Are you a plastic or reconstructive surgeon looking for an electronic medical record (EMR) system?
With the ever-evolving landscape of EMRs (often used interchangeably with 'EHRs' - Electronic Health Records), it can be difficult to determine which one is best suited for your practice needs and budget.
At Software Finder, we totally understand the quandary. Our essential focus with this platform is to connect software subscribers – including medical providers of all specialties – with their perfect tools fit. This blog is an extension of this motivation.
It’s 2024, and medical tech has evolved and improved exponentially.
So, as an aesthetic health practitioner, you need the best plastic surgery EMR available to remain competitive.
Cutting-edge.
Your practice management and (primary) patient care concerns practically demand this!
Read on to explore:
- How Practice Management Software, Medical Billing Software, and Electronic Medical Records Software are Different (but joined at the ‘EHR hip’…some 101)
- How the EMR/Medical Software Needs of Plastic Surgeons Differ from other Physicians
- The Server- and Cloud-based EMR Software Conundrum️
- Our TOP 5 Plastic Surgery Practice EMR Picks,
- The Reasoning (Evaluation Criteria) Behind their Selection,
- How to Implement Your Plastic Surgery EMR Post-Subscription
- KEY Piece Takeaways
Let’s go.
First – Let’s Set The Record Straight!
Before we dive headfirst into electronic medical records software for plastic surgery practices, it’s important to open the hood a bit – lay everything clear.
EMR, Practice Management Software (PMS), and Medical Billing Software (MBS) are three distinct types of software used in medical practices/the larger healthcare industry. They each have unique functions but are increasingly being integrated into one ‘powerhouse’ system known as an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Read our ‘EHR vs. EMR’ guide to understand how both differ.
Let’s poke around the above three for a bit.
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)
EMR systems are modern digital counterparts to the conventional paper charts that are commonly seen in clinician offices, clinics, and hospitals. These systems store comprehensive medical and treatment histories of patients within a single practice, primarily utilized by healthcare providers for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and promoting patient engagement.
Practice Management Software (PMS)
PMS falls under the umbrella of healthcare software specifically designed to handle the day-to-day operations of medical practices. They empower users to effortlessly capture patient demographics, efficiently schedule appointments (via patient portal access), maintain comprehensive lists of insurance payers, seamlessly handle medical billing tasks, and generate insightful reports.
Medical Billing Software (MBS)
MBS is used to automate the healthcare billing process. It can track the billing and collections process by interfacing with insurance companies and tracking payments from patients.
Modern, certified electronic health records combine these services under one roof.
They provide a real-time, patient-centered record that provides instant and secure access to authorized users.
While an EMR is limited to the medical and treatment history within a single practice, an electronic health record (EHR) encompasses a patient's comprehensive health record, involving all providers involved in their care. The data extends beyond standard clinical information collected in a provider's office, incorporating radiology reports, lab results, and even social determinants of health, offering a broader perspective on a patient's well-being.
What’s Recommended For A Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery Medical Practice?
In a plastic surgery setting, an integrated practice management solution works best.
Plastic surgeons require detailed patient records that include before-and-after photos, detailed procedure notes, and specific billing codes. In addition, they often need advanced scheduling capabilities to manage pre- and post-op appointments.
Integrated Electronic Health Records (The ‘Gold Standard’ for Aesthetic Practices)
An integrated EHR solution can offer these features in one place, reducing the need for multiple systems and streamlining workflow. This integration also improves communication among staff, reduces errors and duplication, and ultimately enhances patient care.
Where The Medical Software Needs Of Plastic Clinics Diverge From Regular Healthcare Practices
Plastic surgery practices have unique software needs that differ from regular medical practices in several key ways:
Image Management
Plastic surgeons require specialized software that allows them to manage, manipulate, and compare before-and-after images of their patients. This is crucial for planning surgeries and demonstrating potential results.
Procedure-Specific Documentation
Plastic surgery involves a wide range of procedures, each with its own specific set of considerations. Therefore, plastic surgeons need software that allows them to document procedure-specific details, such as implant types, sizes, and locations, among other things like consent forms and patient statements.
Marketing And Patient Acquisition
Unlike many other types of medical practices, plastic surgery is often elective and not covered by insurance. This means plastic surgeons need to actively market their services and attract new patients, requiring CRM (Customer Relationship Management) capabilities in their software.
Aesthetic Outcome Assessment
Plastic surgeons need software that can help assess the aesthetic outcome of their surgeries. This may include 3D visualization tools and morphing software to show expected results.
Patient Education Tools
Given the optional nature of many plastic surgery procedures, patient education is crucial. Software that includes visual aids, animations, or interactive features can be very helpful for explaining procedures, risks, and expected outcomes. For some aesthetic clinics and other specialty practices, these concerns fall under the ambit of business reputation management.
Billing And Insurance Coding
While some procedures are cosmetic and not covered by insurance, others are medically necessary and are covered. The software must be able to handle this complexity in billing and coding.
These specific needs make it important for plastic surgery practices to invest in specialized tools tailored to their practice rather than using generic medical practice management software.
Server Vs. Cloud-Based EMR: The Plastic Surgery Software Perspective
As a plastic surgeon considering EMR options, you also need to understand what the server vs. cloud-based conundrum is all about.
Here’s some brief intel.
Server-Based EMR Software
Server-based EMR, as the name implies, is installed and runs on a server physically located in the medical practice's office. The data is stored locally and can be accessed from the network that is connected to the server.
Pros
- More control over data as it's stored on-site
- Can operate without internet connectivity
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware, software, and installation
- Ongoing maintenance and potential for hardware failure
- Requires physical space and IT expertise
- Upgrades and backups often have to be done manually
- Limited access outside of the office
Cloud-Based EMR Software
Cloud-based EMR software is hosted on the vendor's servers and accessed via the Internet. The data is stored in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection: a natural opening for remote work/mobile-device connectivity.
Pros
- Lower upfront costs as it typically operates on a subscription model
- Easy to implement and scale
- Automatic updates and backups
- Can be accessed remotely, ideal for telemedicine
- The EMR vendor handles security and maintenance
Cons
- Requires a reliable internet connection
- Potential concerns about data security and privacy, although many vendors offer high-level encryption and security protocols
- Less control over data as it's stored off-site
Implications For Plastic Surgery Practices
For plastic surgery practices, the choice between server and cloud-based EMR software can have significant implications:
Accessibility
Cloud-based software allows for easy remote access, which can be beneficial for plastic surgeons who may need to access patient records and images from different locations or share them with patients during virtual consultations.
Cost
Smaller practices may prefer the lower upfront costs of cloud-based software, while larger practices might be able to afford the initial investment in server-based software.
Data Management
The advanced image management needs of plastic surgery practices might influence their choice. Some might prefer the control of server-based systems for handling sensitive before-and-after patient images, while others may appreciate the ease of sharing and accessing these images with cloud-based systems.
Maintenance
Practices without dedicated IT staff might find cloud-based systems more convenient, as the vendor handles updates and maintenance.
Revenue Cycle Management
Cloud-based software typically includes more robust billing and insurance coding features, which can help improve cash flow: a vital revenue cycle management (RCM) concern.
Again, choosing the right EMR software depends on the specific needs, resources, and priorities of the plastic surgery practice concerned - so it's important to pay attention to these issues to make the right selection.
The Best Plastic Surgery EMR
Ok. So, we’ve pretty much covered all the electronic medical record design/function areas that healthcare organizations offering plastic surgery services need to look into.
Now, it’s drum-roll time.
We’re unveiling our top five plastic surgery software picks: industry-leading offerings by EMR software vendors that should definitely be on your radar if you’re at the ‘credit card in hand’ stage.
We’ll also detail our experts’ selection criteria that went into finalizing these picks – so you know exactly how we arrived at them.
And without any further ado…
Our Top 5!
Listing in order of preference:
- ModMed
- Cerner
- Symplast
- DriCloud
- Cyberclinic
Here’s a brief plastic-surgery-centered description of each.
ModMed – Best For All-Around Dermatology/Plastic Surgery Practice
ModMed EMR, also known as EMA® by Modernizing Medicine®, is a top-rated solution designed specifically for plastic surgery and dermatology settings. Built by board-certified plastic surgeons, it streamlines common tasks and enhances patient engagement, making it an optimal choice for reconstructive and cosmetic practices. The platform offers specialty-specific features like innovative drawing tools for documenting cosmetic visits and integrated inventory management to increase practice efficiencies. It's intuitive and easy to use, with built-in assistance for ICD-10 coding and the use of modifiers.
Cerner – Top-Rated Specialty/Integrated Practice Management
Cerner EMR is a comprehensive suite of medical software solutions that is highly adaptable to various clinical service lines, including plastic surgery. Known for its ability to electronically store, capture, and access patient health information across both acute and ambulatory settings, Cerner can streamline workflow in plastic surgery practices through integrated interfaces with labs, pharmacies, and diagnostic equipment. One of the platform's most user-acclaimed features is its robust Health Information Exchange (HIE) capability, which facilitates seamless and secure sharing of patient health data across different healthcare providers, enhancing coordination of care and improving patient outcomes.
Symplast – Most Adaptable To Specialty Developments/Innovation
Symplast EMR is a leading all-in-one EHR and Practice Management Solution specifically designed for plastic surgery, cosmetic practices, and medical spas. It offers a range of advanced features, including an intuitive patient app and a Point-of-Sale system, aimed at streamlining practice operations and improving patient experience. One of the platform's major strengths is its adaptability to developments and innovations in the field. As a mobile-first cloud platform developed by plastic surgeons, it continuously evolves to meet the changing needs of aesthetic plastic surgery practices, enhancing its user-friendliness and functionality. Software Finder users have praised Symplast for its user-friendly interface and its ability to save hours every day, thereby increasing practice efficiency.
DriCloud – Acclaimed For Design Simplicity
DriCloud EMR is a cutting-edge cloud-based medical platform specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses in various medical fields, including plastic and aesthetic surgery. This platform offers an integrated solution that streamlines clinical workflows with its user-friendly interface and advanced features tailored to the unique needs of plastic surgery practices. One notable feature of DriCloud is its simple and intuitive design, which ensures ease of use and provides precise control over the various components that constitute the patient record.
Cyberclinic – Renowned For Software Integration
Cyberclinic EMR is a digital health platform that is increasingly being utilized in various medical specialties, including plastic surgery. This system offers a holistic solution for managing electronic health records, facilitating streamlined workflows and efficient patient care. Its core strength lies in its ability to integrate seamlessly with other health information systems, providing clinicians with a unified view of patient data from various sources. This unique selling proposition enhances the efficiency of clinical decision-making processes and improves overall patient outcomes in plastic surgery settings.
How Our Experts Picked Them
Our probing software gurus enamored with the plastic surgery EHR space – and acting as your advocates in the marketplace – used the following criteria framework to make their assessments.
Like a pro chef dicing meat in a mincer, they passed more than 50 of the leading practice tools through this system.
The benchmark cues given represent some of the most common concerns that specialty clinicians generally report when shopping for practice software.
Plastic Surgery EMR: 5-Point Evaluation Matrix
Integration And Interoperability
The ability of the EMR system to integrate with other systems and share data seamlessly. This includes integration with workflow management systems, lab systems, pharmacies, and billing systems.
Usability
The user-friendliness and intuitiveness of the EMR interface. A system that is easy to navigate can significantly improve efficiency and productivity (especially desirable in busy plastic surgery clinics; allows practitioners to devote more time to direct patient interaction).
Customizability
The software should be adaptable to the unique needs of plastic/rehabilitative surgery centers. It should allow for the customization of templates, reports, and workflow processes (particularly with regard to the imaging modules in place).
Compliance And Security
The software must adhere to regulatory standards like HIPAA and provide robust security measures to protect sensitive patient information.
Support And Training
Good customer support and comprehensive training resources are essential for smooth implementation and ongoing use of the system. This includes modules for patient education.
If you want to read in detail how we analyze EMR software in general, check out our EHR/EMR Software Evaluation Checklist.
NEXT STEPS…
If any of these plastic surgery EMR software options have piqued your fancy, here’s what you need to do:
- Go to your chosen system’s Software Finder profile page (you can enter the software name in the search field at the top of this page, on our homepage, or follow the navigational links in the product sections above to reach your spot).
- Once there, you want to pour over all the vendor intel given. Pay special attention and click on the ‘Watch Demo’ and ‘Get Pricing’ buttons: your quick, free entries to what the EMR (actually) holds in store, along with updated, custom quotes for your practice.
- And if you’re pressed for time or hit a snag️ for any other reason, we’re still here for you: contact our helpline executives right away at (661) 384-7070. They’ll get you subscribed in no time!
Let’s Get Implementing
Implementing EMR software in plastic surgery practices requires careful planning and execution.
Here are some best practices to consider:
Understand Your Workflow
Before selecting an EMR, it's important to have a clear understanding of your current workflow. This helps in identifying what features you need most and how the software can streamline your operations.
Ensure Staff Training
Adequate training is crucial for the successful implementation of an EMR system. Ensure all staff members are comfortable using the software and understand its features thoroughly.
Data Migration Strategy
Have a clear plan for migrating data from your old system to the new one. This includes deciding what data to migrate, testing the migration process, and validating the data after migration.
Plan For Continuous Improvement
After implementation, continuous evaluation and improvement are critical. Regularly assess the performance of the EMR system and make necessary adjustments to ensure it continues to meet your practice's needs.
For a detailed guide on successful EHR/EMR deployment in any medical setting, read our ‘EHR Implementation and Roadmap’ piece.
Key Takeaways
Phew!
So, this was a lengthy, comprehensive read. And it would be a shame if any of this learned info slipped through the seams.
Here are some quick pointers to help you memorize everything that’s important:
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Practice Management Software (PMS), and Medical Billing Software (MBS) are distinct types of software used in medical practices. They are increasingly being integrated into a single 'powerhouse' system known as an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Plastic surgery practices have specific software needs, including image management, procedure-specific documentation, marketing, aesthetic outcome assessment, patient education tools, and specialized billing and insurance coding.
- An integrated EHR system offers features that streamline plastic surgery practices, improve communication among staff, reduce errors, and enhance patient care.
- The choice between server-based and cloud-based EMR software has implications for accessibility, cost, data management, maintenance, and revenue cycle management for plastic surgery practices.
- Our top five EMR software for plastic surgery practices: ModMed, Cerner, Symplast, DriCloud, and Cyberclinic.
- Our experts used a 5-point evaluation matrix to assess plastic surgery EMR software, including integration, usability, customizability, compliance/security, and support/training.
- Implementing EMR software in plastic surgery practices requires understanding your workflow, ensuring staff training, planning for data migration, and having a strategy for continuous improvement.
As mentioned, we’re here for any EMR queries you may have.
So, don’t hesitate to give us a ring at (661) 384-7070
