Cloud-Based EMR Software

Buyers Guide

Last updated: October 03, 2023

In the past years, the outlook towards Cloud-based Medical Records has constantly been changing. Thanks to Google, Microsoft, and innovative technologists, cloud-based, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), applications have gained tremendous momentum and popularity. Today, Cloud-based Medical Record Applications provide interactivity, security, and dependability that was initially lacked in the early days. With so many options available in the market, selecting an EMR program specifically for your practice can be somewhat confusing. This guide will help you understand a Cloud-based EMR program’s unique features, making it easier for you to select the Right Software. We’ll be discussing:

What is a Cloud-based EMR Software?

Cloud-based EMR Software Features

Choosing a Cloud-based EMR Vendor

Cloud-based EMR Software Benefits

What is a Cloud-based EMR Software?

By definition, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software is designed to manage clinical data within a healthcare organization.

They store online patient charts and records, print (or electronically send) prescriptions, track demographics, facilitate laboratories, and include templates for SOAP notes.

Apart from EMR software, healthcare organizations practice on-premise systems to manage on-site activities. These systems are locally installed and hosted by the organization.

However, what differentiates these systems from EMR software is that all the information in EMR software can be accessed from any location, through any device. This feature gives a number of advantages, which we will be discussing later on in this guide.

Here is everything you need to know to get the most out of your Cloud-based EMR software.

Cloud-based EMR Software Features

Here are some features of Cloud-based software that help improve patient care, streamline your clinical workflows, and simplify administrative tasks.

Accessibility – One of the main features of Cloud-based EMR software is improved accessibility. This means that the physicians or patient can access their information and perform respective tasks wherever they are, as long as they have an internet connection.

Cloud-based CPT & ICD-10 coding – Cloud-based EHR software should also come equipped with all the specialty-specific codes you need. This will help you get paid faster from payers like employers, worker’s compensation payments, Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance companies.

Cloud-based Workflow Management - An effective Cloud-based EMR software should be able to manage your clinical workflows and streamline your operations. Intelligent workflows allow you to see and manage the patient flow through your practice in real-time. This allows you to assess the bigger picture and determine problems within the workflow. In this respect, your cloud-based EMR software should include:

• E-prescribing
• Revenue Management
• Alerts and Notifications
• Claims Management
• Dynamic Scheduling
• Patient-Physician Messaging

Interoperability – A cloud-based EMR software needs to be integrated with other systems to allow a seamless flow of data from one software to another. This is particularly significant if you are using practice management software, which is a common EHR integration. In this respect, it is important that your cloud-based EMR software is able to accommodate:

• Online Invoices and Payments
• Patient Portals
• Charting and Documentation
• Patient Information
• Inventory Management
• Mobile Apps
• Lab Reports
• Physician Dashboard

HIPAA Compliance – A Cloud-based EHR software also needs to ensure patient information confidentiality and privacy through compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines.

Choosing a Cloud-based EMR Vendor

Now that you know the necessary features of Cloud-based EMR software, it’s time to discuss the requirements you need to consider to select your EMR vendor. These can differ for each individual medical practice, based on size, specialty, or facility.

Vendor Size – What type of practices does your EMR vendor typically cater to? Some EMR vendors only provide services to small-scale practices, while others cater to large-scale practices. Therefore, if you have a small practice, paying for services that help large practices, won’t do much good. Similarly, large practices won’t be able to function with services designed for small practices.

Medical Specialty – Instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, most EMR vendors customize their software templates for different kinds of medical specialists. These include cardiology, OB/GYN, internal medicine, pediatrics, and so on. Apart from these, templates are for specialists with other designations, such as therapists, counselors, chiropractors, psychologists, and optometrists. This allows healthcare organizations to facilitate their workflow better according to their specific needs and requirements.

Facility Type – Every healthcare facility has different needs and requirements that they need to consider for their practice. For example, in-patient facilities, such as hospitals and acute care centers, need to manage additional details, such as shifts, physician rounds, and patient beds. On the other hand, ambulatory care facilities do not need to consider such factors. Therefore, you need to consider the specific needs and requirements of your healthcare facility before choosing an EMR vendor for your practice.

Certification – Vendor certification ensures patient information confidentiality and security and is perhaps one of the most important things to look for in a Cloud-based EMR vendor. So make sure your vendor has ONC-authorized testing and certification body (ONC-ATCB) certification.

The majority of the EMR vendors focus on Cloud-based EMR services to provide seamless services and enhance security.

Cloud-based EMR Software Benefits

An effective EMR software helps streamline your clinical workflows, simplify administrative tasks, and help reduce cost. Here are some of the most advantageous benefits of Cloud-based EMR software.

• Enhance profitability by lowering costs.
• Management and Organization of Data in one location
• Improved data security
• Easy to Maintain and Regulate
• Improved Clinical Efficiency and Workflow
• Simplify Data Management Process and improve Administrative Efficiency
• Intuitive User Interface
• Easy to Learn and Implement, thus, reducing Training Cost and Time
• Accessible from any location, at any Device
• Lower up-front costs
• Improve revenue and ROI.