EMR systems have recently become a hot topic in a majority of medical offices and clinics across the United States. The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act of 2009 has made this so, as a large amount of cash has been reserved to help subsidize the use of EMR software within the Healthcare Industry. This has resulted in large numbers of new systems, as well as new companies anxious for a piece of the Federal spending.

In few other sectors of the technology industry has the range of choice been as high as that in the electronic medical records software group. New developers are coming out of the woodwork with interesting technologies, excitedly hoping to get their piece of the Federal subsidies. For the EMR system shopper, then, the embarrassment of riches as far as vendors go means that the main goal of any purchase decision is to streamline the large number of developers to a manageable shortlist. Some other points to look at are:

1. CCHIT Certification Means Quality - In response to the rather massive interest in the development of EMR software systems, the industry created a commission known as CCHIT (or the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology) in order to build and adopt standards for EMR software. Achieving CCHIT-certification isn't cheap or easy, which is why it's as close to a guarantee that you're dealing with a superior software and company as the industry has. Step away from non-CCHIT certified vendors off the hop, and your shortlist will be far more manageable.

2. Meaningful Use Knowledge - Knowing that your EMR software developer is incrediblywell-versed in the concept of "Meaningful Use" is absolutely critical to any system installation. The Federal Government stipulates that you must show "meaningful use" of your EMR system, a phrase which seems to have a constantly developing and changing definition. Know that if your system doesn't have all the requirements to qualify for "meaningful use", you won't receive any of the additional Medicare or Medicaid incentives you may be due. Select only EMR software systems that boast these requirements, and ask for recent qualification examples if necessary.

3. Ease Of Use - The basic expense of using an electronic medical record system has so much to do with the ease of its use that it is surprising for most. Simple to use products are cheaper to train your staff on, as well as dramatically reduce future support charges in half or more. Keeping it simple is key to ensuring your staff not only takes on, but embraces your EMR software, which ensures that you get all of the efficiencies the application can generate. To begin looking at ease of use, schedule a couple of hours to simply download and install (if an EMR system isn't Windows-based, avoid!) demos from your probable developers. Install them and get a pretty good feel for the application and interface. Use a "gut instinct" approach, and know that if you feel like you may need an instruction manual simply to get started, it may not be the best for you or your practice.

Shopping for an electronic medical record system is not an easy process, but with the stimulus funds soon to expire, now is the right time. Ensure your company knows its stuff, and selecting a favorite from the broad selection of EMR systems should be a piece of cake.