What is Bariatric/Obesity EMR Software?
Bariatric surgeons have high data inflow that needs to be managed on one platform for quick retrieval and review. They also need Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software that has robust surgical workflow management that supervises pre-op and post-op tracking and risk mitigation. The EMR software needs to be highly connected to labs and diagnostic equipment for accurate, up-to-date data, as well as alerts in case of allergies.
Features of Bariatric Surgery EMR Software
To have a good understanding of how a software works, it is advisable to learn about the different features and functionalities of the software. Before choosing a Bariatric Electronic Health Records (EHR) software, we should check if the software has the following key features:
Specialty Templates – Bariatric surgery has a very specific diagnosis and treatment plans. Customizable precise templates will save time, and generate more accurate SOAP notes. Some of the templates specific to bariatric surgery are:
- Biliopancreatic Diversion
- Endoluminal Sleeve
- Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
- Adjustable Gastric Band
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Intragastric Balloon
- Gastric Plication
- Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch
- Implantable Gastric Stimulation
Surgical Workflow Management – Surgical workflow should be easy to manage and should have proper charting for pre-, peri- and post-operative data. Electronic Medical Records Software should also host graphs and charts to easily view patient progress and overall health.
Vital Sign Management – Bariatrics measures more than the basic vital signs. EMR software designed for bariatric surgery should have real-time vital sign management including options related to bariatrics such as BMI, pain level, waist circumference, weight gain/loss, total body water, etc.
Real-time Dashboard – The Top Bariatric Surgery EHR software must feature a real-time dashboard that will help physicians to clearly view patient charts, profiles, billing processes, scheduling etc. all at one place. The dashboard also saves the time that is taken in opening multiple tabs.
Workflow Management – If you work in a Bariatric Surgery practice, you need to deal with recording and storing large volumes of data. The EMR software should be able to manage, document and maintain all the obesity-related workflows. This helps the physicians in having a better understanding of the condition of the patient and helps them in taking the right decisions at the right times.
ICD/CPT Coding – Bariatric EMR software should have automated, built-in ICD-10 and CPT codes for E&M coding, ensuring a smooth and accurate billing process.
Medication Management and Alerts – Malnutrition is a great risk after bariatric surgery procedures. To mitigate the risk of malnutrition, and other post-op risks, the electronic medical records software (EMR) should have a medication management alert that also tracks patient weight loss, alerting physicians if it goes beyond a healthy point. A robust patient portal allowing greater connectivity between doctor and patient is also ideal.
Risk Mitigation – Bariatric EHR software should have the ability to get the patient’s signature on consent forms through e-pens. The risk mitigation feature should also keep track of patient medication, and send alerts and appointment reminders to the patient.
Lab & Equipment Integration – To keep track of all patient data in one place Bariatric Surgery EHR and EMR software (electronic health records) should be fully integrated with labs, pharmacies and diagnostic equipment ensuring all patient information is available in their file for comprehensive viewing.
What You Need To Know About EMR Software
Overview
Electronic Medical Records Software or commonly referred to as EMR Software represents the electronic method of storing medical records for patients. Using specially designed software, physicians and other medical professionals can store anything ranging from patient demographics to extensive clinical information about patients, such as medical history, social history, lab reports and more.
EMR Software by Specialty
Since all medical providers (MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, LCSW, OT etc.) work in a distinct manner based on their background and medical specialty, EHR Software or EMR Software must accommodate the unique style and documentation requirements. Examples of such specialty-specific features include the ability to annotate images or the capability to store before/after photos for Pain Management specialists and Dermatology specialists respectively. Similarly, other specialties such as Pediatrics, Oncology, Podiatry, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Nephrology, Dialysis Centers, Rheumatology and Chiropractic Care require their unique set of specialty-specific features to simplify adoption.
Meaningful-Use
Since the introduction of the HITECH Act, healthcare IT has undergone a massive transition starting from the widely recognized Meaningful Use program to what is now known as MACRA, the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. The Meaningful Use program has transformed and now formed part of the four components of the new Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), which itself is a fundamental part of MACRA.
For some medical practices, the transition from paper-based records to EMR Software (Electronic Medical Records Software) has not been a simple one. Regardless, realizing that the benefits of utilizing ONC Certified EHR Software far outweigh the hassle and challenges associated with it – ensuring a viable future, most practices today have successfully transformed their clinical and administrative operations to EMR Software.
EMR Software Benefits
Aside from ensuring tangible financial incentives and profitability, practices converting to EMR / EHR Software have seen the following benefits:
EMR Software Requirements by Practice Size
Just like a medical specialty, EHR Software requirements also depend on the size of the medical practice. From solo provider clinics to large multi-provider, multi-specialty clinics, every practice has unique inherent challenges that must be addressed by the EMR Software vendor.
Small or Solo Provider Practices
A small doctor’s office not only has a limited number of staff members but their EHR Software budgets are also extremely low compared to a large enterprise such as a hospital. Due to these budgetary constraints, many providers simply choose to employ Free EMR Software or choose an affordable EHR Software vendor with a low fixed monthly fee. Cloud-based access is one such important requirement so that these providers can access patient charts even from home when needed.
Medium-Sized Practices
These practices usually consist of 5 to 10 medical providers often belonging to the same medical specialty. Their requirements are more stringent, while their budget is also considerably large. Aside from specialty-focused requirements (EHR Software by Specialty), these practices also require unique features such as interoperability dedicated customer support, multi-device support as well as extensive reporting functionality to keep an eye on the overall performance of the practice.
Large Practices
Larger group practices generally comprise more fifteen or often twenty medical providers. These practices usually provide medical services that fall under various medical specialties (Orthopedics, Pain Management, Surgery, Chiropractic Medicine, Family Medicine etc.). Therefore, these practices require support for multiple users to access the system simultaneously, as well as for the Scheduling software to accommodate multiple locations, providers and resources such as Dialysis Chairs, procedure room allocation etc. These practices also keep replacing or adding staff members and need a scalable solution.
Hospitals or Enterprise Organizations
EMR software companies such as Epic, Cerner, AllScripts, NextGen, Athenahealth, Meditab by IMS, eClinicalWorks, Meditech, McKesson, MEDHOST etc. usually target and provide solutions for larger corporations like Hospitals, ACOs, PCMH, IPAs, CINs (Clinically Integrated Networks), Public Health Departments etc.
These customers have the most elaborate list of requirements, which are usually documented in the form of an RFI or RFP to assess and shortlist vendors that can meet them. The requirements consist of features like inventory management modules, interface with local labs (LIS), machines and diagnostic equipment along with drug dispensing (pharmacy management software) and electronic medication administration records (EMAR) etc.
These entities also require the EHR software also need to integrate with multiple other software and medical devices.
Why does your practice need EMR Software?
Since the introduction of Meaningful Use, most healthcare practices simply have little or no choice but to convert their practice operations to EHR software. However, most providers today select the EMR software of their choice that best suits their specific needs and must perform an extensive search to evaluate all available options before they find one that’s suitable. Most potential EHR Software buyers in the market today have the following in common:
- Do not know what they are looking for
- Know exactly what they want but don’t know where to start or find it
- Relying on advice from colleagues using EMR software already
Although #3 is ideal, every provider and practice workflows are unique and therefore what works for one provider may not suit the other. “One size fits all” simply does not apply in the world of healthcare IT. Software experts and industry specialists are an ideal source of information, advice and ultimately ensuring that the right decision is made.
What to Look For in a Potential EMR Software?
EMR software includes several types of software based on specific applications or functionalities:
Cloud-based EMR Software
Small doctor offices benefit the most from Cloud-based EMR Software technology since minimum to no upfront cost or maintenance is required and accessing the EHR Software is possible from any location given the availability of internet access. This type of EMR software is also device independent in most cases and can be accessed using devices such as Smartphones (Android & iOS), iPhones, iPads, laptops, and desktop computers. The move to the public cloud for healthcare is vital in the current changing landscape. For practices that do not adopt new cloud services, the old inferior feature-set coupled with the higher prices will hinder the business dramatically. This gulf between the old software and the new cloud-based software will only grow more exponentially as time goes on.
Mac EMR Software
Apple dominates the digital device and computer market in the US today, so it is no surprise that many providers are specifically looking for their EMR Software vendor to support the Mac operating system (Mac EMR Software). Not all Vendors today work on a Mac device, so looking for a vendor with native support for Mac devices is essential to ensure that the software performs on existing hardware at the practice and does not require more investment in computer systems.
ONC-ATCB Certified EMR Software Vendors
This is the most significant requirement for most software buyers today as the software must comply with the standards and guidelines set by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC). Online repository details all software vendors and details related to their respective compliance with the measures set by the ONC (Click here). Software that complies with these standards have undergone rigorous testing and confirmed at a benchmark level defined by the federal body. The software testing done during this exercise checks all areas of the EHR Software system from Patient Portal access to the way the EHR Software communicates with other programs and entities like labs, Pharmacies (via e-Rx), hospitals, HIEs etc.
Bariatrics / Obesity EHR software
Electronic Health Records Software (EHR) for specialties such as bariatrics, endocrinology, surgery, cardiology care must provide tools and templates to document the clinical workflow of those specialties such as specifying the area of concern (for example Gastroesophageal reflux) and should provide other than the mere method of capturing text or raw data. A bariatric specialty EHR can become the backbone of any specialist’s practice if it generates a work flow, tailored exclusively to the needs of a bariatric specialist.
Integrated Practice Management Software
With competition rising in healthcare IT, EMR software providing integrated Practice Management software as part of their overall software package easily outperforms rivals with standalone EHR Software including those that may offer a specialty-specific EHR Software. EMR Software companies with integrated Practice Management solutions often provide extensive reporting capabilities to track practice performance and manage business operations better.
Integrated Medical Billing Software
Medical practice has several needs of software systems to streamline operations across the board. One such important area is billing for services rendered and communications with insurance companies. Medical Billing Software, therefore, works best when integrated with the Electronic Health Records software. All clinical documentation seamlessly conforms to the required standard and forms a financial document that can be electronically sent to payers (insurance carriers) to verify and process at their end. This simplifies the operations and ensures all parties are on the same page when it comes to the financial health of the enterprise. Medical billing software helps practices and medical billing managers generate claims, patient statements, verify patient eligibility and more. This software is ideal for practices that want to handle billing in-house and can integrate with EHRs.
Security
An EMR Software must ensure the security and safety of patient records while ensuring privacy and HIPAA compliance for patient/doctor communication (Patient Portal). This is a paramount concern for physicians and HIPAA complianceshould be guaranteed at all times by the EHR Vendor. Most Vendors today (Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, AdvancedMD, PrognoCIS, Modernizing Medicine, eClincalWorks etc.) are aware of the importance of HIPAA compliance and have taken steps to ensure the safety of patient records security in every section of the EHR Software using advanced tools like data encryption technologies to enhance the security of the EMR software.
Greenway Patient Portal
Specific Services
One of the decisions your practice will have to make is whether you want just EMR software or one with integrated Practice Management for billing and scheduling. There are advantages to having both together but there have been cases where some practices only go for one if they had unique requirements that a vendor could not fulfill or they had already paid a hefty amount for PM software and were not looking to replace it yet.
Ease of Use and Training
Doctors are not IT professionals, and though some might be tech-savvy, it would be egregious to expect them all to be experts on the EHR software. Ease of use is essential to make the transition from paper to electronic smooth, as well as day to day practice to go along without a hitch. If the software is too complicated and hard to understand, it is a waste of precious time and needlessly aggravating. Some vendors offer free training while others don’t; make sure you ask for training if your practice needs it.
Specialty Specific
Not all specialties are created equal, so why must their software be generic? Basic EMR software works well and good for general practice and most specialties, but doctors have complained about specialty specific not being available in the market. The specialty software have inbuilt recording systems that make specialty practices functioned efficiently. Only a few vendors provide specialty-specific software, so there aren’t many to choose from. But the more vendors are cottoning on to the demand and there should be more options in the near future.
Support
Support is a major issue most practices have with their current vendors. A good support team can make small glitches to major roadblocks easy to maneuver while a bad one will just make things worse. Some vendors provide support as part of the plan you are already paying for, while others charge extra for support. Scout the market, read reviews or just ask point blank if there will be a special support team assigned to each practitioner and whether you will be charged for the service.
Hidden Cost
There are varying price lists out there; some offer free services, while others charge an arm and a leg for specialty services. Either way, there will be hidden costs that you might get to know about later. Fix your budget and talk to vendors you interview about hidden costs within the contract and whether services such as training and support are free.
Mobility
Smartphones have changed the dynamics of mobile usage. Handheld devices are easy to carry around and can be used for any number of uses. Most people are ditching the cumbersome PC for a handheld device. Doctors mostly use iPads or Tablets in the examination room to take down patient symptoms, check history and note down the prescription, so it is imperative that the vendor has a mobile application that’s synced with all the mobile devices being used in the practice.
AdvancedMD mac EMR
Markets Trends to Be Aware Of
Like anything else, the EMR software industry is also subject to constant changes. From new technology to legalities and governing bodies, everything is constantly changing. Here are some of the changes that would do well for you to keep track of.
Meaningful Use Changes
At a previously held health care conference Andy Slavitt, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had declared that Meaningful Use was over, and would be replaced by the end of that year with something better. But a deeper look into the claims revealed that meaningful use was very much still there, only much improved.
The new measures aim to make the reporting and benchmark for reaching the required reports much easier and laxer than under Meaningful Use, along with other changes.
Latest on Bariatric Surgery EMR Software
Connect Patient by ChartLogic EHR Suite
ChartLogic EHR Suite takes a step forward from providing a conventional portal for providers to a convenient portal to enhance patient’s engagement, quality care, and experience. Connect patient features scheduling, SMS reminders, online payments, online intake forms, Rx requests, and approvals. ChartLogic HER Suit through Connect Patient offers providers’ complete control of the interaction.
Cloud-Based Services
A previously conducted study had revealed how only 25% of the physicians had shown interest in the web-based EHR software systems and only 50% had adopted it as an initial model that was to ultimately transit to cloud-based software. But it has been established now, how the cloud-based EMR software cuts down the costs of having and maintaining all the hardware and client servers. It can be hosted on any device which has a web browser. That’s why more and more healthcare software vendors are switching to cloud-based EHR software.
EMR/EHR Software Demand
In 2025, the demand for EMR software solutions for healthcare practices has continued to rise, with market growth estimated at around 6-7% year-over-year as healthcare providers increasingly prioritize digital transformation and interoperability. This increase is largely driven by the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing within these systems, which enhance clinical workflows and patient care. Epic Systems has expanded its dominance, now capturing over 35% of the market, particularly among large multi-specialty organizations. Meanwhile, Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) has faced challenges, especially in retaining smaller hospitals, contributing to a slight decline in its market share. Together, major players like Epic, Oracle Health, Meditech and Allscripts account for a significant portion of the current EHR market.
Accessibility
EMR software is quickly widening their range of practice types in order to become more accessible to healthcare services. The amount of people who lack the time and knowledge, who are in health IT, is increasing each year. This makes optimizing these software solutions more difficult as they must now cater to different needs. Douglas W. Bowerman, MD, predicts we will see a “continued trend towards accessibility” in EHRs, both in terms of how we access them – on mobile, for instance – and who can access the software.
Artificial Intelligence
In recent years, advancements in AI and machine learning have dramatically changed the healthcare industry. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are likely to have a significant impact on the future of EHR (Electronic Health Record) and EMR software. By leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms, EMR systems can become more intuitive and efficient, streamlining clinical workflows and improving patient outcomes. The application of AI and machine learning will also enable EMR systems to provide more personalized and proactive care, by analyzing patient data and identifying potential health issues early on. Additionally, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize clinical research and drug development by providing access to vast amounts of patient data and insights.
