Interoperability can be described as the ability of Electronic Health Record (EHR) software to meaningfully connect with various institutions involved in the healthcare IT model and effectively facilitate between them, the flow of   information, such as test results, medical histories, summaries of care, lab reports, prescriptions, provider notes etc.

These days, most U.S. physicians are using some sort of information technology to help them in their practices and daily workflows. Some are using Electronic Medical Record EMR software, which, although are useful in solving most problems, lack a crucial feature. That single-most important factor is Interoperability. On the other hand, a true EHR is capable of being interoperable and sharing information with all related entities.

Now another concept which has gained strength recently, is called the Software as a Service (SaaS) Model. In this, EHR software vendors provide connectivity and access to the healthcare system, using the internet.

A research firm, KLAS, which specializes in research about the performance of various healthcare vendors, describes SaaS as, “Browser-based EHRs that have a single database for all customers and the ability to apply software updates to all customer EHRs simultaneously.”

This comprehensive definition of the SaaS model clearly explains what a true SaaS vendor is. Now there would be many vendors in the market who claim to be SaaS compliant, but in fact, they do not provide these key features to their customers.

The need of the hour is to choose, not only the EHR software vendor which helps you achieve Meaningful Use Stage 2 and ICD-10 implementation benefits, but the one, which also provides constant upgrades and improvements to its product.

Easy access to healthcare information on various platforms, wherever you need it, high security protocols, user-level access restrictions and the ability to perform tasks in a breeze, is what can be defined as the most ideal features of any true SaaS EHR in the present market.

Another important feature of a true SaaS, is the ability of your vendor to regularly update/upgrade/develop the software for your convenience and usage. These can range from industry level changes to upgrading the software in line with the new security protocols and advancements.

One of the major benefits that the SaaS model provides to physicians, is that it does not incur heavy setup costs associated with the old server-based model or having to develop a whole networking infrastructure which would transmit patient information throughout the practice. The SaaS model is also gaining popularity amongst physicians because of the ease of implementation.

These are some of the features which must be looked at when searching for the ideal SaaS EHR software for your practice. Remember, making the right choice is as important as buying the software itself. It is always better to think twice before making your final call, and not be fazed by the fancy features various vendors are offering in their product, as those can be quite detrimental to your workflow.  Bear in mind, only a true SaaS EHR will prove beneficial to you in the long run.