EMR

Analysis
 Approach to EMR
• Open Source
• Proprietary
• Build to Own
 Open Source
• Open source software is free to use and modify. For web technologies, you still
need to pay for web hosting or set up your own server.
• Companies can publish open source software, but open source is often community-
maintained. Either way, you can expect periodic updates and patches.
• With open source software, you’re free to use or modify the code as needed.
• When you run into issues with an open source system, you’re stuck searching
community forums and documentation for answers. You also can hire a developer
with experience with the platform.
 Proprietary
• Proprietary software requires companies to purchase a license. While companies sell
some proprietary software as a one-time purchase, most businesses use a subscription
model known as Software as a Service (SaaS).
• Proprietary software companies release regular updates with new features and bug fixes.
• Proprietary software comes with restrictions. You most likely won’t have access to
modify the code. Companies also place limits on the software, such as the number of
users or transactions.
• Proprietary software companies normally have support teams to help customers
troubleshoot issues.
 Build to Own
• Build to Own Software comes at a large initial Cost and will take time to
develop
• Updates and maintenances will be ad-hoc and will incur a cost to modify the
code
• Source code will be own so software can be easily modify to add, remove or
modify features
• No Support will be available except a retainer contract is done with
developer.
 Open Source EMR- OpenEMR
• Medical Records with demographics, vitals, FHIR/CCDA compatibility, and even voice
recognition;
• Scheduling, with multiple facilities support, SMS/email notifications, messaging system and more;
• E-prescribing, including pharmacy dispensary module;
• Billing, including flexible coding system, claims management, insurance tracking etc.;
• Clinical decision rules;
• Reporting, including sales, prescriptions, referrals and more;
• Patient portal and a secure API (Application Programming Interface) to integrate third-party
portals.
 OpenEMR Positives
• Low cost of ownership;
• High speed;
• Many customization options;
• User-friendly interface;
• Free technical support;
 OpenEMR - Negatives
• The practice needs an in-house IT team or an outside vendor to customize
OpenEMR and support it;
• Lack of learning resources for end users;
• Support is often slow to respond;
• Billing and insurance modules need extra work;
• Additional customization is required for specialty practices (e.g.
Orthopedics or Mental Health).
 Proprietary-Pabau
• Pabau is a medical practice management software Reporting & Statistics
• Activity Dashboard
• Appointment Management
• Billing & Invoicing
• Reminders
• Scheduling
• Patient Records Management such as contact details, address, medical history,
questionnaires, consent forms, and consultation details.
 Jane -Positives
• Cost effective

• Scheduling, and electronic medical records all in one affordable package.

• Great customer service.
 Jane - Negatives
• Lack of chat function to be able to communicate in real time with
reception and other clinic rooms
• Integrated payment system has issues
• Can be complicated to set up.