Buying Guides
How to Verify an EMR Vendor's Certification Claims
Ask for the CHPL Product Number and look it up yourself. Here's how to check an EMR's ONC certification, and which certification claims are meaningless.
Independent EMR buying guides
Compare EMR and EHR software the smart way
Plain-English buying guides, feature breakdowns, and vendor-neutral comparisons to help medical practices choose the right electronic record system.
Buying Guides
Step-by-step help for shortlisting, demoing, and choosing an EMR.
Buying Guides
EMR vs. EHR: What's the Difference?
EMR and EHR are often used interchangeably, but the terms differ in scope. Here's what separates them and why it matters for your practice.
Buying Guides
The 12-Point EMR Buying Checklist
A practical 12-point checklist to evaluate EMR systems on certification, workflow fit, interoperability, cost, and support before you buy.
Buying Guides
How to Run an Effective EMR Demo
A vendor demo is your best chance to test real workflows. Here's how to structure one so it reveals strengths and weaknesses, not just sales polish.
Buying Guides
Switching EMR Systems Without Losing Data
Migrating to a new EMR risks data loss and downtime. Here's how to plan a clean cutover that preserves patient records and continuity of care.
Buying Guides
Choosing an EMR for a Small Independent Practice
Small practices have different EMR needs than hospitals. Here's how to choose a system that fits a lean team, tight budget, and limited IT support.
Buying Guides
Cloud vs. On-Premise EMR: Which Is Right for You?
Cloud and on-premise EMRs differ in cost, control, and IT burden. Here's how to decide which deployment model fits your practice.
Comparisons
Frameworks for weighing systems by features, specialty, and practice size.
Comparisons
A Framework for Comparing Ambulatory EMR Features
Use a structured framework to compare ambulatory EMR features across documentation, ordering, interoperability, and reporting instead of feature-list overload.
Comparisons
Specialty-Specific EMR Considerations
Different specialties need different EMR capabilities. Here's how documentation, templates, and integrations vary by specialty and what to evaluate.
Comparisons
Matching EMR Choice to Practice Size
Solo, small-group, and large multi-site practices need different EMRs. Here's how practice size should shape your shortlist and evaluation.
Comparisons
Open-Source vs. Commercial EMR Systems
Open-source EMRs offer flexibility and no license fees but shift responsibility to you. Here's how they compare to commercial systems.
Features & Workflows
How the day-to-day clinical features actually work and what to look for.
Features & Workflows
E-Prescribing: What to Look For
E-prescribing is a core EMR feature. Here's what to evaluate, from controlled substances and PDMP checks to drug interaction alerts and pharmacy routing.
Features & Workflows
Clinical Documentation and Note Templates
Note templates shape clinician efficiency and burnout. Here's how to evaluate documentation tools, template flexibility, and emerging ambient options.
Features & Workflows
Patient Portal Must-Haves
A good patient portal improves access and engagement. Here are the must-have portal features to evaluate and what drives patient adoption.
Features & Workflows
Interoperability and FHIR Basics
Interoperability lets your EMR share data with other systems. Here's a plain-English guide to FHIR, APIs, and why they matter for your practice.
Features & Workflows
Telehealth Integration in Modern EMRs
Telehealth is now a standard EMR expectation. Here's what integrated video visits should include and how to evaluate the workflow.
Costs & Contracts
Total cost of ownership, contract terms, and avoiding expensive mistakes.
Costs & Contracts
EMR Pricing Models Compared: Per-Provider, Per-Encounter, and Bundled
Per-provider, per-encounter, percentage-of-collections, or perpetual license. How each EMR pricing model behaves when your practice grows or shrinks.
Costs & Contracts
Understanding the True Cost of EMR Ownership
The sticker price is only part of EMR cost. Here's how to build a total cost of ownership estimate covering implementation, training, and support.
Costs & Contracts
How to Read an EMR Contract
An EMR contract locks in price, data rights, and service levels for years. Here's what to scrutinize before you sign.
Costs & Contracts
EMR Implementation Timeline and Change Management
EMR implementation is as much change management as technology. Here's a realistic timeline and how to lead your team through the transition.
Costs & Contracts
Avoiding EMR Buyer's Remorse
Many practices regret their EMR choice. Here are the common causes of buyer's remorse and how to avoid them before you commit.
Costs & Contracts
Data Ownership and Exit Clauses in EMR Contracts
Who owns your EMR data and how you get it back if you leave are critical contract terms. Here's what to insist on before signing.