Key Takeaways- This article will cover a detailed guide to EHR ( Electronic Health Record) software development. We will dive into:
- Why the system is important?
- How can businesses benefit from this?
- Tech stack used to develop EHR system
- Step-by-step process of EHR software development.
So, let’s get started!
With the growing technological advancements, every industry is going through multiple changes. The healthcare industry is no exception. According to the global view research, the global healthcare market was valued at $ 126.5 Bn in 2020 and is projected to grow at a promising CAGR of 23.6% from 2021 to 2028, indicating a bright future for the industry.
The industry is not just making use, but embracing smart technologies, revolutionizing patient care and treatment. These advancements are not just improving, but transforming the quality of healthcare, saving significant time and resources, and inspiring a brighter future for the industry.
Technologies like AI, ML, AR/VR, and many others are revolutionizing the healthcare industry work day by day. One of the most crucial challenges it has overcome is managing the data. This is not just vital but also the backbone of the healthcare industry, and often, a huge amount of data management can result in some or other misplacement of essential documents. Secondly, the patients have to make sure they have all the records related to their healthcare history.
What is an EHR System?
Electronic health records (EHRs) are patient data that are stored digitally, collected, and shared using structured computer software. The EHR system allows every person, whether physicians, labs, nursing homes, or patients, to share medical information using it.
The information can be anything related to an individual’s healthcare department. From lab results to prescriptions to details about the regular checkup, every small detail is fed into the system. EHR software provides better insights into patient health history, leading to more precise diagnoses and higher-quality patient care.
EMR software makes everything equally easier for all departments of the healthcare industry, enhancing coordination and collaboration. This software reduces the manual workload and avoids data mishandling.
The users can access this platform globally, making the process easier.
Types of EHR Software Development
There are two types of EHR systems available in the healthcare industry. Both are very important for answering the question of how an EHR system is developed.
Physician Hosted- This type of EHR system is bought and maintained by physicians. This EHR type is where the data is hosted on a physician’s server.
Remotely hosted- The EHR server for these EHRs is outside the doctor’s office. This implies that maintaining and keeping patient data is not the doctor’s responsibility. This particular EHR type allows the physician to concentrate solely on data collection rather than overseeing the IT infrastructure.
Benefits of Developing an EHR Software
Streamlined Workflows: Simplifies administrative tasks like scheduling and billing, freeing up time for healthcare providers to focus on patient care.
Comprehensive Patient Records: Provides instant access to detailed patient histories, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates seamless communication among healthcare teams, improving coordination and continuity of care.
Data-Driven Insights: Enables analysis of healthcare trends and outcomes, supporting evidence-based decision-making and quality improvement initiatives.
Improved Patient Engagement: Empowers patients with access to their own health information, fostering communication and participation in their healthcare journey.
These benefits underscore how EHR software can transform healthcare delivery, promoting efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centered care.
Read more: The Importance and Differences of EMR, EHR & PHR
Must-Have Features of a Fully Developed EHR System
While there are many varieties of EMR systems on the market, a good one has all the functions mentioned below, which complete the package and give a bird’ s-eye perspective of the patient’s medical history.
1. Patient Management Portal
This essential part of the EHR system handles the majority of administrative duties, including new patient registration, admission, facility transfer, and discharge. For example, when a patient registers with the hospital for the first time, the admission desk has to know specifics such as phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, employment records, contact information, and demographics.
Once registration is complete, each patient is assigned a unique ID on the system, also referred to as a medical record number. Electronic medical software uses this number to keep track of all further communications with the patient, such as lab results, diagnosis, prescriptions, visits, etc.
2. Clinical Records Section
The clinical component gives care teams the tools they need to make wise decisions, enhancing patient management competency. With this component, clinicians can collect and document patient contacts, including surgery notes, physical examination results, and patient histories. Moreover, by combining vital information like pharmacy and nursing records, this feature of EHR systems easily interfaces with a pharmacy management system, further centralizing patient data for improved health outcomes.
3. Billing and Financial Dashboards
Hospital billing records have a significant impact on a hospital’s profitability, production, and efficiency. They are a crucial component of the EMR software systems since they can keep track of every expense a patient makes while receiving care. The billing component is far more potent than merely maintaining precise spending logs. With this component, dashboards can be produced to monitor key performance indicators and other analytical reports. It continuously collects data from many sources across the hospital.
This information can also be used by the finance department to track past earnings, department-specific invoicing, expenses, and possible areas for development. As a result, the EHR plays a crucial part in medical billing.
4. E-Prescriptions
Prescriptions have gone digital as well since, as we all know, virtual healthcare is the way of the future. Another crucial component of software for electronic health records is e-prescriptions. This special platform keeps track of and records all prescriptions. It contains details on all of the ailments, treatments, and problems. This feature aims to increase the visibility of patient health information. It also helps medical practitioners learn how to formulate and make informed decisions. Because the data in the system is publicly accessible, it becomes easier for medical practitioners to understand past medical histories.
5. Integration with Test Labs
Prescriptions have gone digital as well since, as we all know, virtual healthcare is the way of the future. Another crucial component of software for electronic health records is e-prescriptions. This special platform keeps track of and records all prescriptions. It contains details on all of the ailments, treatments, and problems. This feature aims to increase the visibility of patient health information. It also helps medical practitioners learn how to formulate and make informed decisions. Because the data in the system is publicly accessible, it becomes easier for medical practitioners to understand past medical histories.
Tech Stack Required to Build an EHR System
This table provides a structured overview of the technologies and considerations relevant to each layer.
| Layer | Technology Choices | Key Features |
| Frontend | – React.js – Angular – Vue.js | – Responsive UI/UX – Accessibility – Role-based dashboards |
| Backend | – Node.js (Express.js framework) – Python (Django framework) – Java (Spring Boot framework) | – Scalable architecture – RESTful API design – Data encryption |
| Database | – PostgreSQL – MongoDB | – Data integrity – Schema flexibility |
| API Layer | – RESTful APIs – GraphQL | – OAuth 2.0 integration – Versioning |
| Server | – Nginx | – Load balancing |
| Authentication & Authorization | – JWT (JSON Web Tokens) – OAuth 2.0 | – Fine-grained access controls – Audit logging |
| Cloud Services/Hosting | – AWS (Amazon Web Services) – Microsoft Azure | – Disaster recovery – Compliance (e.g., HIPAA) |
| Integration Tools | – HL7 (Health Level Seven International) – FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) | – Real-time data synchronization – Interoperability with other healthcare systems |
| Testing | – Jest (for JavaScript/TypeScript) – JUnit (for Java) | – Performance benchmarking – Security testing |
| DevOps | – Docker (containerization) – Kubernetes (container orchestration) | – Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) – Scalability and elasticity |
| Monitoring | – Prometheus (monitoring toolkit) – Grafana (monitoring and visualization) | – Real-time analytics – Alerting and notification systems |
| Security | – SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) – Encryption standards (AES, RSA) | – Data masking and anonymization – GDPR Compliance |
Team required to create an EHR System
The ideal team required for EHR software development is
- 3 Web Developers- 1 Backend and 2 Frontend
- 1 Android EHR developer
- 2 quality assurance experts
- 1 iOS EHR developer
- 1 Project manager
Remember, the team size and members can be changed depending on the project’s complexity and the client’s requirements. However, we mentioned an ideal team that can fulfill the development need.
Steps to Build an EHR System
The development stages that you can expect your EHR software development company to follow for the creation of an electronic health record system include:
Validation of idea
Prior to developing a personalized EHR solution, the software company will examine its viability and appropriateness for the market. Together, you will discuss your goals and needs, and they will research your rivals to determine what unique selling points you could offer. The agency will go on to the design phase once your app idea has undergone a technical and market analysis.
EHR prototype
At Octal, we create a prototype for EHR software after verifying the idea. Making a feature list, deciding on the technology stack, and assembling the team to work on it are the first steps in the process. Next, we design a prototype that closely mimics the intended functionality and appearance of the software.
Design, development, and testing
We begin the final design phase as soon as the EHR software prototype is approved. Here, we develop user journeys and wireframes with designs that will be present in the finished EHR system.
After that, we build the EHR system with the ideal features, incorporate security features, and add new technologies like blockchain, IoT, and artificial intelligence. At Octal IT Solution, we prioritize using a milestone-based approach to development, breaking down the process into several agile sprints. This allows for quicker delivery and in-the-moment quality checks for each module. Lastly, to make sure the EHR software is error-free and impervious to hackers, we test it on a variety of networks and platforms.
Launch and maintenance
After the EHR system has been designed and assessed, we either integrate the software into the existing system or introduce new software. The deployment professionals are essential in this scenario to ensure a successful launch. Lastly, when it comes to managing the EHR software, we prioritize continuous support and error-free functioning.
When creating an EHR system, there are a few crucial considerations to take into account despite the fact that these tasks seem straightforward.
What is the Cost to Build EHR Software?
The cost of building an EHR (Electronic Health Record) software can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the complexity of features, the scale of the project, and many more. Here are some key cost components to consider when estimating the cost to build an EHR software:
- Development Team: Includes project managers, developers, UX/UI designers, and quality assurance specialists. Costs can vary significantly based on their location and experience.
- Technology Stack: The choice of programming languages, frameworks, and infrastructure will impact development costs.
- Features and Functionality: Basic features like patient demographics, scheduling, and clinical notes are standard, but additional features such as integrations with medical devices, telemedicine capabilities, and advanced analytics can increase costs.
- Compliance and Security: Ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and implementing robust security measures are critical and may involve additional costs.
- Testing and QA: Comprehensive testing to ensure the software is reliable and secure adds to development expenses.
- Maintenance and Support: Ongoing maintenance, updates, and customer support are ongoing costs that should be budgeted.
To get a more accurate estimate, you can consult with software development firms specializing in healthcare software or EHR development. They can provide a detailed breakdown based on your requirements and project scope. However, the average cost of development can start from $50,000 and can go higher as per the client’s requirements.
Read more: How to Develop an Efficient EMR EHR System for Hospitals & Clinics?
How can Octal Help you with the EHR System Provider?
As a leading software development company, Octal provides the best solutions and covers diverse industries. We have a team of expert developers who are well-versed in the latest technology and trends and keep updating as per the market requirements. We have completed many multi-dollar projects that are doing great on the market. If you are also looking for a similar EHR software development service, you can contact 24*7 our team of experts. Here are some insights that show our growth and achievement for better understanding.
Conclusion
I hope you have an idea of what EHR software development is and how it can be effective for businesses. There are multiple benefits to opting for an EHR system in medical offices/industries. Moreover, including more functions in the system can enhance its functionality. So what are you waiting for? Without thinking more, let’s start our development journey together, discuss your idea, and get the top, cost-effective development.
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