GUIDE: EMR Hardware Selection

When implementing an EMR, it's important to remember that there are many technologies required to support the EMR system as a whole. Read below to learn more about hardware requirements.

Slates and Pads

Tablet PCs offer the most mobility in the office. Their transportability and light weight make them a popular option, allowing doctors to document at the point of encounter as they would with paper records. This is not to say that they are always the best choice as there are a number of details to consider such as battery life, cost, steeper learning curves and moderate durability. When selecting a medical tablet you'll need to consider which features are most important to you and your practice.

Another contender in the tablet market is the smaller, lighter pad units. iPad® and Android® are introducing various handheld products. Thre are apps on the market designed to work seamlessly with many of the major certified ambulatory EMR's. There are even some stand-alone EMR apps. These pad units are smaller and lighter than the standard EMR Tablet PC, but are intended to provide some of the same features and functionality at a lighter weight and lower cost. Some will fit perfectly into the pocket of a lab coat. Check with your vendor or consultant before selecting a pad. You will need your pad to meet very specific EMR vendor application requirements.

Servers

Servers generally fall into two categories: web-based and client-based. While web-based servers tend to be less costly, a client-based is typically more reliable. Depending upon the size of your medical environment; a simple tower style server or expandable rack or blade type may be considered. Dependency on your server is extremely high, so it is critical that you purchase a carefully selected and configured dependable product with a technical support system available for maintenance and emergencies.

For more information on choosing a server, visit our EMR server page.

Networking

Your network connects each of your EMR computers to one another, to the EMR system and to the Internet. Your software and hardware will dictate the type of network you need. You will need a reliable internet service provider and a high-quality secure wireless network, if you plan to use any wireless technology such as tablet PCs, laptops, pads or PDAs.

Workstations and Desktops

Workstations can be used in conjunction with tablet PCs and laptops or on their own in each treatment room. Because the workstation is a relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive technology, many offices choose them for their user-friendliness. Workstations are often an ideal option if an office has many providers but few treatment rooms, thus the office is not required to equip each provider/assistant with a personal tablet PC or laptop. All-in-one desktop units can save space and are reasonably priced. Housing all components interior to the monitor as opposed to requiring a separate tower and display. Some even have touch screen capability, similar to the digitized tablet but at a lower expense to the practice. Workstations can be housed on powered medical carts to permit greater mobility in the exam rooms and around the practice.

Notebooks and Tablets

Standard laptops, since they are lower in cost, are an ideal solution for nurses and assistants who require some mobility but who do not require the full tablet functionality. Laptops can also be placed on non-powered rolling carts providing convenient mobile access while permitting the user to have their hands free.

Scanning and Printing

Imaging devices, mainly printers and scanners, make the transition between paper and electronic documents easy. Multi-function devices that have both print, fax and scan capabilities are cost-effective options where limited scanning will be done. For the initial implementation phase, high speed scanners can be purchased or even rented to handle the heavy scanning of initial patient records into the medical record system.

Medical Devices

Medical devices connected to EMR technology will save time and reduce opportunities for transcription errors. Common devices that can interface with an EMR include ECG machines, holter recorders and vital sign monitors. An interface for these devices may be required by the EMR vendor at additional cost. See our Medical Device buyer guide for more information about purchasing EMR medical devices.