Dermatology EMR Software Buyers Guide
Last updated: December 06, 2023
How to choose a Dermatology EMR software for Your Medical Practice?
The world in which medical practitioners operate doesn't stay the same. New procedures, technology, and discoveries give doctors an exciting but challenging, fluid work environment. If technology wants to live up to expectations, it has to compensate for this. If it doesn't, it's not worth the money you're paying.
One excellent example of this is when picking Electronic Health Record for a dermatologist or dermatology practice. Firstly, this field has seen some changes over the past few years. Many procedures previously handled by beauticians and spas, now become dermatologist services. And of course, these practices play central roles in the ongoing battle against cancer, as skin cancer is so prevalent.
Doctors become busier and need technology to help you cope with the increasing workload. The software you use also has to cater to all these unique procedures. The electronic medical record (EMR) market space for dermatology practices can be confusing if you consider multiple vendors that offer diversified features and cater to different practice sizes. We have created this guide to help you understand what should be in the consideration list for buyers. Contents of the guide include:
- What Is Dermatology EMR Software?
- Standard Features of Dermatology EMR Software
- Basic dermatology templates
- Benefits
- EMR Software by Practice Size
- Cost of Dermatology EHR Software
- Tips to consider when choosing an EMR Vendor
- Market Trends to Understand
- Top vendors in the specialty
What Is Dermatology EMR Software?
Cosmetic Surgeons and Dermatologists have unique Electronic Medical Record needs specific to their specialty. They rely mostly on visual cues – graphical integration is a must-have in dermatology-specific systems. Around 50 EMR vendors cater to dermatology practices, but only a handful are dermatology-specific. It is essential to know that no medical systems are created equal. So, users must evaluate multiple dermatology emr software, even those multi-specialty vendors that offer functionality and templates specifically for dermatologists.
Standard Features of Dermatology EHR
| Medical Billing | Medical Billing software or modules monitor the submission of insurance claims and the development of patient statements. Key features include e-claim submissions, claim scrubbing, payment posting, reporting, eligibility inquiry, and coding. |
| Radiology Information Systems | A radio information system (RIS) automates the operations and workflow of radiology imaging centers. These EHR systems or modules manage the entire process of operating, distributing, and storing patient medical images and data. |
| Electronic medical records | Electronic Medical Record Systems help users in creating and storing patient medical records electronically. Users can track patient histories, medications, demographics, notes. Quality EHR software also offers voice recognition, lab integration, device integration, and tablet support. |
| Patient scheduling | Patient Scheduling automates the entire process of scheduling. Key features of a scheduling module include sending reminders through text messages, email, and phone, multi-location support, automated follow-ups. |
| Picture archiving and communications system | PACS helps users in managing, storing, and retrieving DICOM images. These systems are mostly used in conjunction with a Radio Information System (RIS) to improve the radiology workflow. |
Other than basic functionalities which include electronic medical records, inventory management, scheduling, and billing features —dermatologists should also evaluate their Electronic Medical Record systems for the following dermatology-specific tools and features:
Dermatology-specific EMR templates
Generic Electronic Medical Record systems include templates that dermatologists might not need, but they could be missing on the ones that would make charting easier. The right software will have templates for psoriasis, acne, skin cancer, other immune-mediated cosmetic treatments, and skin diseases.
Before and after photo comparisons
The Electronic Medical Record system for dermatologists should be capable of storing before and after photos of patients. It should also be able to integrate seamlessly with a user's imaging systems and digital cameras. Users must also have the option to draw directly on photos, demonstrating the procedure to the patient quickly.
Graphical charting
Graphical documentation of treatments and diagnoses is crucial for high visual specialties. Dermatology EHR software must allow digital-pen or touchscreen drawings so that users can identify the location of treatment.
E&M coding assistance
A hotlist for dermatology codes rather than a list with all ICD-10 codes will make a dermatologist's life simpler.
Inventory Management
An integrated inventory management system helps practices manage, stock, dispense and sell vaccines, DME, and much more. It reduces any supply management issue faced by a medical practice, especially healthcare organizations with multiple locations. A sound inventory management system will have features ranging from the point of sale, inventory dashboard, Lot and expiration tracking to sales commission tracking, as well as barcode scanning and printing.
Teledermatology
Running a practice in the 21st century requires using the internet safely with the help of useful telemedicine tools to establish second opinions, follow up with individuals, and exchange knowledge about chronic skin conditions.
Dermatology workflow management
Your EMR system must adapt to the workflow of your dermatology practice. Step-by-step processes help with mapping, diagnosis, surgery, and interpretation to improve accuracy and minimize errors, thus integrating seamlessly into an EMR without affecting the interaction with the patients.
Basic dermatology software templates
Some electronic medical record vendors offer thousands of charting templates to help you improve patient care. Users can easily modify and edit pre-existing templates to fit their workflows or even create their own.
- Medicare and wellness exams
- Abscess
- Actinic Keratosis
- General physical exam
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Review of systems
- Acne
- Biopsy
- Actinic Keratosis
- Botox
- Blister
- Bunion
- Cryosurgery
- Cold sore
- Cyst
- Dermatitis
- Herpes
- Eczema
- Keloid
- Ingrown nail
- Lesion excision
- Laser Hair Removal
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Mole removal
- Neurologic exam
- Psoriasis
- Pilonidal abscess
- Rash
- Surgery
- Suture laceration
- Shingles
- Total skin exam
- Tinea versicolor
- Ulcer
- Warts
Dermatology EHR Software Benefits
- Dermatology-specific Electronic Medical Record systems allow users to capture and share patient data securely and quickly. These Dermatology EHR help you and your staff to easily document patient data using various data entry options, including point & click, handwriting recognition, and voice recognition. Once users enter data into a data is EHR, they can use various intuitive search functionalities to search the entire patient database based on specific requirements.
- Users don't have to look for missing charts.
- It updates staff about patient health information - alerts staff about patient's health maintenance, drug-drug interactions, allergies, and more.
- Users can communicate seamlessly with other medical facilities. They can easily share data with a physician, laboratory, or pharmacy. Multiple interfaces within the system improve inter-office collaboration, communication, and overall patient care.
- Dermatologists can practice medical billing more efficiently. They can confidently charge the right level of service based on encounter using the software's built-in E&M coding. For fast reimbursements, users can convert billable paper claims and EDI.
EMR Software by Practice Size
Since each practice has an adaptability requirement, we should know that every EMR Software can't cater to every practice. From solo to large healthcare practices and multi-specialty clinics, every practice has different challenges that must be addressed by the EMR software vendor, some of which are given below.
Solo or Small Provider Practices
Solo or small practices with limited staff members and small office space are usually short on the budget. Because of this, many providers opt for cloud-based EMR software and choose an affordable Electronic Health Record vendor with a low or fixed monthly fee.
Mid-Sized Practices
Mid-sized practices often require unique features such as dedicated customer support, interoperability, extensive reporting functionality, and multi-device support to monitor their overall performance, as their budget is comparatively larger.
Large practices
Larger healthcare practices offer medical services that fall under different medical specialties such as Pain Management, Orthopedics, Chiropractic Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine, etc. These practices comprise of fifteen to twenty medical providers and often require support for numerous users so that they can access the systems simultaneously.
Enterprise organizations or Hospitals
Enterprise organizations or hospitals have the most extensive list of requirements. These are documented in the form of an RFP or RFI to shortlist and assess vendors that can meet them.
Cost of Dermatology EHR Software
Dermatology Electronic Medical Record is slightly higher priced than a generic system. It is due to the need for advanced graphical charting, digital camera integrations, etc. to name a few.
The price will also vary depending on
- the size and requirements of practice.
- Deployment type. Web-based or server-based systems? Web-based software requires a less initial investment.
- Type of implementation
- Support requirements
- Data migration
Tips to consider when choosing an EMR Vendor
Here are a few tips dermatologists should consider before purchasing an EMR Software for their practice:
Security
Security and safety of a patient's medical records and data are a prime concern for medical providers, clinicians, and patients. An intuitive and robust EMR system helps users ensure the security and safety of medical records and all the related patient information. Users should consider a system that guarantees HIPAA Compliance, providing patients and users privacy.
Specialty EHR software
A specialty-specific Electronic Health Record system must offer unique tools for that specialty to help with clinical documentation. For example, for gastroenterology, the software should provide specific tools that should help users document clinical workflow and identify the area of concern (e.g., problems related to the GI tract). It must offer functionalities other than capturing raw text or data.
Integrated Practice Management Software
As we know, the EMR market is a competitive space. Many vendors who provide integrated Practice Management systems as a part of the software bundle easily stand out as opposed to the ones with standalone EMR Software.
Integrated Medical Billing Software
Like other essential features, it is necessary for a healthcare organization to consider having a robust billing system, so that they can communicate with insurance companies and appropriately charge for all the services rendered. An integrated medical billing system certainly works best as opposed to other standalone systems.
Ease of Use and Training
Though some physicians and providers may be proficient with technology, they are not IT professionals. Users always prefer systems that are easy to use, so they can ensure a smooth transition and their daily experience with their Electronic Medical Record software goes without any hindrances and hassle.
Market Trends to Understand
While evaluating the best EMR system for dermatology practices, it's essential also to consider trends that exist in this market segment. Some of the prevailing trends include:
Mobile device support - Mobile compatibility is becoming increasingly useful in medical practices. Many Dermatology EMR vendors support applications that are accessible via Android tablets, iPad, and other mobile devices. So, it is crucial to consider this trend before making a purchase.
ICD-10 compliance - The US Department of Health and Human Services introduced the 10th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes in October 2015, known as ICD-10. To claim Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements, users must have ICD-10 compliance.
Software as a service (SaaS) - There's been a rise in the adoption of cloud-based EMR software for dermatology as on-premise solutions keep on having a heftier initial investment.
ONC-ATCB certification - As per the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, healthcare practices can receive reimbursements of up to $44,000 in the form of Medicaid and Medicare incentives for their software purchase.
Rise in teledermatology
Studies have shown that the diagnostic ability of a teledermatologist is equal to that of an in-person dermatology visit for most diagnoses. It allows for rapid evaluation of a patient's skin disease and instant triage to determine if a patient needs medication or an in-person visit reducing wait times for many patients. There is a rise in teledermatology due to COVID-19, as patients were unable to consult with their doctors in person. Will this continue? It will depend on the legislative and financial environment for telemedicine post-COVID-19.
Read: 5 Reasons Why Telehealth is Here to Stay Beyond COVID-19
Top vendors for Dermatology EMR
ModMed is an award-winning specialty-specific solution provider for dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and pain management practices. Their product offering includes Electronic Medical Record software, practice management, and analytics systems, inventory management, patient kiosk, and a patient portal.
EZDERM offers a dermatology-specific solution that provides an intuitive EHR platform with a fully-functional set of features, including a customizable and streamlined documentation, progress note-taking function, workstation, and mobile-based clinical decision support.
CureMD offers one of the easiest and cost-effective dermatology solutions for small to medium-sized practices. The price of CureMD Dermatology EMR starts at $650/ provider.
Nextech provides a fully integrated dermatology-specific EHR and practice management system. The software allows dermatologists to use pre-configured templates or customize their software to accommodate their practice's workflows.
