Electronic medical records (EMR) have become the standard for health organizations and have transformed the way the healthcare industry cares for patients. If you are looking to upgrade the ways in which you keep records and communicate with patients and other stakeholders in their complete care journey, you may be wondering, how much does an EMR cost?
Contact Sunwave Health today online or by calling us at 561.576.6037 to learn about our electronic medical records management software and how our complete treatment journey solution can seamlessly integrate your operations.
What Are the Benefits of an EMR?
An EMR system is an upgrade from the paper records of yesteryear. Each and every healthcare provider—from a family physician in a local office in a small town to a large hospital system in a big city—can benefit from implementing an EMR. Caring for patients throughout their entire journey becomes more efficient, and medical records are more secure when stored electronically. Here are a few of the ways a fully integrated EMR system may be beneficial for your organization.
- Easy access to patient records and medical history
- Increased efficiency
- Accurate care
- Portability of medical records
- Better communication with pharmacies and other medical professionals
- Improving the complete recovery journey
Electronic medical records management makes patient information more accessible and secure while maintaining patient privacy. Additionally, an EMR system makes charting easier and results in fewer documentation errors. These are just some of the reasons why healthcare organizations choose to implement an EMR. But you should know how much an EMR costs so you have an idea of what to expect when adopting this software.
How Much Does an EMR Cost?
While an EMR will often lead to increased revenue over time, the initial cost is the most significant barrier for most healthcare organizations.
So, how much does electronic medical records management cost? There’s no single, easy answer to this question. To estimate how much an EMR will cost your organization, it is important to consider the five main components of EMR implementation.
EMR Software
Potential EMR software costs include an application, interface modules, and upgrades to your EMR application. Costs can vary depending on the size of your organization, the complexity of your requirements, and the number of users who will need access to the system.
Hardware
The potential hardware needed to fully upgrade or install EMR software may include database servers, new computers, tablets or laptops, printers, and scanners. These costs vary depending on the size of your organization and the amount of hardware you already have in place.
Implementation
Potential implementation assistance costs may involve an IT contractor, attorney, electrician, and/or consultants, in addition to:
- Chart conversions
- Hardware and network installation
- Support with workflow redesign
- Training
To maximize the EMR system and benefit from the efficiency it can help promote your entire staff will need to be thoroughly trained before and during its implementation. Each member of your organization should understand how to use the EMR system and its associated hardware to be comfortable in understanding any new workflows that have been introduced into their jobs.
Ongoing Maintenance and Fees
Potential ongoing costs include hardware and software license agreements, maintenance, ongoing education, and telecom and IT support fees.
New Staff
One of the costs some organizations fail to consider is the need to hire new staff members. This could include new:
- IT operations staff
- Clinical data analysts
- Application analysts
Staffing your team appropriately could entail short-term contracts or temporary positions to help ensure the EMR system is rolled out smoothly and efficiently.
EMRs Can Be Cost-Saving in the Long Term
While the initial costs of implementing an EMR system may be a significant investment, it is important to also consider the potential long-term cost savings. These include:
- Reduced paper and storage costs
- Increased efficiency that leads to shorter appointment times and more patients seen each day
- Less need for manual data entry, allowing for more targeted staffing costs
- Lower risk of compliance errors and subsequent penalties
Additionally, with a fully integrated EMR system, healthcare providers can access patient information from anywhere at any time, improving continuity of care and potentially reducing unnecessary treatments or tests. This could lead to long-term cost savings for both patients and healthcare organizations.
Schedule a Sunwave Health Demo Today
Even though the upfront cost seems like a barrier to adopting an EMR system, the long-term impact can ultimately save your organization time and money. Contact Sunwave Health online today or call 561.576.6037 to schedule a demo and discover how our seamless solution can enhance your operations and improve the complete treatment journey for your patients.
