Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have made lives easier for hundreds of thousands of physicians all across the country. Without a shadow of doubt, they are improving workflows, reducing inefficiencies and allowing better interoperability with other entities in the healthcare model.

However, technology continues to transform the way we make our lives simpler. Mobile computing has taken the industry by storm and more than one survey confirms physicians are using all kinds of tablets and handheld devices to make their practice workflows more efficient.

At present, only a handful of EHR vendors are offering their products to be used on tablets. Some offer limited functionality while others are written from the ground up to offer the same type of services as their main product. One of apps that is gaining popularity amongst US physicians is CureMD Avalon as it offers rich user experience and ease of use.

So what are the features of an ideal iPad EHR? Let’s find out.

1. Speech-to-text: Although many desktop/laptop based EHR software currently have the ability to convert speech-to-text while entering patient notes, most of the mobile or tablet devices are not equipped with this. However, only a few EHR vendors are offering this facility and makes the job for physicians really easy.
2. Custom templates: Another important feature of a mobile EHR is that it allows the physicians to make custom templates on-the-go. This is really beneficial as they can take their tablet or mobile device anywhere at their practice and still able to have the same workflow as sitting on a computer.
3. Lab alerts: A good mobile EHR will also be able to let you send lab alerts with convenience and little hassle. It can connect wirelessly with your practice-based software or cloud-based one and let you carry on with your workflow.
4. Drawing tools/photos: One of the biggest advantages of having a tablet-based EHR software is that you can use their touch screens to draw anything on their notes, patient charts or x-rays. They can also use the camera option of their devices to scan important files and documents right in their system.
5. Check-in: Patients can also use their tablets and mobile devices to log on to their portals and check themselves in while coming in for an appointment with their physicians.

Mobile based EHRs are expanding the possibilities of what can be done with tablet devices and really sets the industry on course for bigger and better times to come.