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Why physicians prefer to choose their own EMR software?

A majority of physicians traditionally link up with more than one practices or hospitals. In their attempt to enhance their earnings, most physicians put in extra hours at hospitals or start private practices. In addition, doctors need to stay updated with the evolving medical industry which requires serious dedication. With the advent and sudden rush […]

A majority of physicians traditionally link up with more than one practices or hospitals. In their attempt to enhance their earnings, most physicians put in extra hours at hospitals or start private practices. In addition, doctors need to stay updated with the evolving medical industry which requires serious dedication. With the advent and sudden rush in adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), physicians are under immense pressure to adapt or risk becoming redundant. While EMR software adoption rates have shown an increase for solo providers in recent times, smaller practices are still behind in terms of adoption.

“It’s not a problem of lack of exposure. Most physicians have access to EMR software at hospitals if not at their private practices,” says Keith Smith, a health IT expert. He argues that a move towards an increase in EMR software adoption will surely pressurize physicians to join the trend. Keith further argues that physicians are highly sociable and would generally adopt practices their colleagues opt for.

This is a major reason why most physicians are prone to selecting an EMR software that is renowned amongst other doctors and colleagues. While that is a legitimate fact on its own, physicians in general do not select the EMR software used at hospitals they are associated to, when making a choice for their own practice. This happens because EMR software suited to hospitals mostly offer generic requirements. Physicians, on the other hand, prefer an EMR software that can be customized to their particular practice workflows.

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Another reason for this apparent anomaly is that most EMR software for hospitals is created to operate in a specific environment. Hospitals have many more resources in comparison to private practices. Therefore, EMR software systems for large scale organizations may not necessarily suit smaller practices.

Since each distinct practice has its unique workflow, providers look for customizable EMR software to match their specific requirements and workflows.

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