When it’s time for your eyecare practice to hit the market for new EHR software you need to go into the buying journey with a game plan. Switching EHR systems is a big change, and you want to make sure that you’re making the best decision for your practice. Before you really dig in and start viewing demos of different systems, assess the needs of your practice and make a list of the most important challenges you need a system to solve, and features that are must-haves.

Today, we’re going to share with you 5 features we think every eyecare practice should be looking for when it comes to practice management and EHR software.

1. Striking User Interface
In most cases, your practice management and EHR software is the most used system in your practice and you’ll spend hours each day looking at the system. For something you spend so much time with, it should have an attractive user interface. Exam formats should mimic your workflow and the layout of the system should be uncluttered and easy to navigate.

2. Fewer Clicks
This is a big one that can affect your workflow, patient experience and ultimately your revenue. The more clicks it takes you to get through a patient encounter the longer each visit will take. When viewing different software demos pay special attention to the amount of clicking it takes to get through each step.

3. Cloud-Based System
Client-server software solutions offer very little when it comes to flexibility. Cloud-based systems allow you to access your system and data from any browser and on any device as long as you have an internet browser. Skip the hassles of having to remotely log into a specific computer in your office, only to get a slow connection to the information you need. In addition to just being in the cloud, the ability to access your system from a tablet can have extended benefits for you and your patients.

4. OD Designed
Any software that is designed for ODs to use should have the input of ODs during the development process. Optometry software needs to behave the way an OD’s mind and office workflow is set up to operate. If ODs haven’t been involved in the process of development there is a good chance you will see some inconsistencies in how you would like the software to function.

5. One Touch Clinical Decision Support
Clinical decision support should exceed the needs of government regulations. Well-built clinical decision support should allow problem selection with severity that automatically updates orders and plans. Quick and easy access to images and treatment plans allow you to share information with patients at the point of care.

Are you on the search for new EHR software? Use this guide to help you ask the right questions when talking to software vendors.