With the complexity of managing intricate and often unstructured patient data, alongside the increasing demands for administrative seamlessness and heightened security protocols, having a robust Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems is crucial for healthcare institutions.
EMR and EHR software development stand out as a pivotal factor for enhancing patient care through efficient data management. You can find out about the impact that the electronic health record system has on patient outcomes from the infographic below.
We at Riseapps have been building EHR and EMR software since 2016, and therefore, we want to share our experience of creating such systems that meet the nuanced needs of healthcare organizations. We delve into critical features tailored for medical practices and hospitals, discuss the pros and cons of custom versus ready-made solutions, and outline compliance nuances crucial for successful EMR and EHR system development.
Additionally, we break down the steps for building such systems and highlight integrations that can significantly reduce development costs.
EMR/EHR Software Development Highlights
Patient Data Management Challenges
Healthcare professionals are well aware of the key challenges in patient data management that significantly impact healthcare facilities. These challenges include handling complex, unstructured patient data and the administrative overload that often accompanies traditional management systems.
Coordination across various specialties frequently lacks seamlessness, which is crucial for comprehensive care. Additionally, ensuring the security of health data remains a paramount concern.
EHR Development vs. EMR Development: The Differences
While EMR (Electronic Medical Record) and EHR (Electronic Health Record) are terms often used interchangeably, it’s essential to understand their differences.
An EMR is a digital version of a patient’s chart and is confined to a single facility, housing all medical data but not designed for sharing outside the facility. In contrast, an EHR provides a more comprehensive record, encompassing the medical data, designed for easy sharing across multiple healthcare providers.
Briefly about EMR Development
EMR software focuses on digitizing the medical records within a specific health facility, capturing essential data such as medical history and treatment records. This system is pivotal for healthcare providers to manage patient data efficiently, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and allowing more time for patient care.
However, unlike EHR, the scope of EMR systems is limited to the facility in which they are installed, which can restrict the sharing of patient information with other healthcare providers, potentially hindering coordinated care.
EHR Development in a Nutshell
EHR systems are developed to enhance the interoperability of health data, facilitating the seamless real-time transfer of patient information between different healthcare institutions. This capability allows healthcare providers to access a patient’s complete medical history from various sources, ensuring more informed and timely medical decisions.
Development of EHR systems also includes features like patient portals, which empower patients by giving them direct access to their medical histories, thus promoting greater patient engagement in their healthcare processes.
By understanding these systems’ distinct roles and capabilities, healthcare organizations can better decide which type of system—EMR or EHR—is most suitable for their specific needs. At Riseapps, we are committed to guiding and aiding in the development of both EMR and EHR systems tailored to the unique requirements of each healthcare facility, ensuring they are equipped with the right tools to manage patient data effectively and securely.
Ready-Made or Custom Systems with EHR/EMR Software Developers?
When considering development of EHR and EMR systems, healthcare facility decision-makers face a critical decision: should they opt for a custom solution tailored to their specific needs or choose a ready-made system that might be quicker to deploy but less personalized?
At Riseapps, we understand the nuances involved in this decision and aim to provide insights that help you make the best choice for your organization.
Ready-Made EHR/EMR Systems
The indisputable advantage of ready-made EHR/EMR systems is that they are lower in initial cost and faster to implement. In addition, a solid vendor ensures that its out-of-the-box EMR or EHR software follows industry best practices. If your healthcare organization is just getting started, using common patterns may be helpful for you.
At the same time, ready-off-the-shelf EHR/EMR software products bring their own set of challenges:
1. Such systems often feature a preset configuration of features that may not perfectly align with your healthcare practice’s specific workflows.
2. Software customization of these pre-configured systems can lead to increased costs, and the inflexibility may hinder the efficiency of your operations.
3. Furthermore, the dependency on the vendor for updates and the potential mismatch with your specific business processes can be significant drawbacks.
4. Ready-made solutions may also impose limitations on the scalability and customization of the system, which can impede the growth and adaptability of your healthcare practice.
Custom EHR/EMR Software Systems
The cost and duration of custom EHR software development are the main reasons why a healthcare organization may not consider developing an EHR solution from scratch.
Meanwhile, building your own EMR or EHR system offers several distinct advantages:
1. A custom-built system is created specifically for your healthcare organization and is adapted to all the features and subtleties of its processes. Such an approach contributes to streamline workflows and speed up decision-making. As a result, medical personnel can carry less of the administrative burden and focus more on patient needs.
2. Additionally, a custom EHR system enables robust healthcare data security measures tailored to your specific requirements. This ensures compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and other relevant regulations, safeguarding electronic health records against breaches and unauthorized access.
3. It should also be taken into account that it is more convenient for medical professionals to use a comprehensive software product than many separate apps. Therefore, it often makes sense to combine functionality for EMR or EHR data with other features on one platform. For example, combining an electronic medical record system with a patient portal or remote patient monitoring module is only possible in custom EMR or EHR solutions.
With custom EHR software, healthcare organizations are equipped with the right tools to deliver superior patient care, fostering stronger doctor- patient communication and more personalized care.
4. Moreover, custom EHR software allows seamless integration with other healthcare systems and third-party applications, enhancing care coordination and keeping your practice at the forefront of technical innovation. This improved interoperability ensures smooth data exchange between different departments and facilities, which is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Making the Right Choice for Healthcare Providers
The decision to build or buy should be based on a thorough understanding of your organization’s specific needs and the long-term benefits of each option.
For healthcare facilities with unique requirements or those looking to integrate advanced technologies and maintain high levels of data security, a custom EHR software development may be the more suitable choice. However, for smaller practices with limited budgets and immediate software needs, a ready-made solution might suffice.
Thus, the choice between off-the-shelf and custom EHR/EMR systems is completely based on the specifics of the healthcare organization. However, many of them are reaching a point in their growth where the benefit of scaling and advancing workflows outweighs the effort and expense of building EHR or EMR software from scratch.
A Real-Life Example of a Custom HIPAA-Compliant EHR Software
The Wound Pros case study by Riseapps is an example of a HIPAA-compliant Electronic Health Record (EHR) platform. The project involved the development of a custom EHR system for The Wound Pros, a healthcare provider specializing in wound care management.
This case is noteworthy because it reflects the evolution of healthcare organization approaches to electronic health record systems. For some time, The Wound Pros used a third-party SaaS platform for work collaboration and information management. However, as the company grew, covering more facility entities, implementing AI technologies, and becoming a Medicare Part B Biller, the ready-made software solution stopped meeting its needs.
By engaging Riseapps to build an EHR system, the client aimed to facilitate the use of complex medical data by transferring it to a new intuitive web platform. The Wound Pros needed comprehensive custom EHR solutions, including a web platform for hospitals and clinics and a mobile app for medical professionals.
The functionality of the new software product was also expected to be comprehensive, covering not only the storage and management of health records but also the management of medical facilities and patient interactions. Another project challenge was to provide mobile friendliness and cross-platform for the EHR software, which should run equally well on user devices of all types.
Riseapps EHR developers have created a scalable and robust architecture for the transfer, storage, and management of PHI (Protected Health Information) and have ensured 100% HIPAA-compliance of EHR software.
Our team developed an EHR system to meet the specific needs of The Wound Pros, including the ability to track wound progress, generate reports for insurance billing, schedule appointments, manage medication, and communicate securely.
Cross-platform and mobile-friendly EHR system with web-based platform and mobile app has reduced errors and streamlined workflows in healthcare organization. The Wound Pros case study demonstrates the benefits of using custom EHR software platforms to improve patient care, increase efficiency, and support regulatory compliance in the healthcare industry.
EHR/EMR Software Development: Core and Advanced Features
In developing EHR/EMR systems, it’s essential to incorporate comprehensive functionalities that streamline operations and enhance patient care quality.
We’ll illustrate the core and advanced features of EHR and EMR software using images from the EHR platform you’re already familiar with, The Wound Pros.
Must-have Functionality of EHR Systems
Medical Data Entry and Patient Management
Ensuring accurate and efficient entry of patient data is fundamental. This includes maintaining detailed patient histories and profiles which are crucial for delivering personalized patient care.
E-prescribing and Order Entry
Facilitates the seamless electronic generation of prescriptions and medical orders, reducing errors and improving treatment efficiency.
Appointment Scheduling
Integrated systems for scheduling help manage patient appointments efficiently, reducing wait times and improving service delivery.
Compliance Tracking and Clinical Dashboard
Essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and providing healthcare professionals with a centralized view of critical patient data and analytics.
Role-based Access Control and Task Management
These features ensure that sensitive patient data is accessible only to authorized personnel, enhancing security while optimizing task distribution and management.
Automated Reporting
This feature supports the generation of detailed reports, aiding in decision-making and strategic planning.
Transfer of Patient and Practice Information
Facilitates the smooth transition of patient information across various healthcare systems, which is critical for coordinated care.
Nice-to-have Features of EHR Solutions
Beyond the essentials, additional sophisticated features designed to further enhance the functionality and user experience of EHR/EMR systems may also be provided:
Multi-Tenant Mode with Tenant-Oriented Customization
Allows for personalized adjustments to meet the specific needs of different tenants within the system.
Integrated Software for Smart Analytics and Automated Regulatory Compliance
Helps in making informed decisions based on data-driven insights and ensures adherence to healthcare regulations.
User-Focused Interfaces and Context-Driven Tools with Multiple Input Modes
Enhances user engagement and operational efficiency through intuitive design and versatile input options.
Automated Alerts and Telemedicine Compatibility
Keeps healthcare providers updated on critical patient alerts and supports remote patient care.
Mobile Adaptability and Population Health Handling
Ensures that the system is accessible on various mobile devices and capable of managing population health data effectively.
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) Support and Health Information Exchange (HIE) Integration
These advanced tools aid in clinical decision-making and ensure seamless data exchange across different health platforms.
Billing and Revenue Cycle Management
Streamlines billing processes and manages the financial aspects of healthcare delivery, ensuring profitability and efficiency.
Quality Assurance and Reporting
Monitors and ensures the quality of healthcare services, providing comprehensive reports for performance evaluation.
EHR/EMR Software Features for Practices vs Hospitals
It is also important to take into account the diversity of healthcare facilities, where there are specialized medical practices, large hospitals, and networks of medical facilities.
The specificity of the needs of each type of organization is fully expressed in the subtleties of building EHR/EMR systems.
Therefore, for example, when building EHR software for small practices and specialized clinics, robust support for standard procedures such as appointments or prescriptions and the convenience of apps for interaction with patients have primary importance.
At the same time, hospitals are prioritizing the features of instant data exchange between different specialized units, receiving information from other medical facilities, and the ability to store and process large EHR arrays.
Compliance in the Electronic Health Record Development: 10 Nuances for Consideration
HL7 (Health Level 7) Standards
Health Level 7 (HL7) standards are crucial in the interoperability and exchange of electronic health information. They provide a framework and related standards for the exchange, integration, sharing, and retrieval of electronic health information that supports clinical practice and the management, delivery, and evaluation of health services.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides standards for the security of patient data. According to this act, all organizations must implement all necessary physical, network, and process measures to ensure the security of protected health information (PHI).
These obligations apply to healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and business associates of those entities that process health information. HIPAA compliance of electronic medical record system or electronic health record system is a necessary condition for using such healthcare software in the healthcare industry in the US.
ONC (ONC-ATCB) EHR Certification
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) Health IT Certification Program ensures that Certified Health Information Technology meets the technological capability, functionality, and security requirements adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This certification is vital for healthcare providers aiming to demonstrate compliance with federal health IT standards and requirements.
CCHIT
CCHIT (Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology) was an independent, not-for-profit group focused on advancing health information technology. It had established a comprehensive certification process for electronic health records and their networks, ensuring compliance with established standards.
HITECH
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act supports the development of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure. It emphasizes the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) by healthcare providers through increased privacy and security protections for healthcare data.
O-EMRAM (HIMSS)
The HIMSS Analytics EMR Adoption Model (EMRAM) includes methodologies and algorithms to score hospitals around the world relative to their Electronic Medical Records (EMR) capabilities. This model is used to track EMR progress and maturity.
CCPA
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) guarantees California residents privacy and consumer protection rights. Healthcare organizations handling the data of California residents must comply with this regulation to enhance data privacy and consumer protection.
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict guidelines on the collection, storage, and processing of personal information of individuals within the European Union. Healthcare organizations handling EU residents’ data must ensure GDPR compliance, which includes robust measures to protect data privacy.
ISO
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards like ISO 13606, ISO 18308, and ISO 27001 provide guidelines for health informatics – Electronic Health Record Communication, architecture for systems in health informatics, and information security management systems, respectively. These standards are crucial for ensuring the reliability and security of health informatics systems.
HITRUST CSF
The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) Common Security Framework (CSF) is a certifiable framework that harmonizes various regulations and standards into a comprehensive set of security controls. HITRUST certification shows the level of security and compliance in an organization.
Basic Security Rules for EMR and EHR System Development
Adherence to the above standards and regulations related to healthcare software increases the security of EMR/EHR systems. In the arsenal of modern healthcare software development, there are enough technical measures to prevent unauthorized access, for example, to medical history or other sensitive data of EMR/EHR software.
Implementing basic security measures such as end-to-end Patient Identification Code (PCI) encryption, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access management is the cornerstone of EHR and EMR software development. According to the best practices for creating EHR/EMR systems, these measures help protect against unauthorized access and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of healthcare data.
Building an EHR System in 6 Steps: Breakdown
Step 1. Discovery Stage
The initial step in crafting a tailored EHR system involves a comprehensive discovery phase, where we assess the existing workflows and readiness for digital transition. This stage is crucial for understanding the specific needs of your healthcare facility and planning the future state of your data management. It helps identify the essential features that your EHR system must have, ensuring that the system aligns with your operational requirements and enhances efficiency.
Step 2. Gathering of Requirements
Once the discovery stage provides a clear picture of the needs, we move to the meticulous gathering of requirements. This process involves engaging with medical staff to understand their daily operations and pain points, which helps in outlining the necessary functionalities, user roles, data flows, and integration points of the EHR system.
Step 3. Roadmapping
Following the requirements gathering, we develop a detailed roadmap. This includes setting a project timeline, defining milestones, and establishing a clear plan with well-defined steps for the EHR system’s development. This roadmap serves as a guide to keep all stakeholders aligned and ensures that the project progresses smoothly towards its goals.
Step 4. Software Development and Design
The software development and design phase starts with creating initial prototypes, which are then refined based on feedback from end-users, typically clinicians. This iterative process helps in fine-tuning the EHR system to meet the specific needs of the healthcare facility. The development phase also includes the integration of the EHR system with existing healthcare applications to ensure seamless data flow and functionality.
Step 5. Testing
Before the EHR system can go live, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that all functionalities work correctly and securely. This stage is vital to verify that the system adheres to all medical regulations and compliance requirements, including HIPAA and GDPR, to safeguard patient information.
Step 6. Deployment and Support
The final step involves deploying the EHR system within your healthcare IT infrastructure. This includes setting up the system on servers, migrating data from previous platforms, and ensuring interoperability with necessary applications.
The migration process requires careful planning, data mapping, and testing to ensure data integrity and accuracy. As experience shows, it is necessary to use automated tools and scripts to extract, transform, and load the data, minimizing manual intervention and reducing the risk of errors.
After deployment, extensive support and maintenance are provided to address any issues that arise and to update the system based on user feedback. Additionally, comprehensive training is provided to all users to ensure smooth adoption and effective use of the new system.
How Riseapps software developers built a Mobile & web platform for healthcare organizations and patients
The Kego case study by Riseapps is a successful example of how the medical software platform deals with sensitive clinical data.
Kego is a US-located remote emergency care clinic. Riseapps helped build a system from scratch, which consists of a web app and three mobile apps and connects healthcare providers with patients. The platform has improved the quality of care for Kego’s patients, enabling healthcare providers to access up-to-date and accurate medical information more easily.
Through Kego, patients have continuous, easy access to their medical charts and information regarding interactions with healthcare organizations. To do this, we developed a clear UI and categorized data.
When creating the platform infrastructure, Riseapps engineers provided cloud storage, where all records made by Kego apps go. We also crafted and configured the backend for fast and secure data exchange between apps and the database.
As in every project for a healthcare client operating in the US, we took care of enhanced security of protected health information (PHI) and ensured HIPAA compliance of the medical software.
7 Integrations to Cut EMR and EHR System Development Costs by 30%
Integrating various systems into EMR and EHR software development is not just about enhancing functionality — it’s also a strategic move to significantly reduce costs.
By focusing on the right integrations, healthcare facilities can streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and ensure that the most critical data is accessible when and where it’s needed. Below, we explore seven key integrations that can help cut EMR and EHR system development costs by up to 30%.
Lab Information Systems
Integrating lab information systems (LIS) with EMRs can significantly reduce interface fees and the need for extensive IT resources. Many laboratories reduce costs by utilizing interface management platforms with built-in connectivity to top EHRs, which can decrease deployment speeds and support costs, allowing laboratories to focus on business growth and efficiency.
Practice Management Systems
Seamless integration with practice management systems ensures that demographic and insurance information received by labs is consistent with the data in the EHR. This integration saves time by pulling demographic data directly into lab requisitions at the time of order, enhancing provider satisfaction and reducing administrative burdens.
Medical Billing Applications
Integrating EHRs with medical billing applications streamlines the billing process by ensuring that all patient health information required for billing is easily accessible and accurately reflected in claims. This integration helps in avoiding unnecessary or duplicate tests, thus reducing costs.
Customer Relationship Management Systems
Integrating customer relationship management (CRM) systems with EHRs can enhance patient management by ensuring that all patient interactions are tracked and analyzed for improved service delivery. This integration supports healthcare providers by providing a comprehensive view of patient engagements.
E-Prescribing Software
E-prescribing integration not only enhances patient safety by reducing medication errors but also cuts costs by improving prescription accuracy and reducing the time spent on managing prescription refills. This system checks for drug interactions at the point of prescribing, which is crucial for patient safety and cost efficiency.
Pharmacy Management Systems
Integrating pharmacy management systems with EHRs ensures that prescriptions are filled accurately and efficiently. This integration allows for electronic refill requests and routine questions to be managed through the system rather than via phone calls, saving significant time and reducing errors.
Imaging Systems
By leveraging integrations with medical imaging tools, healthcare facilities can not only enhance their operational efficiency but also achieve significant cost reductions in EMR and EHR system development. These integrations ensure that the systems are not only comprehensive but also cost-effective, addressing the dual needs of modern healthcare facilities. This approach provides healthcare professionals with quick access to critical diagnostic tools, enhancing patient care and reducing operational costs.
How we integrated the imaging tool with EMR software
RxPhoto is a case study by Riseapps that showcases the integration of imaging medical solutions with Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). The project aimed to develop a mobile app that enables doctors to capture, store, and manage medical images.
The RxPhoto solution allows medical professionals to take clinical photos using a mobile app, which are then securely stored and easily accessible within the patient’s EMR. For EMRs, integration with the RxPhoto tool eliminates the need for separate imaging systems and manual entry of visual data into medical records, reducing errors and saving time and funds, streamlining workflows and improving care.
The described case study highlights the benefits of integrating EMRs with imaging solutions. Among them is reducing the cost of EMR software development and operating expenses. In turn, quick and convenient access for physicians to complete patient information is crucial for patient management.
By creating RxPhoto medical software, Riseapps developers ensured HIPAA compliance, maintaining patient privacy and security.
EMR and EHR Software Development Costs
What Determines Pricing for EHR and EMR Development
Understanding the pricing for EHR and EMR software development is crucial for healthcare facility decision-makers. Several factors influence the cost:
Practice Size
The size of the practice significantly impacts costs. Larger practices may face higher costs due to increased data storage and management needs .
Feature Requirements
The complexity and range of features needed, from basic patient management to advanced telemedicine capabilities, directly affect the price. More features necessitate higher costs.
Customization and Integration
Customizing the software to integrate seamlessly with existing systems like billing or laboratory systems introduces additional costs .
User Licensing
Costs also vary based on the type of user licenses required and the number of users. Deciding between named, concurrent, or role-based licenses is essential for cost management .
Deployment Model
Choices between on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid models have distinct financial implications. On-premises deployments may involve upfront hardware costs, whereas cloud solutions typically operate on a subscription basis .
Support and Training
Effective training and ongoing support are vital for maximizing the benefits of EMR systems but come at an additional cost .
Data Migration
Transitioning from paper records or another EMR system requires budgeting for data migration services, which can vary based on the amount of data and complexity of the migration process .
Compliance Costs
Ensuring that the EMR software complies with regulations like HIPAA may incur additional costs for implementing necessary security measures.
EMR and EHR Software Development Services Packages by Riseapps
At Riseapps, we tailor our software development services to meet the specific needs of healthcare facilities, ensuring a strategic approach to EMR and EHR development.
Our comprehensive service packages include:
Project Discovery
Riseapps offers the Project Discovery service package to those medical facilities that need to comprehensively discuss the idea of EMR / EHR software and model its operating environment.
Discovery as the initial project phase is substantial for aligning our development efforts with your operational needs.
We begin by assessing your current systems and requirements to define the scope and objectives of the project. Our experts help you refine the product vision, decide on project priorities, and ensure that none of the essential functional or non-functional requirements have been overlooked.
After Discovery, your project will acquire clear features. Determining the scope, requirements, and regulatory conditions, as well as the availability of estimates and a roadmap, allow you to start building EMR / EHR software quickly.
Project Discovery can also cover the design of your EMR or EHR solution.
The Project Discovery & Design package provides a UI audit, if you already have one, and the provision of appropriate recommendations. Also, you can get web and mobile UI interfaces, UX architecture, and UX flows.
Proof of Concept (PoC) Development
Before full-scale development, of your choice, we can create a PoC to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution. The PoC service package from Riseapps allows you to verify the main ideas that are the basis of the conceived healthcare software.
Such an approach helps to reduce the probability of false steps in the subsequent stages of the project. We build and test the prototype, which enables you to validate the concept, refine the requirements based on practical insights, and more accurately assess potential project risks.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Development
Developing an MVP allows you to launch a functional version of the software with essential features. This approach enables project participants to gather user feedback early in the process and make necessary adjustments. The results of thorough testing and compliance analysis show whether the development of custom EMR or EHR software is moving in the right direction.
Full-Scale Development
After the successful completion of the Discovery, PoC, and MVP stages, it can be considered that your healthcare organization is fully prepared for full-scale EMR or EHR software development.
Our EHR developers provide the software product with a complete set of features according to documentation agreed by stakeholders. To the functionality implemented in MVP, we typically add advanced security measures and payment, notification, analysis, and reporting functions. This phase also includes rigorous testing and quality assurance to ensure the software meets all clinical and regulatory standards.
However, your medical practice or facility may be ready to start developing a full product version, bypassing the creation of a PoC or MVP. This is often the case if your team has been running their own legacy or out-of-the-box solution for a long time and, therefore, you have a clear product vision. In such projects, in addition to software development, we also focus on the correct transfer of stored health data to a new EMR or EHR platform and integrations with existing information software systems.
Our flexible development packages are designed to accommodate the unique needs and budget constraints of different healthcare facilities. By choosing Riseapps for your EMR and EHR software development, you benefit from our expertise in creating customized solutions that enhance operational efficiency and patient care quality.
FAQ
What exactly is EMR/EHR software?
EMR (Electronic Medical Records) and EHR (Electronic Health Records) software are computer systems designed to help healthcare providers manage patient medical records and automate clinical workflows.
What type of software is used to manage health data?
Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are essential for managing health data, offering healthcare organizations a detailed view of a patient’s medical history, which includes diagnoses, medications, allergies, lab results, and more.
Can you give an example of how EHR systems benefit patients?
EHR systems enhance patient care by reducing medical errors through more accurate and clearer medical records, ensuring health information is readily available, minimizing redundant tests, decreasing treatment delays, and empowering patients to make better health decisions.
