The number of buyers replacing existing EHR software has increased by 59 percent since 2014, according to the findings of a survey conducted by EHR comparison group Software Advice.
The company annually surveys U.S. buyers and this year randomly selected 385 interactions during the first quarter of 2015. More efficient patient-monitoring and better customization for individual practices were the most sought after functionalities. Other top-requested functionalities are patient tracking, customizable templates and regulatory compliance.
Billing is the top-requested application for the highest percentage of EHR buyers at 45 percent. Software Advisors speculates this could be due to the upcoming transition to ICD-10 codes, as 92 percent of buyers do billing in-house.
Of those dissatisfied with their current EHR system, the most common reason was faulty or cumbersome systems.
The company suggests buyers consider the following questions to avoid replacing EHR software:
- How will the product's design impact practice workflow?
- What kinds of customizations is the system capable of supporting?
- How long has the vendor been around?
- Will the system enable EHR meaningful use attestations?
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.