Best Plastic Surgery EMR Software Buyer's Guide 2025
Emiley Parker
Oct 10, 2025
265
Emiley Parker
Plastic Surgery EMR Software is designed to optimize clinical workflow through integrated interfaces with labs, pharmacies, and diagnostic equipment. Reconstructive surgery practices require software that can handle large volumes of documentation and forms, and tracking of patient progress pre- and postoperative. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software should also have discreet data-sharing capabilities between practitioners of other specialties, such as anesthesiologists and immunologists.
Before choosing a Plastic Surgery Electronic Health Record (EHR) Software, check if the software has the following key features:
Templates – Built-in templates in the software for plastic surgery save time. They include procedures that reconstructive surgeons see often, such as rhinoplasty, implants, laser procedures, grafting, cheiloplasty, and many more. These templates are customizable, so surgeons can add or remove what they think is necessary.
Coding and Billing – Codes are essential for accurate billing. The EMR Software for plastic surgery should be able to reference diagnostic and procedural codes that apply to reconstructive surgery. Some Electronic Medical Records solutions have learning capabilities and pull up frequently used surgical codes for quicker documentation.
Document Management – The sheer volume of forms that go through plastic surgery practices is staggering. There are consent forms, preoperative instructions, postoperative instructions, and many more. Electronic Health Records (EHR) software should be robust enough to store and manage all these forms in patient files.
Workflow Management - Plastic surgery practices often need to record and store large volumes of data. The EHR System should be able to manage, document, and maintain all the plastic & reconstructive surgery-related workflows. This helps the physicians have a better understanding of the condition of the patient and helps them make the right decisions at the right time.
Image Management – To track patient progress and the changes made by reconstructive surgery, EMR software should be capable of importing images and storing them in patient files. These can overlay photos for before-and-after viewing and allow physician footnotes. Many software systems include mobile support and will let users take photos from an iPad or other tablets that can be automatically attached to the patient records.
Real-Time Dashboard - The Top Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery EHR software must feature a real-time dashboard that will help physicians view patient charts, profiles, billing processes, scheduling, etc., all in one place. The dashboard also saves the time that is taken to open multiple tabs.
Equipment Integration - Some EMR software has a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) that stores diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays and radiology reports, in patient files.
Data Exchange – To determine levels of anesthesiology during surgery, and any allergy information for prescription purposes, reconstructive surgeons must consult with other specialists. EMR software should allow for greater connectivity between practitioners for the discreet exchange of patient medical files through secure messaging.
Hands-Free Dictation – Most software can now take dictations, so surgeons can take notes while performing surgery.
Scheduling – Many plastic surgeons use multiple locations where surgeries are performed, as well as an office location where exams are performed. Practice Management software (PM) geared toward plastic surgery should be able to facilitate complex scheduling needs.
Electronic Medical Records Software (EMR Software) represents the electronic method of storing medical records for patients. Using specially designed software, physicians and other medical professionals can store a wide range of information, from patient demographics to detailed clinical records, including medical history, social history, lab reports, and more.
Since all medical providers (MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, LCSW, OT, etc.) work distinctly based on their background and medical specialty, EMR Software or EHR Software must accommodate the unique style and documentation requirements. Examples of such specialty-specific features include the ability to annotate images and to store before/after photos for Pain Management specialists and Dermatology specialists, respectively. Similarly, specialties such as Pediatrics, Oncology, Podiatry, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Nephrology, Dialysis Centers, Rheumatology, and Chiropractic Care require their unique specialty-specific features to simplify adoption.
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 forms part of the four components of the new Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), which 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 an easy one. Regardless, realizing that the benefits of utilizing ONC Certified EMR 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.
Aside from ensuring tangible financial incentives and profitability, practices converting to EMR / EHR Software have seen the following benefits:
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.
A small doctor’s office not only has a limited number of staff members, but its EMR Software budgets are also meager compared to a large enterprise such as a hospital. Due to these budgetary constraints, many providers simply 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.
These practices usually consist of 5 to 10 medical providers, often belonging to the same medical specialty. Their requirements are more stringent, and their budget is also considerably larger. Aside from specialty-focused requirements (EHR Software by Specialty), these practices also require unique features such as interoperability, dedicated customer support, multi-device support, and an extensive reporting functionality to keep an eye on the overall performance of the practice.
Larger group practices generally comprise more than 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 and for the Scheduling software to accommodate multiple locations, providers, and resources, such as dialysis chairs and procedure room allocation. These practices also keep replacing or adding staff members, and need a scalable solution.
EHR software companies, such as Epic, Cerner, AllScripts, NextGen, Athenahealth, IMS by Meditlab, eClinicalWorks, Meditech, McKesson, and MEDHOST, typically target and provide solutions for larger corporations, including hospitals, ACOs, PCMHs, IPAs, CINs (Clinically Integrated Networks), and public health departments.
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.
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 EHR software that best suits their specific needs and must perform an extensive search to evaluate all available options before they find one that is suitable. Most potential EMR Software buyers in the market today have the following in common:
Although #3 is ideal, every provider and practice workflow is unique, and therefore, what works for one provider may not suit the other. “One size fits all” simply doesn’t apply in the world of healthcare IT. Software experts and industry specialists are an ideal source of information and advice and ultimately ensure that the right decision is made.
EMR software includes several types of software based on specific applications or functionalities:
Small doctor offices benefit the most from cloud-based EMR Software technology since minimal 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.
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 EHR Software vendor to support the Mac operating system (Mac EMR Software). Not all Vendors today support Mac devices, so finding a vendor with native support for Mac devices is essential to ensure that the software performs optimally on existing hardware at the practice and does not require additional investment in computer systems.
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). The 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 has undergone rigorous testing and has been confirmed at a benchmark level defined by the federal body. The software testing done during this exercise checks all areas of the EMR 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.
Electronic health records software (EHR) for certain specialties, such as Plastic Surgery or surgery clinic care, must provide tools to document the procedural workflow and clinical notes of those specialists such as specifying the area of concern (for example reconstructive surgery) and should provide customizable specialty-specific templates.
With competition rising in healthcare IT, EMR software providing integrated Practice Management software (PM software) as part of their overall software package easily outperforms rivals with standalone EHR Software including those that may provide specialty-specific EHR software. EMR Software companies with integrated Practice Management solutions often tend to provide extensive reporting capabilities to track practice performance and manage business operations better.
Medical practice requires 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 Electronic Health Records (EHR) 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 and patient statements, verify patient eligibility, and more. This software is ideal for practices that want to handle billing in-house and can integrate with EMRs.
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 compliance should be guaranteed at all times by the EHR Vendor. Most Vendors today (Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, AdvancedMD, PrognoCIS, Modernizing Medicine, eClinicalWorks, 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.
PrognoCIS Cosmetic Surgery EMR Software
One of the decisions medical practices will have to make is whether they 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 a PM software and weren't looking to replace it yet.
Doctors are not IT professionals, and though some might be tech-savvy, it would be egregious to expect them all to be experts on 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's 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.
Not all specialties are created equal, so why must their software be generic? Basic EHR software works well and is good for general practice and most specialties, but doctors have complained about specialty-specific not being available in the market. The specialty software has built-in recording systems that make specialty practices function efficiently. Only a few vendors provide specialty-specific software, so there aren't many to choose from. But more vendors are cottoning on to the demand and there should be more options shortly.
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're 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'll be charged for the service.
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.
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 the vendor must have a mobile application that is synced with all the mobile devices being used in the practice.
EMA™ Plastic Surgery EMR Software
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 I think it would do well for you to keep track of.
It's no surprise that more vendors are switching to Cloud-Based EMR software. Cloud-based EMR software systems can cut down on steep upfront costs that otherwise would be spent on client servers, and they can even be hosted from any device with an internet connection and web browser, making them a much more convenient option. Research has found that only 25% of practitioners are interested in a web-based EMR system, while 50% are willing to have it as an initial model that eventually transitions to a cloud-based.
At a healthcare conference Andy Slavitt, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services declared that Meaningful Use was over. Since then Meaningful Use has been renamed Promoting Interoperability and has brought along new updates to its core principles.
The program has been overhauled, with the CMS dedicating the program to the exchange of health information and patient data as well as encouraging medical professionals to implement Certified Electronic Health Records (EHR) technology.
Electronic Health Records software systems must be inclusive of a wide range of digital capabilities. By working towards better data liquidity, data would be more accessible and therefore increase the EHR footprint, which can be done without compromising on security. Additionally, implementing interoperable electronic health record systems (EHR systems) would also allow better access and exchange of patient information between healthcare organizations.
Whilst better patient access is expected of many EHR software systems, the feature has not been completely integrated yet. According to a study in 2019, only 10% of patients (who had access to their records) viewed them. Additionally, of these patients, 63% were encouraged to do so by their respective providers. Vendors of electronic medical records software (EMR software) are updating their systems to be easier to navigate and to better suit patients’ requirements; this also prepares EMR systems for potential future regulatory changes. More health practices are also providing more guidance and raising awareness to encourage more patients to regularly check their health records before appointments.
The growth of your practice can be greatly benefited by boosting patient engagement. One approach can be to make resources and content readily available within patient communities. Another can be to increase patient outreach. Additionally, regular appointment reminders (which can be handled via appointment reminder EMR software) can reduce cancellations and improve patient engagement.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have both had major impacts on health IT in recent years. It is likely that as these continue to evolve and change, they will have just as big an impact on EMR software systems. AI and machine learning algorithms can improve Electronic Health Records software by making it more intuitive and efficient, and they can help streamline medical workflows and improve patient outcomes. Applying these technologies to EHR software systems can also enable physicians to provide much more personalized and proactive care by identifying any potential health issues early through analysis of patient data. By providing access and insights into large amounts of patient data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms have the potential to revolutionize clinical research and drug development.
