costs can be high, including consulting fees, customisation, and data migration.
• Hardware costs- If the healthcare organisation still needs to get the necessary hardware, there will be additional costs for hardware, such as servers, workstations, and mobile devices.
• Maintenance and support costs- This includes the ongoing costs for maintenance, upgrades, and support from the vendor.
• Data conversion costs- If the healthcare organisation is switching from a paper-based system or an existing EHR system, there may be additional costs for converting data to the new system.
• Integration costs- If the EHR system needs to be integrated with other methods, such as laboratory information systems or radiology information systems, there may be additional costs for integration.

Benefits of EHR System for Patients

The benefits of EHR systems are essential points to be noted by all patients. Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems have several benefits for patients, some of which include the following:

• Improved access to medical information- With EHR systems, patients can access their health information from any location with an internet connection, making tracking their health history and medical conditions easier.
• Better coordination of care- EHR software helps healthcare providers share information more easily and quickly, improving care coordination between providers, reducing duplicative testing, and avoiding medication errors.
• Increased patient engagement- Patients are more likely to be engaged in their healthcare when they have access to their medical records and can see their health information in real-time. This can lead to better health outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.
• Improved accuracy and completeness of medical records- EHR systems reduce the likelihood of errors or omissions in medical records and ensure that important information is preserved and remembered.
• More efficient and effective treatment- EHR systems make it easier for healthcare providers to access a patient's complete medical history, enabling them to make more informed treatment decisions and improving overall care.

Benefits of EHR System for Healthcare Providers

EHR systems benefits are essential information for you. Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems provide several benefits for healthcare providers, including:

• Improved patient care- EHR software allows healthcare providers to access a patient's medical history in real-time, making more informed treatment decisions and improving patient care.
• Increased efficiency- This system automates many administrative tasks, such as charting, coding, and billing, freeing healthcare providers to focus on patient care. They also reduce the need for paper-based record keeping, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
• Enhanced patient safety- EHR systems reduce the risk of medication errors and other adverse events by providing a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history and current medications.
• Improved population health management- It provides healthcare providers with valuable data and insights that can be used to identify population health trends, improve public health initiatives, and provide better care for patient populations.
• Increased revenue- EHR software can increase revenue by reducing administrative costs and improving the efficiency and accuracy of billing processes. They also enable healthcare providers to qualify for incentives associated with the meaningful use of EHRs.

Example of EHR System

There are many Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems available in the market, and some of the most widely used include:

• Cerner- Cerner is a leading provider of EHR systems, offering solutions for a wide range of healthcare organisations, including hospitals, clinics, and physician practices.
• Epic- Epic is another leading EHR provider, offering comprehensive and customisable EHR solutions for large healthcare organisations.
• Eka Care- Eka Care's vision is to create a technology platform allowing every Indian to develop and manage their health profile within the Eka Care app. Eka Care is a connected, digitally enabled healthcare ecosystem dedicated to better health outcomes.
• Allscripts- Allscripts offers EHR solutions for various healthcare organisations, including hospitals, physician practices, and post-acute care providers.
• Meditech- Meditech provides EHR solutions for a range of healthcare organizations, including small and large hospitals, ambulatory care centres, and long-term care facilities.
• eClinicalWorks- eClinicalWorks is a widely used EHR system that offers a range of solutions for physician practices, community health centres, and other healthcare organizations.

How the Eka Care EHR system is Helping

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, like the Eka Care EHR system, can help healthcare providers in several ways, including improving patient care, increasing efficiency, enhancing patient safety, and improving population health management. To determine how a specific EHR system, like the Eka Care EHR system, is helping, you should review customer testimonials or case studies or contact the vendor directly for more information.

Conclusion

To ensure the security, privacy and interoperability of patient information, EHR systems must meet specific standards set by regulatory bodies, such as the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).

FAQ

What are the advantages of an EHR for my practice?

• Avoid interruptions to your productivity because of manual patient charts.
• Reduce the amount of time wasted searching through complex records.
• Ensure greater security for patient data
• Mobile devices with EHR capabilities can increase mobility.

What is the price of EHR?

In a nutshell, it depends on the scope of the solutions you want. Visit chartlogic.com/pricing to get in touch with us and learn more about the advantages of our EHR system.

How does a patient care improvement EHR system work?
Physicians can devote more time to care for patients since they spend less time manually documenting patients, writing medications, and accessing patient history.