Summary by EMR Industry:
- This decision is based on what the provider wants or expects from the EMR, the type of practice, and the number of different specialties at the practice.
- A single-specialty specific EMR will not be developed according to the specifications of different specialties.
- Multi-specific specialty EMRs are geared towards and developed for practices which employ more than one specialty.
- Taking this as a consideration, Health IT vendors have developed solutions that come in different versions, catering to different types and sizes of practices.
ORIGINAL NEWS:
With the rise of technology usage in the Healthcare Industry, one of the biggest challenges that care providers face is the selection of Electronic Medical Records software to implement at their practice.
Consequently, providers face another tough decision to make, such as, selecting either a single or multi-specialty specific EMR. This decision is based on what the provider wants or expects from the EMR, the type of practice, and the number of different specialties at the practice.
A single-specialty specific EMR will not be developed according to the specifications of different specialties. It will have the major or most common patient care options for a single specialty and will not incline towards multiple specialties. This can be viewed both as good and bad. It is good in the sense that for a provider who does not specialize in a specific field of healthcare, or for a hospital which employs general diagnosticians; it will be easier to get acclimatized to the single specialty EMR. It is bad for the provider(s) who practice in a specific specialty such as dermatology, oncology, orthopedic or cardiology, based at single practice.
Multi-specific specialty EMRs are geared towards and developed for practices which employ more than one specialty. If a hospital employs a dermatologist, an oncologist and a cardiologist, then the use of a multi-specific EMR would be highly beneficial for the practice since the software will be customized to usage by different specialties.
Like any other technology, there is no ideal sized solution that will cater to all types and sizes of healthcare practices.
Taking this as a consideration, Health IT vendors have developed solutions that come in different versions, catering to different types and sizes of practices. So, practices need to consider their requirements and needs before opting for an EMR.
