Small and single medical practices often think that there is no need for EMR software (Electronic medical records software). However, contrary to popular belief, EMR software doesn't have to be so expensive that it's out of reach. In fact, the cost savings for using EMR software may far exceed the cost of not having one in place. This is because with the right system, the operational costs of the practice increases.

For example, when patient appointments are managed manually, they tend to be rather disorganized. Often times, patients forget about their medical appointments. So they fail to turn up. The doctor thus end up having free time slots, which is not good.

Software can help manage and schedule patient appointments. One glance at today's schedule, and the doctor (or staff) will know what is coming up ahead. Staff may even call or send text messages to remind patients to turn up for appointments. This will lead to less canceled appointments. If a patient can't make it to a scheduled appointment, there should still be enough time to call another patient and fill in that empty slot. In this way, appointments are organized in a much better manner.

Then there is the constant problem of bill collection. Patient bills can be paid by the patient themselves, or they can be settled by insurance claims. Either way, you will need software to help manage all the billing issues. Expected revenue is different from realized revenue. That means what your practice has managed to collect is different from the amount that you expect to make. This affects the overall cash flow of your medical practice. You may have plans to grow your practice for the next two to three years, but without accurate revenue projections, you have nothing to base your plans on. You will find that when the time comes to spend some money to grow the practice, your plans may have to be delayed due to cash flow reasons.

EMR software helps to streamline work-flow processes, and keep all medical and financial records in a well organized fashion. Now, with EMR software, you can truly transition to a "paperless" office thru electronic fax receiving, electronic e-prescribing, electronic lab results, and the electronic note and medical record.

Now that we have established the need for EMR software, let's take a look at some key features to look out for when evaluable such software.

The first thing to look for is ease of use. Yours is a medical practice. So chances are, your staff are probably not the most tech savvy. Therefore, the software must be easy enough for them to know how to use.

Comprehensive tools - you need all the tools you can get your hands on to help with the operational challenges that you are facing. These include documentation tools, work-flow features, communication features, insurance billing; e-prescribing; document scanning and imaging; vital signs; patient family history; and of course recording the SOAP note. At a minimum, your emr software selection MUST be CCHIT certified, and preferably, certified for each year.