Most healthcare providers still using paper charts instead of certified EHR software often do so due to a fear of exorbitant costs associated with EMR software implementation, training and customer support. Small practice owners are also mostly discouraged by the cost factor of implementing EMR systems. These healthcare providers may not realize that there are a number of Free EMR Software options available today designed specifically for smaller practices.
Free Electronic Health Records (EHR) software systems do not have any upfront cost or ongoing fees. Many healthcare providers do not realize that choosing a free EHR software does not necessarily translate into poor or even limited software functionality. Free EMR software vendors must compete with renowned and expensive Electronic Medical Records software vendors, so they must meet the bare-minimum threshold for features and functionality to remain competitive and attract prospective users.
The EMR software experts at EMRSystems have compiled a list of the top 5 free Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software vendors that can meet the requirements of a small medical practice regardless of specialty.
OpenEMR
OpenEMR is an ONC-ATCB certified EHR software platform. The software is fully open-source and supported by volunteers and contributors from around the world. It offers advanced security, scheduling, medical billing functionality, e-Prescribing (e-Rx), lab integration, CMS reporting, clinical decision rules, and even Multilingual support.
Hippocrate
Hippocrate is a cloud-based EMR software platform available for free to solo clinicians. It provides an extensive suite of features including scheduling, Labs, Imaging & Pharmacy Integration, telemedicine, and Patient Portal.
talkEHR
talkEHR by MTBC is a free EMR software providing voice recognition features. This EHR system is ONC-ATCB Certified, compliant with ICD-10 and MACRA.
One Touch EMR
This EMR system is Meaningful Use certified and features built-in E&M coding guidelines, secure Cloud data storage, and integrated document management capabilities.
FreeMed
FreeMed is an open-source EMR software platform developed in 1999. The software features an integrated REMITT feature for Practice management and billing. It also features scheduling and basic reporting functionality.
Although there are many advantages of choosing a free EMR software solution as a small practice, it is important to note some of the potential limitations associated with free EMR systems, such as lack of integrated Practice Management or medical billing functionality, limited e-Rx features, lack of extensive financial reporting.
