4 Features To Look For In EMS Software

Emergency medical services, commonly known as EMS, track patient records, time, billing, and management for emergency medical departments. This software helps medical practitioners comply with federal mandates and reduce costs. 

As EMS and fire departments shift from telephone calls, radio dispatch, and manual record keeping to an all-in-one solution, there is improved efficiency and improved response times to emergencies, making EMS a valuable investment.

The best EMS should increase the speed of response, save record-keeping time, and reduce error. Therefore, before committing to an EMS vendor, do a background check on what they offer and match them against your current needs.

Read on for four features to look for in EMS software.

Administration And Logistics

A good EMS should offer an all-in-one solution, including the:

• Real-time visibility of reporting
• Volumes
• Crew
• Scheduling
• Billing
• QA/QI procedures useful in reducing tension and improving morale

With the above available, all you need to do is input your employee certifications, local time, time off requests, and other relevant data, and the system will generate a schedule for the employees and managers to view and share among the teams. Through these platforms, team members can manage their schedules, trade shifts, and request time off without paperwork, moving the employee hours to electronic check-ins. The result is reduced errors, payroll time, and costs.

Ambulatory services need payment for services, hence the need for accurate record keeping. The billing services in EMS will grant you control over insurance and grant claims. Thus, this system should feature faster claims processing, bulk and individual arrays submission, and reports with detailed analytics. The system should also have error-reducing capabilities, allowing everyone to focus on their duties.

NEMSIS Compatibility

The NEMSIS is a national database for all EMS data in the US territories and states. This database provides the presentation and storage framework for ePCRs and EMS providers. Therefore, EMS software intended for use in the US should comply with the NEMSIS standards to allow for seamless information integration between EMS agencies and healthcare providers. This way, there will be clarity among the workers and insurers who need this information.

Cloud-Based Hosting Feature

An EMS featuring cloud hosting offers benefits, including fewer downtimes than in-house infrastructure. In case of downtime, the duration will be shorter as the system has several redundancies maintained by dedicated teams. The operation of cloud servers makes EMS systems more reliable with fewer problems.

Cloud-based EMS software is less vulnerable to calamities than a locally hosted server. While EMS crews and local hosting will suffer the consequences of tornadoes, fires, floods, and hurricanes, a cloud-based system will remain accessible as long as there is an internet connection. In the case of major disasters, these operations will continue through wireless internet and satellite.

Cloud hosting is also more affordable and scalable than a local system, allowing the providers to allocate more budget for other important areas. Scalability also means that your agency will always be on the latest software version. Lastly, given its nature, a cloud-hosted platform will likely be mobile-friendly and accessible through more platforms without issues.

LMS And Tech Support

EMS software can do all an organization needs, but not all feature adequate user support. Therefore, while the system may meet your needs, your employees may not realize its full potential.

When it comes to EMS systems, the full potential is realizable if the intended parties can use it effectively. After narrowing down your options, consider the software’s training and support, as this determines how useful it will be to your employees. In addition, check for online training resources your employees can access to build on their skills. An EMS with a dedicated learning and management system will help users access and maintain the certifications needed to develop their knowledge at the advent of a new technology or medical discovery.

Go For An Efficient EMS Software

Your choice of software has implications for your agency’s performance and patients. An effective software will allow care in every step by saving time scheming through records. Good software will also improve information transfers between stakeholders for prompt patient care. Finally, your software should have provisions for future learning to allow your employees easy adaptation to tech innovations.