Is It Time to Update Your Electronic Medical Records Software?

Updated on August 9, 2021

Electronic medical records, or EMR, have been a major boost to healthcare providers. They make it so much simpler to keep and record notes, recalling them in seconds, and it means you don’t need to rent huge storage spaces to keep your old records. However, as with all types of software, EMR needs to be updated from time to time, ensuring you get the most out of your system. So, how do you know when it’s time to search for new EMR software?

Staying secure

There have been a number of high-profile data breaches in recent years, and while it’s annoying to get your e-mail address or credit card number stolen, imagine the damage that could happen if patient records were breached. It’s important to educate yourself on the potential for medical data breaches and to ensure your software is secure. Older systems and software that hasn’t been updated can easily become a target for hackers, causing damage to your reputation and untold distress to patients. 

Productivity

It’s difficult for staff to be productive if your system is old or out of date. Slow computers can cost two hours a week of lost productivity, and if your software is clunky or difficult to use, then that’s more time that staff are wasting that could be spent on patient care. Many tasks can now be done online, from ordering the best equipment from www.kentexpress.co.uk, a dental supplier in the UK, to looking up data on rare conditions, so it’s important that both your hardware and software are the best they can be.

New advances in EMR mean that your staff can automate more tasks, from billing to making recurring appointments. When your software deals with these repetitive admin tasks, this frees up staff hours for more important things.

Upgrading your service

Patients are expecting more and more from their healthcare providers, and they don’t want to wait when they have a query or want access to their information. Some providers are now integrating apps with their EMR software, allowing for patients to access their medical records securely, book appointments, or even have remote consultations with their doctor, which can be beneficial for both parties.

EMR is also useful for billing, helping to create greater transparency around healthcare costs. Newer EMR systems can help you advise patients on the best course of treatment based on their insurance options, so they aren’t left with big out of pocket bills. Insurance can be complex and is often difficult for doctors and healthcare providers to understand, so anything that can help is worth it.

Final Verdict

There are lots of signs that your EMR software might need updating, whether it’s because your old software is becoming slow and difficult to use, or because you want to offer a new level of service to patients. Investing in a robust EMR like Calysta will help your practice go paperless, improve productivity, and improve staff morale, making it easier to focus on the important task of caring for your patients. Schedule your free Calysta trial and witness growth in the overall productivity and efficiency of your services right away.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.