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ChartZoom provides the basic RFP form, which allows clinics to get introductory information for the EMR selection process. What vendors can meet their needs, what is the price range to expect, what are the EMR hosting options. Beyond this, it is critical for the organization to establish criteria for selection. Staff representing the front desk, billing, scheduling, and by all means, provider champions, should be a part of the EMR evaluation process from early stages through the final decision.

Electronic medical record systems have many commonalities, and are often presented as completely flexible. The potential client may be told that the system is so flexible, you will be able to build the perfect system with the right customization. But how easy is the customization? How much time will providers want to spend building their own forms? How do the EMR software upgrades and reports handle a variety of form designs?

It’s important to press the potential EMR vendors to show working models. Walk through through your current workflows, and press them to demonstrate how those workflows will translate in their system. Require a site visit with another customer in the same specialty.

While many articles on ChartZoom are dedicated to the evaluation process, keep in mind that clinic will set the requirements for the system. There are hundreds of EMR vendors and many will have solutions that could work for you. Go beyond “We’re so customizable, we’re the perfect solution for anyone” and make them work to prove the viability of their systems. Start here with the form below to identify various EMR companies that serve your location and specialty, and collect initial system information and pricing.

ChartZoom - a Free Online EMR Consultant

Compare EMR software features, prices, and services
It's FREE, easy to use, and there is no obligation to buy!

Allscripts EMR (Review by The Progressive Physician)

Allscripts HealthMatics is a solution to handling all of your electronic health records needs. The system is easy to customize and works for both primary care and specialty practices. It has a comprehensive knowledge base on 16 specialties which can be used by all users. This system will help you improve workflow and staff communication and will streamline your small to mid-size practices’ electronic health records. Since each individual practice has different requirements and needs, pricing varies depending on hardware and licensing. ChartZoom partners with vendors like Allscripts for EMR RFPs.

Advantages

* User friendly, excellent design
* Quality customer support system
* Built in knowledge bases for specialties
* Multi-functional with helpful tools

Disadvantages

* Additional Add-ons may boost the cost of the system
NextGen EMR (Review by Healthcare IT News)

Features: NextGen Healthcare is the leading provider of fully integrated electronic medical records and practice management software. Ideal for the large multi-provider enterprise or a solo practitioner, our award-winning solutions are proven to increase operational efficiencies, improve the quality of patient care and cut costs – all while delivering a healthy return on investment. Featuring the industry’s richest clinical knowledge base, NextGen EMR seamlessly creates electronic medical records. This comprehensive system facilitates clinical workflow and manages all data related to patient care outcomes. NextGen EMR also interfaces with numerous pharmacies, labs and hospitals, enabling practices to coordinate patient care across multiple provider levels. NextGen EMR is integrated with our secure Internet portal, NextMD, enabling providers to communicate with their patients online. Built on Microsoft Windows technology, NextGen EPM streamlines front and back office administration. This powerful system features a diverse range of functionalities designed to meet practices’ registration, scheduling, billing, and reporting needs.
Adaptability: Is your EMR adaptable to both physician workflow and specialty-care areas? NextGen EMR features specific content for a variety of medical specialties.
Functionality: Do you or will you have the following capabilities: e-prescribing, charge capture, management reporting, documentation and charting, clinical results review, and orders (non-med: lab, imaging, etc.)? NextGen EMR currently features all of the above functionality.
Integration: Does your system provide integration with ambulatory billing and acute CDR? NextGen EMR is fully integrated with NextGen EPM (Enterprise Practice Management) to share a single database. NextGen EMR also currently interfaces with more than 25 different practice management systems.
How many implementations have you done for physician offices? Our customer base currently consists of more than 900 practices nationwide.

eClinicalWorks EMR (Review elsewhere on this site)

EPIC EMR (Review elsewhere on this site)

Mysis EMR (Review elsewhere on this site)

Here is a chart from AAFP that provides a nice comparison:

ChartZoom - a Free Online EMR Consultant

Compare EMR software features, prices, and services
It's FREE, easy to use, and there is no obligation to buy!

Physicians and administrators across the country are preparing to make investments in electronic medical records software. The priority for many right now is ensuring that the software they select will be Meaningful Use compliant, as required by ONC for the ARRA funds.

Unfortunately, the Final Rule defining “Meaningful Use” has not been released. In light of this, there are a few considerations as you review EHR software ratings and compare features.

> Many vendors are offering guarantees that their software will be ready to help you meet Meaningful Use. Review the small print but this might helpful in allowing you to proceed now instead of waiting.

> Don’t rely on the EMR software to get you to compliance. While the vendors tout “Meaningful Use” compliance, there will be some necessary workflow changes (CPOE, etc), interfaces (quality reporting, etc), and axillary products (Web Portal, Secure Mail, etc.)

> While the certification process has not been defined, current certifications may offer reassurance that the software will be capable. One of the most notable & trusted certification bodies for the EMR world is CCHIT, so you may want to consider this in your comparison studies.

> Finally, while the incentive is significant, the highest priority has to be to improve patient care. EMR software can help you do this, but it will take careful planning and workflow design to be sure it is actually meaningful for you. When you evaluate solutions, consider how your team will work with each vendor; they will be your partner in this project.

We’ve done much of the research for you. Use the free form below as a starting point. ChartZoom can help you identify EMR software providers that serve your area and have solutions that meet your needs.