Electronic medical records (EMR) software fundamentally helps healthcare practices address a storm of challenges, including workflow complexities, declining reimbursements, and increasing regulatory demands. However, there are various types of EMR systems designed for different medical settings and operational needs.
With so many options available, selecting the right EMR system is a major decision that requires careful consideration of your practice type, size, and medical specialty. The wrong choice can significantly affect the cost of EMR implementation, overall functionality, and the quality of patient care.
This comprehensive guide acts as a starting point to help you explore and distinguish between the different types of electronic medical records software used in healthcare.
An EMR system is a digital platform used by healthcare practices and hospitals to store, manage, and access patient health information. This software helps providers quickly retrieve medical histories, streamline clinical workflows, and communicate with patients. It typically includes information, such as:
- Diagnoses
- Lab results
- Demographics
- Medication lists
- Progress reports
- Immunization records
Some EMRs also simplify administrative tasks, including billing, appointment scheduling reporting, and insurance verification.
EMR Vs. EHR
The terms EMR and EHR are often used interchangeably, but it is important to understand the difference between them. EMRs, as established already, are digital versions of a patient’s paper-based medical record. They are designed to be used within a single healthcare clinic, rather than across multiple practices.
However, EHRs or electronic health records are a broader concept that includes EMR functionalities and additional features. EHRs can integrate and share information across multiple healthcare organizations and providers, such as specialists and laboratories, to deliver a complete and coordinated overview of patient care.
You should carefully consider your medical facility’s specific requirements when deliberating on EMR vs. EHR software.
There are different types of EMRs available on the market, each designed to meet the specific needs of various medical specialties and healthcare facilities. Here we will cover the EMR systems that differ in terms of their deployment methods.
Cloud-Based EMRs
A cloud-based EMR is a software solution designed to store and access patient data from any internet-connected device. Data is stored on remote servers, which are managed by the software vendor. These systems have become increasingly popular among modern healthcare facilities due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
The PwC 2023 cloud business survey reveals that most health services organizations have migrated to the cloud, with over half of executives reporting improvements in decision-making (65%) and enhanced customer experience (58%).
Best Suited For: Both inpatient and outpatient settings with a reliable internet connection.
Benefits: Subscription-based pricing model, automated software updates, improved patient outcomes with generative AI capabilities, and lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
Drawbacks: Internet connectivity issues and occasional data security concerns.
Popular Vendors: athenahealth, eClinicalWorks EMR, and NetGen EHR software
On-Premise EMRs
On-premise EMRs, also referred to as server-based EMRs, follow a traditional approach where the system is stored on a provider’s own servers. This setup gives healthcare facilities complete control over their data and the security measures in place. However, it is more expensive than cloud-based systems and requires more maintenance.
Despite the common belief that on-premise EMR systems are generally more secure, a recent Citrix study found that 31% of respondents experienced the same number of cyberattacks, regardless of whether their data and applications were hosted on-premises or in a hybrid environment.
Best Suited For: Large healthcare facilities with dedicated IT teams.
Benefits: More customization opportunities and improved data security in specific cases.
Drawbacks: Limited remote accessibility, need for dedicated IT resources, high upfront investment, and potential downtime due to server maintenance.
Popular Vendors: Epic software and Cerner EMR. (Both systems also offer cloud-based solutions.)
Hybrid EMRs
Hybrid EMRs combine the functionalities of both cloud-based and on-premise deployment models. This approach allows healthcare organizations to deploy their software in the cloud while maintaining the customization and control typically associated with a traditional server-based system.
Best Suited For: Larger healthcare systems that require the combined benefits of both on-premise and cloud-based models.
Benefits: Flexible workflows, private data storage and improved patient information security.
Drawbacks: Require more maintenance. higher overall costs, and potential implementation challenges.
Popular Vendors: Many large EHR vendors offer custom-configured hybrid solutions for their users.
The right type of EMR software for your practice depends on the specific needs of your medical specialty, as specialty practices have diverse workflows (e.g., cardiologists versus dermatologists), varying regulatory compliance requirements, and specialized billing needs.
In this section, we will explore the various types of EHR systems designed to address these unique requirements.
General EMR Systems
General EMRs are designed following a one-size-fits-all approach, where the system covers the basic features required by various medical specialties. However, these software solutions may lack specialized features tailored for individual medical fields and might not be sufficient to deliver the modern standard of healthcare in those settings.
Best Suited For: General practitioners and internal medicine physicians who treat common medical conditions and perform routine exams.
Benefits: Cost-effective, less complex, and easier to implement and manage.
Drawbacks: Limited customization options and lack of support for specialty-specific workflows.
Popular Vendors: Allscripts EMR, Practice Fusion EHR software, and Epic software. (These vendors also offer specialty-specific solutions.)
Specialty-Specific EMR Systems
Specialty-Specific EMR systems are designed to meet the unique needs of a particular medical specialty, such as optometry, dermatology, or rheumatology. These systems offer customizable templates, workflows, and functionalities that align with the specific clinical and administrative processes of the specialty.
Many EMR vendors are now focusing on developing specialty-specific solutions. In a recent development in healthcare IT, athenahealth announced the launch of its new suite of specialty-specific solutions. The new offerings, including athenaOne for Women’s Health and athenaOne for Urgent Care, are designed to address the unique needs of specialty practices.
Best Suited For: Practices or clinics that focus on a single medical specialty and require software tailored to their specific workflows.
Benefits: Specialty-specific workflows, fully adaptable to individual needs, fewer documentation errors.
Drawbacks: Higher cost compared to general EMRs and potential for integration challenges with other systems.
Popular Vendors: ModMed EMR (for dermatology), AdvancedMD EHR (for mental health), and ChiroSuite (for chiropractic).
Multi-Specialty EMR Systems
Multi-Specialty EMR software solutions are designed to support multiple medical specialties through a centralized interface. These systems offer customizable templates, modules, and workflows to build a cohesive environment between multiple specialties within the same organization.
Best Suited For: Hospitals or group practices that serve multiple specialties and need a unified system.
Benefits: Coordinated care among various specialties, improved interoperability within the organization, and greater data management efficiency.
Drawbacks: Customization challenges and higher maintenance costs.
Popular Vendors: Epic, Cerner, and Tebra.
EMR systems are also categorized by the type of healthcare setting they are built for. According to recent statistics from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), over 78% of office-based physicians and 96% of hospitals in the U.S. have adopted EMR systems.
Here are two primary types of electronic health record systems that address the unique requirements of these healthcare settings:
Ambulatory EMRs
Ambulatory EMRs are specifically designed for outpatient care settings, such as clinics and independent physician practices. These systems are often used within a single department and have less requirement for interoperability. Ambulatory EMR systems support various workflows, such as patient visits, appointment scheduling, prescription management, and billing.
Here are a few key takeaways from the 2024 KLAS ambulatory EHR/PM mindshare report:
- Epic and athenahealth have the highest mindshare among independent ambulatory practices
- Ease of use, product quality, and interoperability are critical decision factors for ambulatory EHR and PM solutions
- Large independent practices prefer Epic and athenahealth for their robust technology solutions
- Small independent practices believe Epic and athenahealth can enhance usability and reduce costs
Best Suited For: Physician offices, specialty centers, ambulatory surgery centers, and dialysis centers.
Benefits: Quick access to critical patient data, improved clinical decision-making, and better treatment outcomes.
Drawbacks: Limited functionality for inpatient settings.
Popular Vendors: athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, and NextGen.
Acute Care EMRs
Acute care EMRs are designed for use in hospital settings, where they manage high volumes of patient data and complex workflows associated with inpatient care. These systems support critical functions such as real-time patient monitoring, medication administration, and coordination of care across multiple departments.
To further illustrate the current trends in acute care EMRs, we can look at some recent data. According to the key findings of the KLAS 2024 U.S. acute care EHR market share report:
- Acute care EHR purchasing in the U.S. remained high throughout 2023
- Epic is the only vendor to see a net increase in market share
- Meditech EHR Software’s retention rate significantly declined after reaching an all-time high in 2022
- Oracle Health CommunityWorks experienced a drop in adoption among standalone hospitals with 200 beds
Best Suited For: Hospitals, emergency departments, and other inpatient care facilities.
Benefits: Comprehensive patient data management and integration with other hospital systems such as imaging and lab systems.
Drawbacks: Often more expensive than ambulatory EHRs.
Popular Vendors: Cerner, Epic, and Meditech.
The size of your practice matters when choosing a medical software system. Some EHR software are designed to meet the unique solo practitioner clinics, while others are designed specifically for large healthcare organizations.
Small Practice EMR Systems
Small practice EMR systems are designed to address the needs of solo practitioners and small medical offices. These systems typically offer streamlined features that facilitate efficient patient management, billing, and documentation within a compact and user-friendly interface. They are tailored to support the essential functions of smaller practices without the complexity and cost associated with larger systems.
Many small practice EMR vendors are integrating AI-powered capabilities to enhance their functionality. For example, NextGen Healthcare has recently expanded its AI-driven ambient listening technology and introduced NextGen Office Ambient Assist, a solution specifically designed for small practices.
- Best Suited For: Small medical offices and physician clinics.
- Benefits: Cost-effective and easy to implement.
- Drawbacks: Limited scalability for growing practices.
- Popular Vendors: Kareo EMR, Practice Fusion EHR Software, and AdvancedMD.
Enterprise-Level EMR Systems
Enterprise medical software are designed for large healthcare organizations and integrated health networks, where they manage extensive patient data and complex workflows across multiple departments and facilities. These systems offer robust features for comprehensive data integration, real-time decision support, and enhanced interoperability.
The KLAS 2024 U.S. acute care EHR market share report also highlights that large organizations increasingly prefer Epic due to its reputation as a consistently high performer and its ability to help consolidate IT systems.
Best Suited For: Large hospitals and multi-specialty healthcare facilities.
Benefits: High scalability, advanced decision support tools, and enhanced interoperability.
Drawbacks: High implementation and maintenance costs.
Popular Vendors: Epic, Cerner, and Meditech.
The technology and integration capabilities of an EMR system are important factors to consider when selecting the right software for your practice. Listed below are the two main types of EMR software in this category that you need to keep in mind:
Standalone EMR Systems
Standalone EMR Systems are designed to function independently without the need for integration with other software. These systems are typically focused on specific tasks, such as patient record management, and are ideal for practices that require straightforward, all-in-one solutions.
Best Suited For: Small practices or clinics that need basic EMR functionality without complex integration.
Benefits: Easy to implement, user-friendly, and cost-effective for basic needs.
Drawbacks: Limited features, lack of integration with other systems, and may require manual data entry.
Popular Vendors: Practice Fusion, Kareo, and Amazing Charts EMR Software.
Integrated EMR Systems
Integrated EMR Systems are designed to connect seamlessly with other software solutions, such as practice management systems, billing software, and laboratory information systems. These systems are ideal for organizations that require a comprehensive solution to manage multiple aspects of patient care and business operations.
Best Suited For: Large practices, multi-specialty clinics, and hospitals that need a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.
Benefits: Optimized operational efficiency and better coordination of care.
Drawbacks: Higher implementation costs, complex setup, and may require extensive staff training.
Popular Vendors: eClinicalWorks, Cerner, and athenahealth.
The benefits of EMR software extend to healthcare providers, patients, and the overall healthcare system. These technology-driven tools are designed to streamline day-to-day workflows, improve patient outcomes, and reduce errors.
EMRs offer quick and easy access to a patient’s medical history, which enhances the accuracy of diagnoses and treatments. Healthcare providers can use these solutions to share patient information with other providers and remove the gaps in the patient care process.
Moreover, EMR systems help users comply with regulatory requirements and ensure patient information security. These EHR benefits collectively empower providers to deliver high-quality patient care.
Core Features Of EMRs
Now that you have the information to identify the right type of EMR system for your clinical setting and practice needs, it is time to consider how to choose the best solution from the various options available within that category.
To help you with this decision, we have compiled a list of must-have EMR features that any reliable software should support.
Basic Features:
- E-prescribing and medication management
- Patient portal
- Charting and documentation
- Telehealth
- Lab integration
- Medical billing
- Secure messaging
Advanced Features:
- Decision support tools
- Predictive analytics
- Reporting
- Mobile support
- Voice recognition technology
- Generative AI capabilities
EMR software has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery in the US, with industry spending reaching $100 billion annually. Whether you are a solo healthcare provider or part of a larger healthcare organization, selecting the best EMR software for your facility is important for optimizing patient care, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
You should carefully consider the size of the practice, specialty requirements, budget constraints, and existing IT infrastructure to ensure the system aligns with your practice’s needs and capabilities.
Key Questions To Ask
When evaluating various types of EMR systems in healthcare, consider the following questions to ensure the solution meets your practice's specific needs and objectives:
- What are the different EMR systems available?
- What are the primary needs of your practice?
- What level of integration is necessary?
- What is the budget and expected ROI?
- How user-friendly is the system for your staff?
- What kind of customer support and training does the vendor offer?
- How does the system handle data security and compliance requirements?
- What level of customization does the system offer to fit your practice's specific workflows?
You should also schedule product demos to assess the system's functionality firsthand and ensure it aligns with your practice’s requirements before making a final decision.
Still unsure which type of EMR is the right fit for your practice? Call us at (661) 384-7070, and our team will provide personalized guidance to help you navigate your options. We offer expert advice tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you make an informed decision that will benefit your practice for years to come.
