Get Live Chat Request a Callback Get live demo

← Back

Don’t Cut Corners When Evaluating Practice Management Software

EMR/EHR

Practice management software is one of the most integral parts of your entire clinical operation, but far too often providers and office managers—who have a lot on their plates already—don’t put in enough time evaluating software to find the one that truly meets your needs. There are a lot of choices out there, and sometimes it’s hard to know which one is going to be best for your clinic. While the software evaluation phase can be stressful, here are a few places where you definitely don’t want to cut corners in the process.

Cost vs Benefit

Medical practice management system price tags can vary quite a bit, with everything from extremely budget-friendly systems that lack some of the key features you might need to systems with all the bells and whistles (at a much higher price) that you may or may not ever use. There are also systems designed specifically for large, multi-site hospital systems with hundreds of providers; while these systems often come with slick sales pitches, they may not meet the unique needs of a small clinic with just a solo provider or a few partners.

The sheer volume of choices may feel overwhelming, so narrow it down to just software designed for small, medium, and independent practices. Next, document key challenges you encounter to determine what features will be most important as you get started. Consider a “modular” system that allows you to start with the basics that you need today at a lower up-front cost, then add more functionality later as your needs change or as you get more comfortable with the software.

Integration

Another area where you definitely don’t want to cut corners is with integration. Many practice management systems were built for a very narrow and specific purpose. While they may advertise “integration”, check to see what that integration looks like and whether it’s a series of patches and workarounds to try and integrate systems that were not previously connected. If so, you may run into frustrating delays later. Look for a full suite of programs designed to integrated seamlessly.

Analytics

Since most office managers and providers aren’t data analysts, it’s important to have a software program that helps you build the reports you need to make good business and clinical decisions and doesn’t require a data analytics advanced degree. Look for pre-built templates and easy-to-use customization for specific reports you want or need. Don’t gloss over this during software evaluation; get detailed information and sample reports from the software provider and ask about a hands-on demo where you can create your own reports to make sure it’s easy and intuitive.

Support

Finally, don’t cut corners on the tech support, especially if you don’t have an in-house IT team. Most medical practice software today is cloud-based, so you won’t need servers to house the data, but you may still encounter issues from time to time. Make sure the company offers full technical support that is easy and accessible.

AdvancedMD offers an integrated suite of software solutions that you can build to suit your specific clinic needs. Talk to us today to learn more.

 



Topic: EMR/EHR


Other Resources Related to This Topic


EMR/EHR

EHR for the Private Practice : A Beginner’s Guide

This ebook from AdvancedMD shows how an effective EHR platform can drive efficiencies across your...

EMR/EHR

A case for EHR: 5 myths of remaining status quo

When considering EHR, practices often remain status quo because it seems easier and less expensive...

EMR/EHR

The State of Electronic Health Records in 2024

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized modern healthcare by transforming how patient information is stored,...

“The money I have invested in AdvancedMD is miniscule compared to the return. I have never been more efficient – ever – in my professional life as I am now.”

Jed Shay, MD
The Pain Care Center

Read the story  ›

“[Our] patients are very well-educated and well-informed, and they want to see results quickly. The practice has to run extremely efficiently and be accessible to them. The nice thing about [AdvancedMD] is it has allowed me to be more efficient both in and out of the office. Now I don’t have to come back into the office, which is great for my family and everything else. It saves me a lot of time – probably an hour a day on the three days I work in the second office.”

Keith Berkowitz, MD
Center for Balanced Health

Read the story  ›
Estaban Lavato, MD - La Loma Medical Center

“The best thing I ever did in private practice was getting AdvancedMD—it has liberated me.”

Estaban Lavato, MD
La Loma Medical Center

“Having integrated practice management and EHR is absolutely wonderful, you don’t have to flip back and forth between systems—all of your information is at hand when needed.”

Raju Raval, MD

Read the story  ›