When it comes to running a successful private practice, choosing the right Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. An EHR isn’t just about charting and storing patient records; it’s the backbone of your practice’s operations. With so many EHR platforms available, it can be challenging to determine which one will best support your practice. However, there are four essential features that every practitioner should ensure are included in their EHR system—at no additional cost. These features are not just optional add-ons but integral components that should come standard in any EHR platform: scheduling, billing, telehealth, and a patient portal.

Scheduling: the heartbeat of your practice

Scheduling is the foundation of any private practice. An EHR that includes a robust scheduling feature allows you to manage appointments efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and no-shows. With an integrated scheduling system, you can easily view and manage your calendar, automatically send appointment reminders to patients, and allow patients to self-book or reschedule appointments online. 

A well-designed scheduling feature will also integrate seamlessly with other aspects of your EHR, such as billing and patient records, ensuring that all information is up-to-date and accurate. For example, when a patient books an appointment, the system can automatically update their records and generate the necessary billing codes, saving you time and reducing administrative burdens.

Why scheduling is essential

Time is your most valuable resource as a provider, and a full schedule is a sign of a profitable practice. A well-performing scheduling system will be easy for you to manage, and easy for patients to use (without your intervention). Without an integrated scheduling system, you risk overbooking, double-booking, or missing appointments altogether, leading to dissatisfied patients and lost revenue. Scheduling is an essential feature that should be included in the EHR of your choosing. 

Billing: the lifeline of your revenue stream

Billing is often seen as one of the most complex aspects of running a private practice, and is a major deterrent for providers considering launching their own practice. However, a good EHR will include a comprehensive billing system that handles everything from generating invoices to processing payments. This is especially important when it comes to handling CPT codes, which are used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services.

Understanding CPT Codes and the AMA licensing fee

CPT codes are essential for accurate billing and reimbursement, and ensure that you are properly compensated for the services you provide. However, it’s important to understand that the use of CPT codes is subject to the American Medical Association (AMA) licensing fee. This fee is required because the AMA owns the rights to the CPT codes, and therefore EHR platforms must pay to use them. 

When choosing an EHR, it’s crucial to ensure that the billing feature includes the ability to handle CPT codes, and to clarify if the access to such codes is included in the EHR price. While uncommon, some EHRs pass this cost on to the practice, which is then charged based on the number of providers.

Why billing is essential

An EHR without integrated billing can lead to delayed payments, errors in coding, and a significant administrative burden. A comprehensive billing system, complete with CPT code management, ensures that your practice runs smoothly and that you are compensated for your services in a timely manner. Billing is a fundamental pillar of your EHR and should be included in your base price. 

‍

Telehealth: expanding access and convenience

Telehealth has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, offering both patients and providers unparalleled flexibility. It extends the reach of your practice, enabling you to offer care to patients beyond your immediate geographic area. An EHR with an integrated telehealth feature ensures that you can provide virtual consultations, making healthcare more accessible to patients who may face barriers to in-person visits.

For a seamless experience, the telehealth feature should be fully integrated with other components of your EHR, such as scheduling and billing. This means that when a telehealth appointment is scheduled, the system automatically generates and sends a video link, updates patient records, generates the appropriate CPT codes for telehealth services, and includes them in the billing process. 

Why telehealth is essential

While some EHR platforms might offer telehealth as an optional add-on, it’s important to recognize that telehealth is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Without integrated telehealth, your practice could miss out on the opportunity to care for patients who are unable to visit your office in person. An EHR that includes telehealth as a standard feature ensures that your practice is equipped to meet the needs of all your patients, regardless of their location, providing continuity of care and enhancing patient satisfaction.

Patient portal: empowering patients and enhancing communication

A patient portal is another essential feature that should be included in your EHR. This feature allows patients to access their health records, communicate with you securely, and manage their appointments and billing information.

A well-designed patient portal empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare, improving their overall experience, adherence to care plans, and satisfaction. It also reduces the administrative burden on your practice by allowing patients to handle many tasks on their own, such as updating their personal information or paying bills online.

Why a patient portal is essential

Without a patient portal, you may find yourself inundated with phone calls and emails from patients seeking information that they could easily access on their own. An EHR that includes a patient portal improves communication, enhances patient engagement, and actively eliminates otherwise unending administrative tasks. 

Healthie’s approach: all-inclusive and practitioner-focused

Healthie’s EHR platform is designed with private practitioners in mind. It includes all the essential features—scheduling, billing with integrated CPT codes, telehealth, and a patient portal—at no additional cost. Healthie understands that these features are integral to your practice’s success, and they should be included in the base price of the EHR.

Additionally, Healthie offers a marketplace of third-party integrations, allowing you to customise your EHR to meet the specific needs of your practice without paying for features you don’t need. The platform is transparent about its pricing, so you know exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost.

{{free-trial-signup}}