WHAT IS DENTAL ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD (DENTAL EHR, D/EHR)?
A dental electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient's paper chart. EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to the caregivers.
FLAVORS OF DENTAL EHR
EHR is available in many options, however, here are three (3) basic forms:
a) Client/Server - Hardware & Software management is done within the practices
b) Cloud Dental Software - Hosted on the Cloud
c) Hybrid - Hosted Client/Server in Cloud
Additionally, there are mobile and multi-location support options within some of these EHRs.
i) Mobile - It is a feature of Cloud Based Dental Software (option b), which makes it available on devices like tablets, phones.
Note: Client/Server or Hybrid - may have such features but are leveraged through Remote Desktop Services like VNC or RDC.
Tip to Identify the difference: It will use a remote screen sharing facility and users experience will be below sub-par. Also, such a solution will be very expensive compared to Cloud Software - cost will make it clear.
ii) Multi-location Support - Multiple practice owners can use the same software without installing a different copy of the software or database.
It is a trait of Cloud Based Dental Software. Most cloud dental software, designed for cloud should support this feature.
Tip to Identify: Multi-location will need different software licenses, hardware and will be very costly to scale.
What is Certified EHR?
Certified EHR is a tested and certified EHR by Office of National Coordinator (ONC).
Tip: Certified EHR is used to report certain pre-defined objectives and clinical quality measures. Most dentist do not qualify and does not require to report. Also, cost of using certified EHR will be high for same/similar functionalities.
My next blog will help understand need for Certified EHR & Meaningful Use; subscribe to email update for latest information on blog.
What is the difference between EDR & D/EHR?
Many people interchangeably use Electronic Dental Record (EDR) or D/EHR . The difference is that latter is more encompassing while earlier one focuses on only electronic care documentation. In short, EDR is just clinical records.
What is Web Dental Software or Web based Dental Software?
The terms cloud and web are used interchangably in this space.
What is Dental Practice Management System (PMS)?
Generally, dental practice management system will encompass scheduling of patients and patient account management (ledger). Also, most of these systems willl include electornic dental record either free or additionally paid.
Does EHR includes the functionality of EDR & PMS?
Yes, the modern cloud based dental electronic health record (EHR) will incorporate both EDR & PMS functions.
CONCLUSION:
There are many options while making a choice of Dental EHR. However, the decision should be primarily driven by the cost and efforts/resources required to manage EHR.
The total cost of acquisition like software license/lease, software support, backup, restore, number of users, training at minimum should be considered.
Additionally, cost for Client/Server systems (option a) if selected must also include server hardware, server support and server refresh (every 3/4 years) must be included.
tab32 is a FREE cloud based dental software which provides funcationality of EHR, EDR & PMS with no strings attached. It is a cloud based platform for single and multi-location dental practices.
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