EHR Software Development: Must-Have Features and Integrations

A customized electronic health record (EHR) system can significantly increase the efficiency of your healthcare environment. But at the same time, a common requirement for any EHR system is a specific set of features and integrations to generate value. Thus, although medical facilities may possess distinct needs, certain elements are universally crucial for all EHR platforms.?

Today, we will analyze ten must-have features of a robust EHR tool and three key integrations it should support. Also, write to me here, on LinkedIn, and share your thoughts regarding EHR functionality and integrations you find the most valuable. So, let’s delve into the topic!?

10 Must-Have Features to Adopt

Although we can spend a lot of time determining various features of EHR platforms, here is my list of the ten most important:

1. Document Management and Digital Charting. The foundation of EHR development lies in the system's capability to manage documents and charts digitally. This feature enhances patient care by providing a user-friendly tool for data management. A good EHR system should support various formats, including specialized ones like DICOM for medical imaging. Customizable chart templates are also vital for minimizing paperwork and increasing clinician productivity.
2. Task Coordination. An advanced task coordination feature is essential for modern EHR systems. It allows healthcare providers to assign tasks, monitor progress, and delegate responsibilities. Reminders and completion tracking are also integral components.
3. e-Prescribing. Digital prescription management is crucial for streamlining medication processes. It enables physicians to prescribe medications remotely while automatically updating patient records, saving time and reducing errors.
4. Data Access Levels. A multi-tier access policy is obvious for compliance with rules like HIPAA. The system must offer different access levels based on the user's role, ensuring that sensitive information is accessible only to authorized personnel.
5. Comprehensive Reporting. Integrated reporting tools give healthcare professionals a quick overview of ongoing processes and performance metrics. These reports can also be shared with patients, visually representing their treatment progress.
6. Appointment Scheduling. An interactive calendar feature benefits both doctors and patients. It enables easy scheduling and rescheduling of appointments, providing more flexibility and convenience to all parties involved.
7. Detailed Patient Profiles. A well-organized patient profile is a crucial tool for clinicians. It should encompass all pertinent information, such as demographics, medical history, and billing details, facilitating efficient daily operations.
8. Lab and Test Integration. Integration with labs and other external vendors is vital for swift and accurate decision-making. Test results should be automatically updated in the system, and notifications should be sent to the physician and the patient.
9. Patient Portal. A patient portal improves healthcare accessibility by enabling individuals to view their medical records, schedule appointments, and generate reports. This feature is legally mandated and adds value to the patient experience.
10. Invoicing and Financial Management. Automated invoicing and claims management help handle the administrative aspects. This feature should be capable of generating invoices, submitting claims to insurance providers, and tracking financial performance.

Thus, by incorporating these features, you are investing in an EHR system that will stand out.?

3 Key Integrations EHR Software Should Have

Integrating EHRs with other healthcare systems like lab, pharmacy, and billing is advantageous? for maximizing utility and efficiency. Here are key EHR integrations to consider:

• Lab Systems Integration. Lab systems in healthcare form the core of diagnostics. Integrating them with EHRs is essential for the immediate availability of test results to healthcare providers. Features like real-time lab results, automated critical alerts, and a consolidated diagnostic history enhance the efficiency and accuracy of medical care.?
• Pharmacy Systems Integration. Integrating healthcare systems promotes effective medication management, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring consistent updates to medication histories. Key features such as auto prescription refills, drug interaction alerts, and medication tracking play a vital role in achieving this integration.
• Billing Systems Integration. Integrated billing is crucial for streamlining healthcare finances, automating the invoicing process based on the medical services recorded in the EHRs. This efficiency is further enhanced by features like automated billing, real-time insurance verification, and revenue cycle management. As a result, that simplifies the financial aspects of healthcare administration.

By recognizing the importance, features, and challenges of these integrations, healthcare providers can make informed decisions that contribute to more efficient healthcare delivery.

Wrap Up

To sum up, tailoring your EHR software development process to meet universal needs ensures your solution is well-equipped. In turn, that provides exceptional patient care while maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

SPsoft experts have vast experience providing healthcare partners with the best possible EHR interoperability. Our team has performed over 60 successful integrations with Epic, Cerner, and AllScripts. The good news is that SPsoft's accelerator platform facilitates integration with any FHIR and HL7-based EHR. Write to me at [email protected] or fill out the contact form, and we will gladly assist you with your project.