Neurology EHR Software Buyers Guide
Last updated: September 26, 2023
How to Discover the Best for Your Practice - Neurology EMR
Advanced technology is part of all healthcare activities and of course, this doesn’t only apply to what’s happening in the operating theater. If you’re reading this you’re probably wondering if your neurology practice can run a little smoother.
Definitely yes. Thanks to EMR software. But you need to make your decisions carefully.
Most of the technology is impressive but that doesn’t make everything useful. It works well when it’s used for what it’s designed to do. No matter what sales representatives tell you, not all EMR software packages will work for you.
You need a specialized product for a specialty niche and we’ll show you how to identify your ideal product.
Your Neurology EMR Checklist—The Basics You Can’t Go Without
First up, you need to vet EMR software products according to basic guidelines. The worthwhile ones out there usually have these characteristics:
- Excellent security features to prevent hacking
- User-friendly layouts so you and your staff won’t have a difficulty implementing it
- Easy integration with other software and machines you already invested money in
- Customer service around the clock so you’ll have minimal downtime if something goes wrong
If you find EMR software with this foundation it’s a good start.
What else does a neurologist need?
What Makes Neurology Different?
Gone are the days where one size should fit all. The software industry is now all about customization, and luckily you’re spoiled for choice. Why did this happen? Because developers realized how unique each health care niche is.
Today products are developed with the assistance of experts and those that practice specialties, such as neurology. You can get software that’s relevant to your practice and it’s necessary because few other professionals work with:
- A large amount of information coming from imaging tests, including:
- CT (Computed Tomography)
- EMG (Electromyography)
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- One of the most sensitive organs in the human body
Therefore, apart from the basic features mentioned above, your EMR must be able to receive and process these test results, such as adding them to patient files.
When a product ticks these boxes, move on and rate the vendor in terms of the following too.
Helpful Features of Neurology EMR
If you’re still wondering if this is worth it, imagine how these aspects will help you and your staff members to enjoy more organized, effortless days. It’s not only for your benefit but to provide more efficient care for patients’ advantage too, thanks to less chaotic days.
Does it Help Your Workflow?
Here’s a prime factor for many healthcare specialties: Does your EMR enable a better workflow? That’s possible when your software has functions and digital workflows that are appropriate for the diseases you encounter on a daily basis. Don’t waste time with general software if a niche specific product can guide you through the assessment without too many mouse clicks.
Having a layout that provides space for your notes also means you’re assured of keeping records organized—an excellent tool to ensure quality care for patients. In neurology you can’t afford mistakes, forgetting valuable information or misplacing data. A neurology EMR Software ensures all your important information is kept in one place.
Templates to Streamline Your Day
This relates closely to the feature above. Having niche-specific templates saves you a lot of time. Simply use the Parkinson’s, MS or vertigo template designed around charting for that specific condition.
The best software packages on the market will give you multiple—often more than 100—templates to select from. Looking for comprehensive packages is essential if you want your Neurology EMR software to optimize your productivity.
Does it seem trivial to spend money on condition-specific software? Think of how much time you use when charting takes a few seconds, rather than minutes. That means more time becomes available so you can see more patients or spend more time assessing results.
Provide Knowledge for Patients
As you know the work of a neurologist isn’t only about helping your patients with your expertise—it’s also about making them pros at managing their conditions or understanding them at the very least. This enables better self care, as well as coping better with the psychological challenges of living with certain conditions.
Quality Neurology EMR software enables you to share images and documents with patients (via email, on your computer screen or by printing it for them) to facilitate learning at your practice. Knowledge enables patients to make better decisions to enable better futures.
The Modern Billing Method
If you want to continue helping your patients in all these manners you need to ensure your practice is and stays financially healthy. Worthwhile EMR packages assist you in this department with:
- Automated steps in your billing process
- Easy coding because codes for your niche are all loaded on the system
- Effortless claiming from insurance entities
All of this will spark more steady income flow.
While you’re benefiting from a more streamlined accounting process you’re also freeing up your staff members’ time. This means they can focus on other tasks and help provide better patient care.
You can see the right EMR is worth the effort to find it, because it affects your practice in a holistic fashion.
Behind the Scenes of Surgery
Lastly, look for EMR software that will transform how you manage your surgeries from now on. This is another function that you won’t find in general EMR packages, because not all healthcare workers are tasked with this.
Once again it’s about saving you time and automating your processes for everyone’s benefit:
- All surgery related documentation can be handled digitally.
- You’ll have templates to help monitor pre and post-op scenarios.
Your work as a neurologist is challenging enough—allow the right EMR software to make it easier.
Conclusion
Technology can be your practice’s new best friend but only if your activities and the product’s design align.
Can your vendor promise you quality service and practical features in all these aspects? Then it seems like you have a winner.
Now, enjoy the results and your practice more than ever before.
