While there are many notable benefits to running a private practice, the increased workload can feel like a major stumbling block. Instead of spending time focusing on your clients, you’re too wrapped up in administration,
Electronic Health Records (EHR) software is often the solution. This digital software functions primarily as an electronic record of client charts, but can also be part of a larger practice portal.
The software streamlines the necessary administrative process, leaving you time to focus on what really matters. In this guide, we’re highlighting some of the best EHR platforms for private practice.
The Best EHR Platforms For Private Practices
Praxis EMR
Praxis EMR is a template-free system that runs on the idea that no two practices are alike.
Instead, Praxis uses artificial intelligence (AI) to observe and understand user patterns, and provide a system to better meet the needs of your practice. Instead of being limited by templates, you can chart in your own way.
Praxis EMR employs Concept Processing, which works on the theory that all clinicians (including therapists) see certain cases more frequently than others. As the AI scans and learns these cases, it can identify similarities between patients, to provide quick, smart diagnosis.
Praxis EMR really does learn from you, and the Praxis Agents are an excellent example of this. The agents allow you to automate large parts of your practice, allowing you to spend more time with your clients.
Meanwhile, the template-free system offers a more natural note-taking method, for better client engagement.
As a highly customizable system, Praxis EMR is an excellent choice for numerous specialties.
Pros
- Scanaway Document Manager – Go paperless with a complete scanning and archiving center.
- Concept Processing – Praxis learns from your patient records, for faster, effective care.
- Cloud based – Can be accessed from computers, laptops, smartphones, etc.
Cons
- Setting up the system can be difficult, particularly as you wait for Praxis EMR to learn your needs.
Practice Fusion
Practice Fusion is a hugely popular EHR platform with small and solo practices, offering flexible solutions for various specializations. A platform built with feedback from over 58,000 physicians, Practice Fusion is easy to use, affordable, and adaptable.
For established practices struggling with a clunky EHR (or no EHR at all), Practice Fusion can be up and running in days—potentially even minutes.
As there’s no software to install, no hardware, and no licensing fees, you can be ready to go in no time at all. Especially as Practice Fusion is incredibly intuitive to navigate. Find your preferred templates, set up your patient information, and start working efficiently.
One of the major benefits of Practice Fusion is a smart and efficient e-prescribing system. It helps with multi-mediation ordering, and offers checks and authorization with just a tap.
These scripts can then be sent to over 98,000 pharmacies, making life easier for psychiatrists.
Practice Fusion is all about efficiency. The impressive template library allows the system to adapt to different specialties, and personalizations ensure users have a system that works for them.
Pros
- Free trial – Get to know Practice Fusion, before you make a financial commitment.
- Proven performance – Practice Fusion has consistently ranked among the most popular EHRs for private practices.
- Large template library – The template library includes numerous designs for psychiatric specialisms.
Cons
- Some third-party integrations are only available for a fee.
TherapyNotes
Designed specifically for practitioners of behavioral health, TherapyNotes is a highly rated EHR that handles records and scheduling for large practices. The secure and streamlined system is one of the most intuitive EHR platforms available.
The notes are a particular highlight of TherapyNotes, as you might expect from the name. The robust note-taking system is based on a series of detailed templates, each designed from exhaustive research.
The clinical documents are easy to search and review, while the administrative notes add paper-free organization. These intuitive systems ensure you can dedicate more time to the client, and less time to meticulous note-taking.
Other useful tools of TherapyNotes include a fully-integrated scheduling system, with automated client appointment reminders, streamlined and integrated billing, including real time eligibility. And a secure patient portal to make communication easier.
TherapyNotes also offers telehealth services, although there is some room for improvement here. One-on-one sessions work well, and the screen share features allow for natural communication during activities. However, there’s no option for group sessions, which is a disappointment.
Pros
- Designated process notes – Specifically for mental health providers, these offer a secure, separate place for sensitive information.
- Integrated billing – A robust payment system that includes Real Time Eligibility for insurance.
- Customer service – TherapyNotes customer support is responsive and helpful.
Cons
- The note templates lack flexibility and customization.
InSync Healthcare Solutions
InSync Healthcare Solutions is a Cloud-based EHR platform known for excellent customer service and frequent updates. With solutions designed to meet the unique needs of specializations, this is a complete and customizable EHR.
InSync Healthcare Solutions is fully Cloud-based, ensuring no downtime, and a portable system that can be accessed from numerous devices.
This includes your smartphone, so clinicians can check their schedule on the go. A flexible system, you can adapt the InSync Healthcare Solutions charts, or bring your own custom forms to be recreated. InSync also offers a drag-and-drop dashboard, so you can create an interface that you’re comfortable with.
The InSync EHR can also be fully integrated with e-prescription software and telehealth systems, as well as full medical billing.
The platform can be scaled up and down to meet the needs of your practice, and the adjustable dashboard ensures that InSync is always kept up-to-date with your current needs.
InSync Healthcare Solutions offers frequent updates to the platform, to meet the needs and requests of the user. Each release is accompanied by notes and tutorials, so you can quickly learn each feature.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop dashboard – Create an interface that actually meets your needs.
- Training – In-depth training ensures you fully understand the platform, before putting it to use.
- Robust patient portal – Keep in easy contact with clients.
Cons
- Due to the level of customization, the system is complex to set up.
SimplePractice
SimplePractice provides a Cloud-based, centralized solution for private practitioners. This is a complete EHR platform, offering everything from scheduling, to billing, to communicating with a client ahead of the next appointment.
SimplePractice is an intuitive to use platform, allowing clinicians more time with clients, and less time with the workflow.
The scheduling service provides an open calendar, so clients can request appointments as they think of it. Clinicians can then accept or decline on the go, with built-in appointment reminders ensuring fewer missed sessions.
The extensive custom library offers everything from intake forms to treatment plans, or you can create your own custom templates to better suit your workflow.
Administrative notes allow for quick, and private, communication between colleagues, that won’t remain on the medical record.
Online billing and autopay makes it easier than ever for clients to make payments, so you don’t have to worry about chasing up missed bills. SimplePractice also uses integrated insurance claim filing, so you can create and track insurance claims from your dashboard.
The robust client portal eases communication between client and clinician, helping you to run a more efficient platform.
Pros
- Cloud-based – Limited downtime, and an easy-to-use mobile app.
- Customizable templates, and a template library – Multiple options that allow you to find a solution that really works.
- Robust client portal – Improved client communication means fewer missed appointments, and easier billing.
Cons
- A steep learning curve for new users.
RXNT
The RXNT EHR is all about ease. Information is easy to access, the platform is easy to use, and the mobile application makes for effective scheduling on the go. For small practices, RXNT can ensure you have better control over all elements of day-to-day client services.
A cloud-based system, RXNT has an expansive mobile app that can be used on both iOS and Android devices. This ensures you can manage the practice from whenever you are, and avoid frustrating downtimes.
RXNT is also an excellent option for practices interested in telehealth. Patient information can be documented side-by-side with telehealth appointments, to reduce interruptions and better replicate the in-person experience.
As well as the clinician app, RXNT has introduced a client app. This allows patients to engage easier with the clinic, so they can schedule, pay, and manage appointments on the go.
With all this information in your client’s hands, you can limit the risk of missed appointments and missed payments.
Pros
- Mobile app – A robust mobile app that allows both clinicians and clients to manage appointments on the go.
- Integrated telehealth – Enjoy better virtual meetings with the telehealth options.
- Customizable data templates – Store information easily.
Cons
- The basic plan only includes 50 claims.
Buyer’s Guide — EHR For Private Practice
Finding the right EHR system is important for your practice, as it helps you stay on top of the small details. EHR can streamline scheduling and billing, organize your notes, and even help with prescriptions. With the EHR managing your workflow, you can dedicate more time to your clients.
EHR platforms range from the very simple which will only organize clinic notes, to the very complex, which will contain integrations for managing the entire practice.
But finding the right EHR isn’t just about what the platform does, you also have to consider how it does it. Even the best EHR system might not be right for you if you don’t find the design intuitive.
Client Notes
At the heart of it, client notes are what EHR is all about. The most basic EHR systems will only contain methods for electronic chart storage, offering clinicians easy access to a digital chart.
These charts can then be shared with other providers (when necessary), added to and updated, and quickly accessed when needed.
Scheduling. Billing, And Other Services
Many EHR platforms now contain additional services to client notes, creating a streamlined workflow that offers easier control.
Features such as scheduling, billing, and e-prescriptions are all common additions. Telehealth is also reasonably common, but not considered standard.
For therapists, appointment reminders can help to reduce the number of missed sessions. Look for services that offer clients greater control of scheduling, to avoid frustrating games of telephone.
Some mental health EHR platforms also include billable hours tracking. This will track the hours of a live consultation, for more accurate billing with reduced effort.
When choosing these additional services, it’s essential to consider what you’ll actually need, rather than trying to choose a package that does it all. Place functionality over quantity.
You might already have a digital system in place for these services that you’re happy with. In this case, the key is integrations. Look for a platform that allows the integration of the tools already in place.
Security And Compliance
All EHR software must comply with HIPAA and other requirements from regulatory bodies. Be sure to understand the compliance and security certification of any EHR platform before purchasing.
You might find some clients are reluctant to switch from a paper system to an EHR, and site security as a concern. If you understand the security in place yourself, it will be easier to reassure a client.
Scalability
If you’re just starting your private practice, consider the scalability of an EHR platform. Is it easy to add new clinicians? How will the price increase when I add new clinicians? Can the platform handle client growth?
For an established platform, scalability might not be as important. However, it’s always useful to know how a growing client list will be handled.
Price
Pricing can be complex for an EHR. Some will charge a set price for certain tools, with an additional fee for added services. Some will charge depending on the number of clinicians, and some will charge based on the number of clients.
An EHR can be expensive, so weigh up the costs and potential benefits. A good EHR platform will offer consultations before purchase, to help you better understand the price plan.
Customization
Customizations allow you to adapt the platform to work for you. These customizations can make the interface more user friendly, and improve note-taking.
Customizations can really improve ease of use, so don’t overlook this feature. They’re particularly helpful for specialized practices.
With that said, you might prefer a platform with limited customizations, as they’re easier to start using.
Cloud-Based Or Server-Based?
Cloud-based EHR platforms are generally preferred for their convenience. These can be accessed from more devices, often including mobile devices, and have limited downtime.
Cloud-based platforms are also scalable, and buildable. When you want another service, it’s easy to add on.
There are fewer advantages to the server-based EHR, and an increasing number of practices, particularly small practices, are moving toward the cloud. However, server-based systems provide the user with a greater level of control.
Customer Service
An EHR isn’t a static service. From time to time you will need to update and change your subscription. The EHR itself is also likely to be updated by the company, as new developments improve operation.
Good customer service will help you quickly troubleshoot problems, and update your EHR as needs must. Look for accessibility: how can you contact customer service? And which hours are they available?
Frequently Asked Questions
EHR Or EMR: What Is The Difference?
Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are both forms of electronic client records. The EMR is essentially a digital version of a medical chart.
An EHR is an EMR with some added features. An EHR is designed for sharing client data, so they’re often linked to a digital portal. This digital portal will often include general practice management software, making the EHR a more complete package.
Is EHR Software Good For Private Practices?
EHR software can benefit a private practice as it takes care of the small details. Good EHR software makes it easier to store and access client information, and communicate with clients, clinicians, and even other practices.
With the EHR streamlining the unavoidable processes, you can focus on the clients.
What Are The Benefits Of A Patient Portal?
While many EHRs include a patient portal, they aren’t considered standard. For a mental health private practice, a patient portal can have many benefits.
They allow a client better access to scheduling, reducing the risk of no-shows. They can also improve billing, for fewer missed payments. Finally, they ease communication between the client and the clinician.
Final Thoughts
EHR software can transform the efficiency of your private practice, giving you more time to spend with your clients. But you’ll lose time if you don’t choose a platform that works for you.
Consider how the software will integrate with your existing services, and how well it aligns with your goals and requirements.
EHR platforms don’t have to be complex to deliver a reliable service that can really help your practice.
It’s important when choosing an EHR to reflect on which features offer actual benefits, and take a look at the usability. With these goals in mind, you can find an EHR to benefit you, and your clients.