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EHR (Electronic Health Record) software is a digital platform used by healthcare providers to manage patient records electronically. It is designed to replace traditional paper-based medical records with a secure, digital system that can be accessed and updated in real-time. EHR software provides a centralized location for tracking and maintaining patient data, which can be accessed by authorized healthcare providers.
Electronic Health Record software or EHR was first invented in 1962, and due to how expensive it was during that period of time, only the government could afford to use them in partnership health organizations. By the year 2000, all practices started using computers to store and manage patient data. In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) was introduced. This guaranteed American patients the right to privacy among other rights regarding their medical history. By 2017, 86% of non-federal acute Healthcare organizations have adopted EHR.
EHR software greatly benefits healthcare organizations, because it improves the quality of patient care, minimizes errors and creates cost efficiencies. It allows healthcare providers to have access to updated patient records, so that patients receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. For example, if a patient is prescribed medication that conflicts with their medical history, the EHR software can alert the healthcare provider, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis or harmful health repercussions.
By eliminating the need for paper-based records, EHR software diminishes the chances of making errors or potentially losing medical records. EHR software also makes it easier to share patient information with other providers involved in the patient's care.
Some of the key features of EHR software include:
- Patient Management: EHR software allows healthcare providers to manage patient records electronically, including demographic information, medical history, diagnoses, and treatment plans. This information can be accessed and updated in real-time, providing healthcare providers with an accurate and up-to-date picture of the patient's health status.
- Clinical Decision Support: EHR software can provide clinical decision support tools, such as alerts and reminders, to help healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient care. For example, EHR software can alert healthcare providers when a patient is due for a preventive screening or when a medication dosage needs to be adjusted.
- Electronic Prescribing: EHR software can be used to prescribe medications electronically, allowing patients to obtain their medication, as the prescription can be sent directly to the pharmacy.
- Secure Messaging: EHR software allows the use of secure messaging tools which allow healthcare providers to exchange notes, share test results, follow-up instructions, answer questions when treating patients.
- Reporting and Analytics: EHR software also provides tools that help healthcare providers to analyze patient data and identify trends and patterns in patient care. For example, EHR software can generate reports on patient outcomes, disease management, or resource utilization.
Now that we've delved into the main functionalities of EHR software, healthcare organizations can decide on which EHR best fits their needs. There are three main types of EHR software: enterprise, SaaS and custom.
1. On Premise enterprise EHR Software 
With an on-premise EHR software, the software is purchased from an EHR vendor and is installed on office services. These EHRs are designed for large healthcare systems that include multiple facilities and a wide range of healthcare providers. This also requires your practice to have servers and other infrastructure on-site such as software and local network connectivity. They do not require a subscription fee, which saves you money in the long-term. However, your practice might need to customize clinical content, templates, reports or other functions.
2. SaaS EHR Software
With a SaaS EHR software, your practice can have access to a SaaS EHR system via the web. This usually requires a monthly or annual subscription. They're also often less customizable than on-premise EHR solutions.
3. Custom EHR
This is the most expensive investment out of the three main types of EHR. But now that there are so many Enterprise EHRs that can be found on the market, building a custom system from the ground up may no longer be required.
There are also three main types of EHR data storage types, which includes:
1. On-Site EHR data storage. This allows for enterprise or custom EHR to store data on in-house servers. This approach allows the practice to closely monitor privacy and security to help ensure that you maintain control of your data. However, this can be extremely expensive, so it is recommended to use this type of storage for larger practices.
2. Offsite server-based EHR data storage: many EHR vendors give you the option to store data on offsite dedicated servers. Via this approach, you can rent space on offsite servers for data storage, which eliminates the need for an in-house server room. This approach allows your practice to maintain control of data without needing to purchase or manage local service. This is also useful if the healthcare organization does not have the staff or expertise to set up and maintain in-house servers.
3. Cloud-based EHR data storage: This type of data storage is most suitable for SaaS EHRs and may be the most cost-efficient approach. Cloud-based storage allows healthcare providers and patients to access data from anywhere with an internet connection in a secure way, all whilst maintaining their privacy. For this approach, companies will have to pay a monthly or annual fee.
There are also many other types of EHR software that are designed for more specific practices.
1. Ambulatory EHR: This type of EHR software is designed for outpatient care settings, such as clinics and physician practices.
2. Inpatient EHR: This type of EHR software is designed for use in hospitals and other inpatient care settings.
3. Specialty-specific EHR: These EHRs are designed for specific medical specialties such as cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics.
4. Open-source EHR: Open-source EHR software is developed and maintained by a community of users and developers, allowing for greater customization and flexibility.
5. Patient portal: Patient portals are web-based EHR systems that allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online.
Some key well known organizations use EHR software to organize their patient data:
1. Mayo Clinic: This nonprofit medical center uses Epic EHR software, which is one of the most widely used EHR systems in the United States.
2. Kaiser Permanente: This integrated healthcare system uses Epic EHR software, as well as its own proprietary EHR system called KP HealthConnect.
3. Cleveland Clinic: This academic medical center uses Epic EHR software.
4. Partners Healthcare: This Massachusetts-based healthcare system uses Epic EHR software.
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine: This academic medical center uses Epic EHR software.
6. Vanderbilt University Medical Center: This medical center uses Epic EHR software.
7. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC): This integrated healthcare system uses its own proprietary EHR system called UPMC EHR.
8. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: This nonprofit academic medical center in Los Angeles uses Epic EHR software.
9. Geisinger Health System: This healthcare system in Pennsylvania uses Epic EHR software.
10. Mount Sinai Health System: This New York-based healthcare system uses Epic EHR software.
Overall, EHR software is an essential tool for modern healthcare providers, as it allows them to manage patient records more efficiently, improve patient safety, and provide higher quality care. By providing a centralized location for storing and managing patient information, EHR software helps to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time, improving their health outcomes and quality of life.