EHR Solutions Include EMR and EHR Software

EMR software describes any software that tracks patient medical records electronically. ‘EMR software’ means ‘electronic medical records software.’ The term EMR software can be used interchangeably with EHR software.

‘EHR software’ means ‘electronic health records software,’ and is the term currently being used in the health care reform debate and legislation. A goal of health care reform is to reduce costs and increase efficiency. EHR solutions help meet these goals, whether referred to as EHR software or EMR software.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the government agency which will be the driving force behind integrating EHR solutions across the medical field. It is this agency which has established standards as to what EMR software (EHR software) must be able to do. Unless a software program meets these standards, the provider using the software cannot qualify for federal reimbursement.

The standards set forth by the agency include ‘meaningful use’ of EHR solutions. In order to qualify for stimulus reimbursement, a practice must be using the EHR software in a beneficial way. As stated on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, there are three components of meaningful use:

The use of certified EHR software in a meaningful manner, such as e-prescribing.

The use of certified EHR solutions for electronic exchange of health information to improve quality of health care.

The use of certified EHR solutions to submit clinical quality and other measures.

A reputable EHR solutions provider can help analyze current use of EMR software. The provider can make recommendations as to how to get more out of current EHR software, or to see if the time has come for an up-grade.

Because EHR solutions can be costly, it is best to work with a knowledgeable EMR software provider. Doing so can reduce the cost by helping to qualify providers for stimulus reimbursement. Purchasing software from a re-seller is also an excellent way to cut the cost of software upgrades.

Especially for physicians who provide services to Medicare or Medicaid patients, electronic health records are a reality. While new systems can take time to learn and cause some frustration at first, the benefits out- weigh the costs.

Electronic health records will not only reduce the administrative time and expense for physicians, they will increase the quality of patient care. By using the technology to prescribe medications, exchange information with other providers, and reflect on practice, physicians can use immediate and accurate information.

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MedIT offers information technology solutions for healthcare providers and institutions. We’ll help you find the best medical software solution to suit your physician practice. We offer high performance medical billing services, EHR (electronic health record) software, Allscripts MyWay™ software and eclinicalworks with IT consultant services. Visit us at meditresources.com to learn more or contact us.

Author (mikemarable). Submitted on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 Time: 12:57 PM

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