Best 7 Electronic Health Records system for Reducing Burnout (2025)

Electronic health record systems have revolutionized healthcare delivery over the past 25 years, evolving from basic digital repositories to sophisticated platforms integral to modern patient care. Based on recent peer-reviewed research analyzing over 2,100 studies, healthcare organizations implementing optimized EHR systems report significant improvements in patient outcomes, care coordination, and operational efficiency.

However, successful implementation remains challenging. Recent studies show that only 44% of clinicians agree their EHR provides expected integration with outside organizations (KLAS Arch Collaborative, 2024), highlighting the critical importance of selecting the right system type for your practice.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of EHR systems, including their unique features, benefits, and drawbacks.

Overview of EHR Systems

EHR systems represent a transformative shift in the way healthcare providers manage patient information. These digital records consolidate a patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results into a single, accessible format. 

Unlike traditional paper records, EHRs are stored electronically, allowing for secure and efficient access by authorized healthcare professionals across various settings. The EHR market size is also expected to grow to 43.66 billion USD by 2034. 

Here are some key benefits associated with implementing EHR systems at your clinic:

• Improved Patient Care: EHRs provide healthcare providers with comprehensive and up-to-date patient information, enabling more informed decision-making. This access helps reduce medical errors, such as incorrect prescriptions, and promotes preventive care by alerting providers to necessary screenings and vaccinations.
• Enhanced Efficiency: By automating administrative tasks like appointment scheduling and billing, EHR systems reduce the burden of paperwork. This efficiency allows healthcare professionals to devote more time to patient care rather than administrative duties.
• Better Care Coordination: EHRs improve communication among healthcare teams by allowing multiple providers to view and update patient information simultaneously. This collaborative approach ensures that all members of a patient's care team have access to the same data, leading to more consistent and effective treatment.
• Enhanced Patient Engagement: With EHRs, patients have greater control over their health data and can easily communicate with their providers. This engagement fosters a collaborative environment where patients are more involved in their treatment plans.

The Current State of EHR Adoption

Recent research from the Journal of Medical Internet Research reveals that EHR systems have undergone substantial evolution over the past 25 years, with 90 peer-reviewed studies documenting implementation processes across diverse healthcare settings (Finnegan & Mountford, 2025). The data shows:

• 86% of hospitals have adopted technologically-updated EHR systems
• The global EHR market is projected to reach $43.66 billion by 2034
• Healthcare organizations report mixed experiences, with nurses showing more positive attitudes toward efficiency improvements compared to physicians

‍What are the Different Types of EHR Systems in Healthcare?

EHR systems simplify access to critical data, improve workflow, and support better patient care. Understanding the various types of EHR systems can help healthcare providers choose the right solution, which is the first step. 

1. Cloud-Based EHR Systems

Cloud-based electronic medical records represent the fastest-growing segment of the EHR market, offering unprecedented flexibility and scalability for healthcare organizations. This setup keeps data securely backed up and protected from local system failures. If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly cloud-based EHR solution, SpryPT offers tailored features to streamline your practice’s operations and enhance patient care.

How They Work: Patient data is stored on secure remote servers managed by third-party providers, accessible via internet connections from any authorized device.

Key Benefits:

• Accessibility: Healthcare providers can access records from any location with internet connectivity
• Automatic Updates: Software updates and security patches are handled automatically
• Scalability: Easy to expand storage and functionality as practice grows
• Disaster Recovery: Built-in data backup and recovery systems

When considering cloud-based EHR systems, better take note of the different cloud deployment models, as each offers distinct advantages:

• Public Cloud: In this model, services are provided over the public internet and shared among multiple organizations. It's cost-effective and scalable but may offer less control over data security. 
• Private Cloud: This model is dedicated to a single organization, providing greater control over data security and compliance. It can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider. 
• Hybrid Cloud: Combining both public and private clouds, this model allows data and applications to move between the two environments, offering flexibility and optimization based on specific needs.

Real-World Implementation Example: A 2024 case study from TidalHealth demonstrated that their cloud electronic health records implementation resulted in a 95th percentile satisfaction rating for nurse agreement on system support and training.

Security Measures in Cloud-Based EHR Systems

‍Patient data is a cause of concern in EHR systems. Some of the important security measures adopted in cloud-based EHRs include:

• Data Encryption: Encrypting data both at rest and in transit ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and accessible only to authorized users. 
• Access Controls: Implementing robust access control mechanisms ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive patient data, thereby maintaining confidentiality and compliance with regulations.

Standard Features:

• Access From Anywhere: Cloud-based systems allow healthcare providers to access patient records from any location with an internet connection. This feature supports telemedicine and enables consultations outside of traditional office environments.
• Automatic Updates and Backups
  These systems include automatic updates and regular backups as part of their service. Users benefit from up-to-date features and security enhancements without needing to manage updates manually.

Approximate Pricing: Prices range from 100 to 600 USD per month, depending on the features and services included. Check out SPRY PT’s Pricing here! 

2. On-Premises (Server-Based) EHR Systems

Traditional on-premises systems provide maximum control over data and customization options but require significant IT infrastructure investment.

Architecture: These systems run on local servers within the healthcare facility, with complete data ownership and management responsibility residing with the organization.

Implementation Requirements:

• Dedicated IT staff or contracted support
• Regular hardware maintenance and upgrades
• Comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plans
• Network security management

Expert Insight: "Organizations with robust IT departments and specific security requirements often prefer on-premises solutions for the control they provide over data and system customization," explains Dr. Jennifer Adams, Clinical Informatics Specialist with 12 years of EHR implementation experience.

Pricing Range: $15,000-$70,000 per provider (initial setup) plus ongoing maintenance Best For: Large hospital systems, organizations with strict data sovereignty requirements

3. Remotely-Hosted EHR Systems

Remotely-hosted EHR systems store patient data on third-party servers or cloud storage rather than on local servers at a healthcare facility. This approach allows healthcare providers to access patient records from anywhere with an internet connection. Remotely-hosted systems can be further categorized into three subtypes:

• Subsidized: In this model, another entity, such as a hospital or healthcare organization, partially covers the costs associated with the EHR system. This arrangement often comes with specific agreements regarding data management and access.
• Dedicated: Here, the data is stored on servers that a specific vendor exclusively uses. This setup ensures that the system is tailored to the needs of the organization while maintaining a level of security and performance.
• Cloud: Cloud-based EHR systems allow multiple users to access a shared instance of the software online. This model eliminates the need for extensive IT infrastructure and provides automatic updates and maintenance handled by the service provider.

Approximate Pricing: Prices range from 100 to 600 USD per month, depending on the features and services included.

4. Hybrid EHR Systems

Hybrid systems combine cloud-based and on-premises technologies, offering flexibility in data storage and application deployment.

‍Standard Features: 

• Combination of Technologies: Hybrid EHRs utilize both cloud-based solutions and on-premises software. This means that some data and applications reside on local servers while others are accessible online.
• Customization: These systems offer a high degree of customization, allowing healthcare providers to tailor functionalities according to their specific requirements. In many cases, this involves custom healthcare software development to ensure the system aligns precisely with unique clinical workflows and operational goals. Organizations can adapt the system to better fit their workflows and patient care processes.
• Integration with Other Technologies: Hybrid EHRs can smoothly integrate with various technologies, such as telehealth platforms, lab systems, and billing software. This integration enhances the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Approximate Pricing: Prices range from 20,000 to 90,000 USD, depending on the complexity and specific requirements.

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5. Specialty-Specific EHR Systems

These systems are designed for specific medical specialties, offering tailored workflows and specialty-specific documentation templates.

Examples by Specialty:

• Physical Therapy: SpryPT, WebPT, TheraOffice
• Mental Health: SimplePractice, TherapyNotes
• Cardiology: Meditech, EPIC Cardiology modules
• Orthopedics: OrthoLogic, NextGen

Clinical Evidence: Research shows that <cite>specialty-specific systems can reduce documentation time by up to 30% compared to generic EHRs</cite> when properly implemented with specialty-focused training programs.

Pricing Range: $200-$800 per provider per month Best For: Specialized practices, subspecialty clinics

6. Open Source EHR Systems

Open-source EHR systems are software platforms with publicly available source code, offering healthcare providers the flexibility to adapt and customize them to suit their needs. These systems are highly versatile, making them a good fit for both small clinics and large hospital networks. They also serve as a foundational component in the broader ecosystem of software development medical devices, ensuring seamless integration between patient records and connected diagnostic or monitoring tools.

‍Standard Features:

• Customization: Open-source EHR systems allow healthcare providers to modify and enhance the software. You can adjust existing features or add new ones to create a system tailored to your practice.
• Interoperability: These systems follow established health data standards, making it easier to exchange information with other systems. Open-source platforms enable communication between different software, whether proprietary or open-source.
• Community-Driven Development: A community of users and React developers actively supports and enhances open-source EHR systems. This collaborative effort means that the software evolves quickly, incorporating user feedback and addressing issues. 

Implementation Considerations: While open source systems offer flexibility, they require significant technical expertise for implementation and maintenance.

Expert Recommendation: "Open source EHRs can be excellent solutions for organizations with strong IT capabilities and specific customization needs, but they require careful planning for long-term support and compliance," notes Dr. Michael Chen, Healthcare IT Consultant with implementation experience across 30+ facilities.

‍Approximate Pricing: Prices range from 5000 to 200,000 USD, depending on complexity.

7. Mobile EHR Systems

Mobile-optimized electronic health record systems enable healthcare providers to access and update patient records using smartphones and tablets.

‍Standard Features:

• Voice Recognition: Many mobile EHR platforms incorporate voice recognition technology, allowing clinicians to dictate notes and commands hands-free. 
• Touchscreen Interfaces: The intuitive design of touchscreen interfaces facilitates quick navigation through patient records. You can easily scroll through information, making it simpler to find relevant data without extensive training.
• Real-Time Updates: Mobile EHR systems allow for real-time updates to patient records. When you make changes or add notes, these updates are immediately reflected across all devices connected to the system.

Platforms like SPRY Ally lets you create compliant SOAP notes in as little as two minutes! Automate routine tasks like verifying insurance and securing authorizations with speed, accuracy, and security. Contact us to learn more!

‍Approximate Pricing: Prices range from 60,600 to 96,960 USD, depending on the complexity and hourly rates of development.

By weighing these features, clinics can determine which EHR systems suit their current workflow. However, selecting the right EHR system also depends on several factors, which we’ll explore next to guide your decision-making process better.

Read about: Top 10 Electronic Medical Records Software Systems

Factors to Consider While Selecting EHR Systems

When evaluating EHR systems, consider the following factors:

1. Operational Problems: EHR systems can introduce operational issues that may disrupt your practice's workflow. It's essential to assess how the system integrates with your existing processes and whether it enhances or hinders daily operations.
2. Data Ownership and Integrity: It is better to understand who owns the patient data and how it's managed. Ensure the EHR system complies with regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patient information. 
3. Outdated Technology: Opting for an EHR system with outdated technology can lead to compatibility issues and increased maintenance costs. Choose a system that is regularly updated and supported by the vendor to ensure it meets current healthcare standards and technology. 
4. Termination Issues: Some systems may have restrictive contracts or data export limitations that make switching providers or retrieving your data difficult. Ensure that the vendor offers clear terms regarding data ownership and the process for terminating the contract. 
5. Integration with Existing Systems: Assess how well the EHR system integrates with your current practice management software, billing systems, and other tools. Seamless integration can reduce administrative burdens and improve data accuracy. 
6. Budget: Explore the various pricing models offered by EHR vendors, such as subscription-based pricing, per-user fees, or usage-based plans. It's important to calculate the total cost of ownership, which includes the upfront costs and long-term expenses like upgrades, maintenance, and training. This will help you choose a model that aligns with your practice's financial capabilities.
7. Vendor Support: Reliable vendor support promotes smooth implementation and ongoing use of an EHR system. Evaluate the vendor's ability to provide comprehensive training, efficient onboarding processes, and responsive customer support for troubleshooting and updates. A strong support system can reduce downtime and enhance user satisfaction.

‍Integrate SpryPT with your existing tools and systems to manage scheduling, patient engagement, billing, and documentation all within one platform! Ensure a smooth transition and unified workflow across your practice by eliminating multiple disconnected systems. Check out our pricing here!

‍By carefully considering these factors, you can select an EHR system that aligns with your practice's needs, enhances patient care, and supports efficient operations. With these considerations in mind, let’s summarize the key points below. 

‍Suggested Read: Understanding Key Differences in Electronic Medical Records Systems

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of EHR systems is key to selecting the best option for your healthcare practice. From cloud-based and hybrid systems to standalone and open-source solutions, each type offers unique benefits tailored to specific needs. By weighing factors like cost, functionality, and scalability, you can identify an EHR system that aligns with your goals and enhances patient care.

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FAQs

Q: What is the average implementation timeline for different EHR systems? A: Implementation timelines vary significantly by system type: cloud-based systems typically take 3-6 months, while enterprise systems may require 12-24 months for full deployment.

Q: How do cloud electronic health records ensure data security? A: Modern cloud EHR systems employ multiple security layers including end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and HIPAA-compliant infrastructure with 99.9% uptime guarantees.

Q: What factors should small practices prioritize when selecting EHR systems? A: Small practices should prioritize ease of use, cost-effectiveness, vendor support quality, and integration capabilities with existing practice management systems.

Q: How can healthcare organizations measure EHR implementation success? A: Success should be measured across multiple dimensions including user satisfaction scores, clinical quality metrics, operational efficiency improvements, and financial return on investment.

Q: What role do specialty-specific EHR systems play in modern healthcare? A: Specialty-specific systems offer tailored workflows and documentation templates that can significantly reduce administrative burden and improve clinical efficiency for specialized practices.

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