How to Build an EHR System

Ever dreamed of a streamlined healthcare experience, with patient data flowing seamlessly between doctors and facilities?

Imagine patient charts instantly accessible, communication facilitated, and care decisions data-driven. That’s the power of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.

Now, picture crafting your own custom EHR system tailored to your specific needs. Exciting, right? Tailored features, improved workflows, and potentially lower costs could be yours.

But building an EHR isn’t without its hurdles. Complex regulations, robust security, and ever-evolving technology demand careful planning and expertise.

In this blog, we will learn How to build a custom EHR system from scratch in detail.

Key Considerations Before Building EHR

Building an EHR system is a complex and critical undertaking that requires careful consideration of various factors.

Analyze Issues and Challenges in Existing EHR

One must analyze the issues and challenges in their existing EHR systems. Some common EHR challenges are as follows:

• Interoperability gaps

• User interface complexities

• Data security concerns

• Limited customization options

• Integration difficulties with third-party systems

• Inefficient data retrieval and sharing

• High costs of implementation and maintenance

• Resistance to change among healthcare professionals

• Regulatory compliance challenges

Assess your Needs and Create a Checklist

• Define specific EHR requirements based on your practice size, type, workflows, and desired functionalities, and based on that, create a detailed requirement checklist.

• Consider both immediate and future needs to prevent quickly outgrowing the system. You must evaluate how the EHR solution can scale and adapt to accommodate changes in patient volume and expanded services.

Budget Considerations

Realistically evaluate budget constraints and ongoing costs associated with EHR development. Factors include not only the initial development costs but also the recurring costs associated with maintaining and optimizing the EHR system over time.

Evaluate Technical Expertise

• Assess the availability of your in-house team with necessary healthcare software development and knowledge.

• Consider the readiness to invest in acquiring expertise for building or customizing an EHR platform.

Prioritize Security and Compliance Requirements

• Ensure the chosen EHR option adheres to stringent regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and interoperability standards such as HL7 (Health Level Seven) or FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) and DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine).

• Evaluate security measures and data protection protocols to safeguard patient information.

Seek Expert Guidance

• Consult healthcare IT professionals and legal counsel and engage the other key stakeholders (Doctors, Nurses, etc) to navigate EHR development complexities.

EHR Vendor Selection

Selecting the right EHR software development vendor is a crucial step in building custom EHR software. Below are the pointers that will help you finalize the best EHR vendors.

• Research: Identify potential EHR vendors through thorough research and recommendations. Look for vendors with a good reputation, industry experience, and positive customer reviews.

• Evaluation: Evaluate vendors based on features, usability, scalability, and compatibility with your healthcare organization’s needs.

• Cost Analysis: Compare vendor pricing against system requirements to ensure a cost-effective solution.

• Final Decision: Make an informed decision by balancing requirements, pricing, and vendor reputation for seamless EHR implementation.

Building your EHR System

Developing an EHR system can be complex but can be a rewarding journey, after all. Here’s a breakdown of each step involved:-

1. Define functionalities and features:

Start with essential EHR features like

• Patient Management: Demographics, contact information, insurance details, medical history, allergies, immunizations.

• Scheduling: Appointments, reminders, and resource allocation for efficient patient management.

• Clinical Notes: Progress notes, encounter notes, consultation summaries, discharge summaries.

• Telehealth: Remote consultations, video calls, secure messaging, e-prescriptions, and virtual visits.

• ePrescription: Prescription, allergies, refills, medication interactions, adherence monitoring.

• Lab and Imaging Orders: Integration with lab and imaging systems for seamless access to reports.

• Reporting and Analytics: Generate reports on patient conditions, diagnoses, treatment outcomes, and population health.

• Communication: Secure messaging, alerts, notifications, documentation, and collaborative tools for healthcare.

• Billing and Coding: Manage claims submission, coding, and revenue cycle management.

After all, to tailor it to your needs, consider your practice’s specialty, workflow, and future goals. Do you need telehealth capabilities? Appointment scheduling? Patient education tools?

2. Choose a development approach

Build a custom EHR Solution from scratch if

• You need high customization and complete control.

• Your project is highly unique and requires innovative solutions.

• You have a large, skilled development team and budget.

Use pre-built platforms/APIs if

• You need a fast time to market and prioritize speed over customization.

• Your project aligns well with the platform’s capabilities.

• You have limited development resources and budget.

3. Development and Testing

• Agile Development: Employ agile methodologies to enhance efficiency, dividing the EHR system development into sprints, fostering quicker feedback, and enabling iterative improvements.

• Rigorous Testing: Conduct comprehensive testing across various facets, including functionality, security, interoperability, and user experience, ensuring the EHR system’s robustness and reliability.

• Version Control: Implement version control mechanisms to manage changes effectively, track updates, and ensure the capability to roll back changes if necessary, enhancing the system’s stability and maintainability.

4. Implementation and Training

Data Migration: Safely and accurately transfer existing patient data to the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

User Training: Conduct comprehensive training sessions for all users, ensuring proficiency in EHR functionalities and workflows.

Implementation: Execute a structured plan for the systematic integration and deployment of the EHR system.

Training and Updates: Regularly update user training modules to align with system enhancements, ensuring ongoing proficiency.

Support: EHR vendors should offer continuous assistance and troubleshooting to users, ensuring a smooth transition and addressing any issues promptly.

Additional Considerations on Building EHR Systems

Some additional considerations when developing EHR systems are as follows:

1. Future Trends and Innovations: Stay abreast of emerging technologies such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Ensure that the EHR system is adaptable to integrate these innovations seamlessly.

2. Data Analytics and Reporting: Integrate advanced analytics tools to derive meaningful insights from the accumulated data. This aids healthcare providers in making informed decisions, improving patient outcomes, and meeting regulatory reporting requirements.

3. Integration with Other Systems: Prioritize interoperability by connecting with labs, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. This enhances data exchange, streamlines processes, and provides comprehensive patient information.

4. Scalability and Future Considerations: Design the EHR system with scalability in mind to accommodate increasing data volumes and evolving healthcare needs. Plan for future growth, additional features, and changing regulatory requirements.

5. Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Recognize the importance of continuous maintenance and technical support. Regular updates are crucial for security, compliance, and the incorporation of new functionalities. Establish a robust support system to address any issues promptly.

6. User Training and Adaptability: Ensure comprehensive training programs for users to maximize the system’s potential. Focus on user-friendly interfaces and workflows to encourage adoption and adaptation among healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions