The debate whether a specialty EHR is superior to an enterprise version is an old one, yet it’s still relevant today. . If the provider chooses an EHR software that doesn’t deliver results for the practice, the whole point of using the system dwindles. So,  choosing the right EHR is a cardinal decision which needs to be taken with prudence.

So, which is better and why? The sophisticated or educated answer to it would be, the one that caters to a specific specialty is superior, while the other one isn’t. But wait, let’s not jump to conclusions. It’s definitely one of the reasons, but let’s uncover some more.

Preloaded customizable templates: With a specialty EHR, healthcare providers can save their valuable time and adapt to the new templates right away, usually within the same day the specialty EHR is operational.. With CureMD’s preloaded Chemotherapy Administration Management module, providers get automated drug volume data, number of vials, and wastage calculations. In a generic enterprise version this feature is abstracted because it does not cater to the specialist, but it’s a substitute for healthcare practices in general.

Availability of preloaded libraries: Providers need to use software to their advantage, and with preconfigured data in the libraries they grub the required data they need within seconds. So, how big are these libraries? Take an example of CureMD’s Oncology EHR,  it has a library with numerous Evidence-based chemotherapy regimens ready to be used within a few clicks. Along with this, a library of templates are available in which structured data is provided with focus on quality assurance, making the process of finding the correct data/codes as needed, error free. It ultimately eases the process for providers allowing them to concentrate in providing care to the patient, instead of wasting their time in searching for data from other sources. In an enterprise solution, healthcare providers may require to spend one month or so for updating, and creating their templates to be of some practical use. It’s not only time consuming but frustrating and ridden with errors.

Smoothing out workflow: Specialty specific EHR provides workflow panels that are preinstalled in the software for the practice. It’s of great significance for providers especially for those dealing with Cardiology, Ophthalmology and Orthopedics, which have their own specialized workflow issues. Take an example of a Cardiologist, who requires panels that provide ECG display, Electrophysiology and Hemodynamic Monitoring on main screen. These would require different International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. These workflow panels are absent in an enterprise solution.

In essence, an enterprise EHR system falls in the circle of distraction, while a specialty EHR software falls in the operational circle. It’s not appropriate to downgrade the value of an enterprise version of EHR but for the listed advantages above, the provider should not flip the coin in favor of an EHR that may not solve issues that the practice may face when using limited functionality software. The practice essentially needs software that is able to generate revenue with ease and provide quality care to the patient with efficiency.