Interfaced vs. Integrated system: Measure the benefits

Chances are that your practice is already using a computerized practice management system. And if you’re considering adding an Electronic Health Record (EHR) component you’ll likely be faced with a decision about whether to purchase an interfaced or an integrated system. While the words may look similar, the approaches and benefits of each are very different.

So which one is right for your practice? Don’t worry. Here is a quick hit list of items to consider.

Interfaced solutions
An interfaced, or best-of-breed, setup describes when two or more software systems communicate with each other via an interface. This is commonly the situation when a practice adds a stand-alone EHR to their existing practice management system.

Improved access to patient data and diagnostic images, receiving information via a wireless device, and having more time to spend with patients are sighted as benefits of the interfaced system Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Specialists implemented – The Medical Manager by Sage and Intergy EHR by Sage.

Additional advantages to interfaced solutions include:

  • Not having to purchase a new practice management system saves the practice money
  • Keeping your existing practice management system minimizes training needs

Integrated systems
Integrated solutions share a common database, providing several advantages related to workflow and beyond. In a recent article, Best-of-Breed or Integrated Systems?, Physician’s Practice notes the following advantages.

  • Information entered into the practice management system is immediately available in the EHR and vice versa
  • The shared database allows for seamless exchanges of data such as formulary files and electronic encounter form data
  • Integrated systems provided by the same vendor give you a single resource for technical and customer support
  • There is no need to build and maintain an interface

Cottonwood Medical Center is experiencing numerous benefits from its integrated system – Intergy by Sage and Intergy EHR. In addition to expedited task management and documentation, the practice sites information security as a key benefit.

Sage Software can help
Whether you’re looking for an interfaced or an integrated system, Sage Software may be able to suit your needs. Intergy EHR by Sage comes fully integrated with the Intergy by Sage practice management system plus it has numerous features built in to benefit over a dozen specialties.

Intergy EHR is also available as a stand-alone product for use with The Medical Manager by Sage, and HealthPro XL by Sage and Practice Analytics by Sage.

Ready to get started?
If you are ready to take the next step toward choosing the right EHR approach for your practice, Sage Software can help. To set up an onsite demonstration or to receive additional information about Intergy EHR, please:

Kleaveland, Bruce. (June, 2007.) Best of Breed or Integrated Systems?. Retrieved on January 31, 2008 from source http://www.physicianspractice.com/index/
fuseaction/articles.details&articleID=1019.htm.