Guide to Mobile EHR Applications for Healthcare Developers

Whether you’re just starting your practice or looking to update your existing delivery of care, when comparing EHR systems  you will undoubtedly find that some vendors now offer mobile EHR applications. With increased demand from patients and providers alike, mobile capabilities can be the factor that distinguishes a provider from the competition. This article will provide a complete and comprehensive EHR vendor comparison.

What are some different types of EHRs?

You’ll notice as you start  conducting an electronic medical records software comparison, there are 4 models of delivery to consider ahead of looking at individual solutions. 

1. Traditional EMR Software: The EMR, or electronic medical records, software is purchased and then physically installed into the practice’s workstations. Remote access is not available and upgrades must be manually installed.
2. Application Service Provider (ASP): The supplying vendor provides EMR services via a closed network accessible only by its customers (the providers). 
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): A Saas EHR (electronic health record) is available through the cloud with the data being ultimately stored and owned by the vendor. Updates can be applied automatically and customers have the  ability to easily share data through the open network. 
4. Cloud-Based Service: Considered the most sophisticated method of EHR delivery, a cloud-based service not only offers an open network and continuous updates, but empowers its customers to own their data and obtain valuable insights.

When comparing EHR systems, not all models are created equally when it comes to mobile application. Traditional EMR Software and APS are more limited than Saas and Cloud-Based solutions, making it unlikely that users can develop a native mobile app. 

Why do we need mobile EHR applications? 

As a provider, you might be considering if you need a mobile application for your EHR system. While not all providers do offer mobile apps in their delivery of care, it has grown exponentially and can be a deciding factor for potential patients when choosing a provider. 

Patients are becoming accustomed to having quality care at their fingertips, as telehealth, secure messaging, and prescription delivery services are becoming mainstream. With the vast majority of US adults owning smartphones, there is a growing expectation for patients to easily access providers from anywhere - without going in-person or using a computer. Both to remain competitive and to easily share data, many providers are embracing SaaS and Cloud-Based Services.

What are 3 benefits of using a mobile EHR? 

Before conducting an EHR comparison, it’s important to realize that adapting a mobile EHR is beneficial for patients and providers alike, with major benefits including accessibility, engagement, and answering time-sensitive needs. 

Accessibility

Mobile apps are more intuitive and accessible than portals, because they are purpose built for mobile use. For both providers and patients, a mobile app can be an easy means of accessing patient records, lab results, lab orders, patient-provider chat, etc. This additional method of accessing care can be especially life changing for less mobile individuals, such as the elderly or disabled. 

Engagement

While many people only log in to a portal when prompted via email, mobile apps are commonplace in daily life. Using push notifications to alert of updates and messages, patients can easily access information in the palm of their hand, as well as educational content and recommendations from their providers. 

Moreover, providers have the ability to log on-the-go. With the ability to record notes and input orders in real time, providers can decrease time spent at their workstations and instead spend quality time with patients. 

Time-Sensitive

For providers treating patients with particular circumstances or vulnerabilities, communicating securely and quickly can save an unnecessary trip to the provider’s office or the emergency room. With secure messaging and video chat, providers can address cases that evolve quickly or require frequent check-in, such as mental health, eating disorders, or prenatal care. 

What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an EHR System? 

When doing an EHR software comparison, and particularly considering the mobile element, there are a few factors to consider. 

1. Compatibility - For optimal engagement, it is beneficial to choose a mobile EHR that can be accessed via both Android and iOS operating systems, as well as be functional on both smartphones and tablets. 
2. Features - Consider the mobile EHR features that will most improve your customer experience and provider workflow, such as scheduling and eRx. Additionally, there might be features that ease back office administration, such as automating onboarding and billing. 
3. Holistic Fit - Some unique considerations might be whether the mobile EHR vendor offers a white label app, has flexible application, or if the vendor has experience with your type of care–  as physicians, nutritionists, and health coaches have varying needs. 

All of these features are important to consider in our comparison of EHR systems. Ultimately, you want to find a mobile EHR that both relieves existing restraints and can scale as you grow your practice. 

What are the top 3 mobile EHRs?

While there are dozens of EHR systems and EHR vendors on the market, discerning the right solution for your business is much easier now that you’ve determined your needs.  Below are 3 popular mobile EHRs that could suit your practice’s needs, including their key features so you can conduct an EHR comparison and find the best fit for you. 

1. Healthie 

Solution: Healthie is a modern EHR and Engagement Platform with an open API built for scale. Healthie’s white label mobile app is an out-of-the-box solution for individual providers and digital health companies wanting quick speed-to-market. As a HIPAA and SOC-2 type-2 compliant platform with vast API abilities, Healthie is secure and built to scale – making it #1 in this EHR software comparison.. 

Compatibility: Android and iOS operating systems

Key Features: Scheduling, Video Call, Documents, Patient-Provider Chat, Practice Management, Online Programs for Patients, Food & Lifestyle Journaling, Goal Setting, and Linking Health Trackers & Devices.  

Ideal for: Healthcare providers that seek to streamline business operations and improve patient engagement. 

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2. Epic 

Solution: Epic is a cloud-based, EHR and practice management solution built for hospitals. Epic has developed mobile workstations for clinicians by way of mobile apps: Haiku (Android and iOs) and Canto (iPad).

Compatibility: Android and iOS operating systems

Key Features: Lab Results, Provider Access for Patient Records, Dictation, and Provider View of Outpatient Schedule.

Ideal for: Clinicians who need to access care documentation on the go.

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3. AdvancedMD 

Last in our electronic medical records software comparison, AdvancedMD is a mobile-forward EHR tool that is designed for medical practices and healthcare organizations. It has a suite of mobile apps to meet provider and patient needs, including the Clinical app, Front Office app, Telemedicine app, Patient Kiosk app, and Admin Connect app.

Compatibility: All iOS compatible, some Android compatible (Patient Kiosk, Admin Connect)

Key Features: Documents, Lab Orders & Results, Secure Messaging, Patient Check-In, Forms, and eRx.

Ideal for: Individual Practices in search of mobility and flexible treatment options.

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