Basic features to look for in medical records software systems

Two common types of medical software are web-based software and desktop software. With the first type, the software resides on your software vendor's computer system, and with the second, the software is installed directly onto your computer. To narrow, the choices, consider contacting a consultant.

I recommend: EHR Consultant can help you choose which type of medical records software is most appropriate for your practice.

Consider your options before you purchase an electronic medical records product

Experiment with an electronic health records software demo before purchasing a particular system to make sure it meets your needs.

I recommend: GloStream provides a free demo of its gloEMR medical records software product to interested parties through the company's website. Also, check out the Practice Partner Patient Records electronic medical records demo to see how your practice can benefit.  Other electronic health record vendors are Allscripts and NextGen.

Look for an individualized electronic health records product

Many software providers can customize an electronic health records product for your practice, no matter how large or small.

I recommend: AdvancedMD sells medical practice management software for small practices that includes a medical records feature that lets you store and view insurance cards, customize fields for patient records and eliminates duplicate patient information. Or consider PracticeStudio.Net from Micro Four, a medical records software program that includes in-depth history and examination forms that can handle a wide array of diagnosis and treatment situations.

Consider compatibility when shopping for medical records software

When purchasing software for electronic health records, make sure it is compatible with any other medical software programs you may already use, such as medical billing software.

I recommend: MediNotes is an electronic medical records software program that is compatible with many of the leading medical billing software programs.

Understand the law's effect on electronic medical records

Whatever system you choose, make sure you know how to comply with federal privacy and security laws that affect electronic health records.

I recommend: Try a consulting firm with expertise in medical records and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, such as FOX Systems, Inc., which can help a practice stay in compliance with federal security and privacy guidelines.