EHR Software Development: Benefits, Features, Challenges

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In the constantly evolving healthcare landscape, startups face an imperative need to leverage technology to deliver superior patient care, ensure regulatory compliance, and stay competitive. A pivotal technology that holds promise in this regard is Electronic Health Record (EHR) software. As a digital replacement for paper records, EHR software transforms the way patient data is captured, accessed, and utilized, thereby streamlining workflows and enhancing patient outcomes. However, the journey towards developing an efficient EHR software is riddled with its own set of challenges and considerations.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of EHR software development, delve into its key features, benefits and discuss the challenges startups might face in this journey, arming you with the necessary knowledge to navigate this complex terrain.

EHR System Overview

The EHR system is an essential tool in today’s world. According to the Grand View Research study, the EHR market was estimated at $28.1 billion in 2022, 61% of which are private and public hospitals and laboratories. Moreover, stable demand for IT will continue in the near future: forecasts show that the segment’s value will reach $35.1 billion in 2028.

Throughout the evolution of healthcare solutions, although there have been plenty of new and improved features, the core functions and principles have remained unchanged.

The main issue is that the majority of software solutions currently on the market don’t function as users expect them to. This has left open a wide area for improvement.

Statistically speaking, roughly 42% of doctors and medical personnel report being satisfied with their current EHR software.

The global pandemic that we find ourselves in combined with the intensified digitalization of the healthcare industry, has left us with a growing need for refined, integrated, secure, and high-performing EHR and billing software.

Learn more about – EHR development company.

What is an EHR System?

EHR system is a real-time, patient-centered record that aims to make information available instantly and securely to authorized users. It contains the medical and treatment histories of patients, allowing healthcare providers to track data over time and monitor and improve the overall quality of care within their practice.

EHRs can include information such as:

• Medical history
• Diagnoses
• Medications
• Immunization dates
• Allergies
• Radiology images
• Test results
• Demographic and billing data

An EHR system can also share information with other healthcare providers and organizations and can include all information from emergency facilities, laboratories, specialists, medical imaging facilities, pharmacies, and workplace clinics – so they are involved in a patient’s care digitally.

Types of EHR Software Solutions

EHR systems can be classified into several categories based on their features, deployment methods, and the scope of their services. Understanding these categories can help healthcare startups select the most suitable EHR software for their unique needs.

• On-Premise EHR systems: On-premise EHR systems are installed on the healthcare provider’s own servers and managed by the provider’s IT staff. This type of EHR offers high customization potential, direct control over the data, and the ability of integration with other systems already in use. However, they often require a significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and technical expertise, making them less feasible for smaller healthcare providers.
• Cloud-based EHR systems: Cloud-based or SaaS (Software as a Service) EHR systems are hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed via the internet. These systems often require less upfront investment as they typically operate on a subscription-based pricing model and do not need the purchase of hardware or software. They also offer scalability and accessibility from any location with internet access. However, they may offer less customization and may require a robust internet connection for optimal functionality.
• Integrated EHR Systems: Integrated EHR systems come bundled with other practice management tools, such as billing, scheduling, or patient portal software. This can streamline various administrative tasks and improve data consistency across different systems. However, the level of integration can vary across vendors, and the additional features may come at a higher cost.

It’s crucial for healthcare startups to thoroughly evaluate their specific needs, resources, and growth plans when selecting an EHR system.

Benefits of EHR Implementation

In the contemporary healthcare landscape, the strategic deployment of EHR software can significantly enhance a startup’s competitiveness, operational efficiency, and patient care delivery. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the numerous benefits that EHR software development brings to the table for emerging healthcare businesses.

• Enhanced efficiency and productivity: EHR systems are designed to automate and streamline a multitude of tasks that would otherwise consume substantial time and resources. From appointment scheduling to order entries, prescription management, and billing, EHR software can automate these tasks, focusing on the core aspect of their roles – patient care. This invariably boosts productivity and fosters an environment where staff can prioritize patient interaction over administrative duties.
• Better informed decision-making: EHR software provides healthcare providers with a comprehensive and real-time overview of a patient’s medical history, including their allergies, medications, past diagnoses, and test results. This wealth of information at their fingertips allows healthcare providers to make evidence-based decisions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. The ability to leverage data for improved decision-making can be a game-changer for startups looking to distinguish themselves through superior patient care.
• Streamlined care coordination: EHR systems greatly facilitate the seamless sharing of patient data across different healthcare providers, departments, or even institutions. In the world of healthcare, where interdisciplinary collaboration is often crucial, this can profoundly enhance the coordination and continuity of care. For instance, a primary care physician can promptly share a patient’s medical history with a specialist, ensuring that the latter has all the relevant information before a consultation. This smooth flow of information can be particularly beneficial for patients with complex health conditions requiring multiple specialists’ input.
• Cost savings and financial sustainability: For any startup, financial sustainability is key. While the initial investment in EHR software might seem daunting, the long-term cost savings it offers can significantly contribute to a startup’s financial health. EHR systems can drastically cut down the costs associated with paperwork, such as printing, storage, and transportation. They can also prevent duplicate tests and reduce errors that may lead to costly legal implications.
• Regulatory compliance and quality reporting: Modern healthcare startups operate in a highly regulated environment, with stringent compliance requirements and an increasing emphasis on quality reporting. EHR software, designed with these regulatory frameworks in mind, can help startups adhere to compliance requirements and simplify the process of quality reporting. By offering in-built templates for documentation, EHR software can help ensure that all records meet the prescribed regulatory standards. Similarly, automatic reminders for screenings or vaccinations can improve the quality of care and patient outcomes, thus contributing positively to quality reporting.
• Enhanced patient engagement: In the era of patient-centric care, engagement is paramount. EHR software often comes with features like patient portals, enabling patients to access their own medical records, book appointments, refill prescriptions, and communicate with their providers, all with a few clicks. This not only puts patients in control of their own health but also enhances their engagement.
• Scalability: Healthcare startups are high-growth ventures that require systems that can keep pace with their expansion. EHR software is inherently scalable, allowing for the addition of new users, departments, or even locations with relative ease. This means that as your startup grows, your EHR system can grow with you without the need for substantial additional investments.

EHR Software Features

EHR software offers many features that streamline clinical workflows, improve patient care, and ensure regulatory compliance. Here are the most common features that almost any EHR system should include:

• Appointment scheduling: This feature allows for real-time viewing and editing of provider schedules, automated appointment reminders, and easy rescheduling capabilities. It not only improves the operational efficiency of the healthcare facility by reducing manual work and the risk of double bookings but also enhances the patient experience.
• Patient account: Dramatically improves the patient onboarding process by allowing anyone to sign up for a doctor’s appointment, find any prescription information, and check on the laboratory updates.
• Electronic medical record: Allows for document medical examinations, including initial assessment, epicrisis, and diary entries, registration of patient diagnoses, and medical appointment registration and archiving of the results.
• Digital document workflows: From patient intake and medical consent forms to various agreements, every step of the client workflow has to be digitized.
• Patient insurance management: Improves the efficiency of working with insurance companies by automating business processes. This includes administering patients, prices, and services based on an individual insurance company.
• Laboratory accessories: Assists with automating interactions with a laboratory and instantly imports all relevant data to a patient’s medical profile.
• Medical knowledge base: Provides any doctor with access to promptly updated official recommendations and well-established treatment and diagnostic standards.
• Reporting and analytics: EHR systems often include tools for generating custom reports and analyzing clinical data. This feature can support quality improvement initiatives, assist in compliance with reporting requirements, and provide insights for strategic decision-making.

EHR Challenges and Solution

While EHR software brings a myriad of benefits, implementing such a system is not without its challenges. Here, we will discuss some common hurdles healthcare providers face when adopting EHR software and offer potential solutions to overcome them.

Healthcare Regulation Compliance

Challenge: Healthcare is one of the most heavily regulated industries, and regulations can impact various aspects of EHR systems, from patient privacy and data security to interoperability and reporting. Navigating these complex regulations (HIPAA, GDPR. etc.) can be challenging and non-compliance can lead to substantial penalties.

Solution: Working with EHR software development companies who have a proven track record in regulatory compliance and expertise in the industry can be beneficial. These vendors usually build their EHR systems to meet current regulations and regularly update their software in line with any regulatory changes. Lastly, comprehensive staff training on regulatory requirements can ensure that everyone uses the EHR system in a compliant manner, further mitigating the risk of non-compliance.

Interoperability Issues

Challenge: Despite the existence of health information exchange standards, EHR systems often face issues when sharing data with other systems, leading to fragmented patient information.

Solution: Choosing an EHR system that complies with interoperability standards like HL7 or FHIR can help. Additionally, collaborations with other healthcare providers and IT vendors can enhance data-sharing capabilities. Policymakers are also playing a part by pushing for more standardized data exchange protocols.

Usability and Training

Challenge: Healthcare providers often find EHR systems difficult to use, leading to decreased productivity and user dissatisfaction. This can be due to overly complex interfaces or workflows that do not match the clinical process.

Solution: Selecting development of a custom EHR with an intuitive, user-friendly design can mitigate this issue. Additionally, providing comprehensive, ongoing training for all users is crucial to ensure they can utilize the EHR system effectively. Involving end-users in the selection and implementation process can also help ensure the system meets their needs.

Data Security and Privacy

Challenge: EHR systems hold sensitive patient data and are prime targets for cyberattacks. Data breaches can lead to severe legal and financial consequences and harm the organization’s reputation.

Solution: Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, secure user authentication, and regular security audits, is essential. Training staff on data security practices and maintaining up-to-date software can further reduce the risk. Additionally, choosing a reliable outsourcing partner will mitigate any security risks.

High Implementation Costs

Challenge: Developing and implementing an EHR system can be expensive, with costs for software, hardware, training, and maintenance.

Solution: Cloud-based EHR systems often have lower upfront costs and can be more affordable for smaller practices. Additionally, strategic planning and careful budgeting can help ensure a return on investment in the long term.

EHR Implementation Issues

EHR implementation and selection is not an easy challenge that needs plenty of time, energy, and financial investment. Therefore, it is vital that the program you choose meets all CFM requirements and is developed by an experienced company with a good reputation among the marketplace participants.

Thus, your company would feature a competitive advantage in this industry:

Presently, almost all hospitals and medical institutions are using electronic health records and medical billing software.

Despite widespread adoption, there are still many integration challenges when it comes to patients and medical staff actually using this type of software.

For this reason, when designing a medical billing system, healthcare software providers should take special care when developing specific features in order to enhance and improve the ease of integration, and therefore, increase the marketability of their product.

Key Features of a Prosperous Electronic Health Record (EHR) System

Customizable Templates

A key feature that needs to be considered when creating EHR software is the ability to customize the application itself to some degree. Due to the immense variety of record types, a combination of pre-programmed templates along with the ability for users to create and customize their own unique templates is a great way to increase user satisfaction.

A more tailored and detailed approach to creating medical records will also significantly increase workflow efficiency and allow you to target a larger audience.

Interoperability & Result Management

Medical record software wouldn’t be of much use without the capacity to easily integrate with other billing solutions typically found in laboratories, pharmacies, and other medical institutions.

In this case, integration refers to results and/or images from a third-party being automatically transmitted and stored in a patient’s health record.

Thanks to this level of integration, healthcare application users (in this case, doctors) will no longer have to manually enter every new lab analysis or MRI image by hand.

The following is a basic list of results that EHR solutions can manage via integration with other systems:

• Lab orders and results
• Immunization and vaccination registries
• Treatment plans & doctor’s notes
• Prescription templates
• Patient demographics

Integration with EHR: What a Medical Billing Solution should Encompass

Billing is a vital part of healthcare services, and having a capable system to manage claim submissions, track medical billing codes, and provide reporting can significantly boost a medical practice’s efficiency.

Sophisticated billing software automates payment documentation and coding, bringing speed to financial operations and reducing tedious manual tasks.

Integration

A primary feature of medical billing software should be a flexible and responsive, integrative interface, that enables financial operations to be immediately streamlined in an EHR system.

Without the capacity to easily integrate with an EHR system, the billing process will be much more complex — that’s the opposite of what it’s supposed to do.

Medical Billing Codes — Tracking & Processing

HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) or CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) are standard categorization codes used in medical billing that play a vital role in the billing process.

Here’s how they work: a specific code is assigned to each service a clinician provides; this way a billing system is able to track and process the assigned code to determine the amount of payment due.

These codes are also used by health insurers to calculate the amount of reimbursement that a doctor is owed from a practice. According to the CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services), medical coding errors resulted in nearly $16.73 billion of inaccurate payments in 2019.

With so much at stake, it is essential that medical billing software provides a compliant, accurate list of code and is equipped with the ability to automatically assign and process code within the system.

Medical Claims Management

One of the most critical features of medical billing software is the ability to track and process medical claims.

Medical billing software handles submissions, sends alerts in the case of claim denial, sends billing information to rendered parties, handles claim reconciliation, and much more.

This crucial feature should also include the identification of inaccurately assigned code, preferably with an automated response to the issue.

Appointment Scheduling System

All reliable medical billing software needs to have robust scheduling capabilities to simplify the communication process between clinicians and patients.

Having a record of all appointments stored in an easy-to-use interface allows clinicians and patients to keep track of their appointment history and doctor’s notes.

This feature also allows users to set reminders, follow-ups, and alerts regarding the arrival of lab results and even suggests scheduling appointments based on prior history.

Financial Reporting

Having access to patient data that is connected to billing history provides an opportunity for robust financial reporting.

Through intelligent analytics, EHR software is capable of compiling patient data and real-time financial reports to provide insight and recommendations on how to improve the overall patient experience.

What are the Benefits of an Integrated EHR System & a Robust Medical Billing Solution?

By combining integrity with flexibility and security, medical software significantly enhances the quality of patient care, generates more revenue for medical organizations, and reinforces healthcare workflows.

When designed with reliable and in-demand features and components, EHR systems and/or medical billing software become an extremely useful tool for both clinicians and patients.

How to Build EHR Software: Step-by-Step

Building an EHR system is a significant endeavor that involves a combination of strategic planning, technical expertise, user involvement, and regulatory compliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to developing a robust and effective EHR software system:

Your goals might include improving clinical workflows, enhancing patient care, streamlining billing processes, or achieving regulatory compliance. Be specific and ensure your goals align with your overall organizational strategy.

Successful EHR development requires the collaboration of diverse stakeholders. Your team should include clinical staff who will be using the system, IT professionals who understand the technical aspects, administrators who can address organizational needs, and legal experts who can guide on compliance issues.

Spend time understanding the workflows of your intended users. How do they currently manage patient data? What are their pain points ? What features would they find most beneficial? User input is crucial to developing an EHR solution that meets the users needs.

Your technology stack will depend on various factors, such as your budget, time constraints, and specific functionality requirements. Considerations should also be given to the deployment method, i.e., cloud-based or on-premise, each having its own pros and cons.

When selecting a technology stack, it’s important to choose technologies that have a strong track record and remain relevant in the future. This can save you from needing to redevelop your system down the line due to outdated technology.

EHR systems often need to integrate with other systems such as lab information systems, radiology information systems, and billing systems. Your technology stack should support these integrations.

A few examples of technologies commonly used in EHR software development include:

• Backend Languages: Python, Java, C#, Node.js
• Frontend Frameworks: AngularJS, React, Vue.js
• Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
• Mobile Development: React Native, Swift (for iOS), Kotlin (for Android)

Anton Kumechko

Project Manager, Glorium Technologies

EHR systems often fail because they’re difficult to use. Work with designers who have experience in the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, particularly for healthcare applications. The aim should be to create a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies complex workflows and minimizes the potential for user errors.

Develop and integrate essential features, such as patient management, clinical documentation, prescription management, lab integration, health information exchange, billing and coding integration, patient portal, reporting and analytics, appointment scheduling, and interoperability.

Ensure your EHR system adheres to all relevant regulations, such as HIPAA for patient privacy, the 21st Century Cures Act for interoperability, and Meaningful Use or Promoting Interoperability Programs for EHR incentives. Regular audits and updates can help maintain compliance.

Given the sensitive nature of data stored in EHRs, robust security measures are crucial. Implement secure user authentication, data encryption, regular security audits, and other best practices for data security. Also, ensure your EHR system has a solid backup and disaster recovery plan.

Before rolling out your EHR system, conduct rigorous testing to identify and fix any bugs and validate the functionality, performance, usability, and security of the system.

A sudden switch to a new EHR system can be disruptive. Plan a gradual rollout, starting with a pilot group before expanding to the rest of the organization. Provide robust support and training to all users during this transition phase.

How to Choose a Reliable EHR Development Company?

Choosing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) development company is a strategic decision that can greatly impact the effectiveness of your healthcare services. A competent EHR development partner can help you deliver high-quality patient care through efficient data management and streamlined operations. However, with numerous vendors in the market, making the right choice can be challenging. Here are some key considerations to guide you in selecting a reliable EHR development company:

Industry expertise: The complexity and specificity of healthcare call for a development company with substantial expertise in the sector. Such a company will be well-versed in the intricacies of healthcare workflows and regulations, enabling them to develop an EHR system that fully meets your needs. Evaluate the company’s track record, the healthcare projects they’ve handled, and their understanding of the latest healthcare technology trends.

Reviews and client testimonials: Reviews and client testimonials are invaluable in assessing the reputation and reliability of an EHR development company. They offer insight into the experiences of past clients, including the quality of service, the ability to meet deadlines and budgets, problem-solving capabilities, and more. Look for these on the company’s website, professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, or independent review sites.

Check what clients say about us.

Cost-effectiveness: While cost should not be the only determining factor when choosing an EHR development company, it’s undeniably an important consideration. Developing an EHR system is a significant investment, and it’s important to ensure that you’re getting value for your money.

Avoid the temptation to go for the cheapest offer. A lower initial cost may seem attractive if the quality of the software is compromised. Look for a company with transparent prices that match the quality of its service. It’s important to understand what’s included in the cost. Does the price cover just the development, or does it also include post-deployment support and maintenance? Are there any additional costs for training, customization, or data migration that are not included in the initial quote?

Communication aspects: Communication is an essential aspect of any successful project, and it becomes even more important in complex undertakings like EHR software development. The development company should foster open, transparent, and frequent communication throughout the project.
Here are a few aspects of communication to consider when choosing an EHR development company:

The company should be forthright about its capabilities, development process, costs, and potential challenges. They should be ready to involve you in the project, share progress regularly, and be open to your feedback and suggestions. Regular updates ensure you are always aware of what’s happening with your project. The development company should commit to consistent status updates via a medium that’s convenient for you, whether that’s email, video conferencing, phone calls, or in-person meetings.

How Glorium Can Help You?

Glorium is a EHR development company with extensive expertise in healthcare software development. Leveraging their technical prowess, industry know-how, and commitment to quality, Glorium can provide end-to-end EHR development services tailored to your specific needs. Here’s what Glorium brings to the table:

Deep Healthcare IT Expertise

Glorium’s team consists of seasoned professionals who understand the nuances of healthcare IT. They’re well-versed in healthcare workflows, standards, and regulations, ensuring your EHR software meets all necessary compliance requirements.

User-Centric Design

At Glorium, user experience is a top priority. We employ user-centered design principles to create intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces that enhance productivity and user satisfaction.

Scalable and Interoperable Solutions

Glorium develops EHR systems that are both scalable, to grow with your organization, and interoperable, to communicate seamlessly with other healthcare systems and devices.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Glorium’s relationship with clients doesn’t end at deployment. We provide continuous support and maintenance services to ensure your EHR system runs smoothly and adapts to evolving needs.

By partnering with Glorium for your EHR software development needs, you can leverage your technical expertise, healthcare IT knowledge, and commitment to quality. Contact us and get an EHR system that truly adds value to your healthcare organization.

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