Does Your Practice Need a Mobile EHR? Here’s a Checklist
Healthcare has gone mobile—and so should your EHR. Today, about 96% of hospitals in the U.S. use electronic health records (EHRs), and with providers constantly on the move, having secure access anytime, anywhere is becoming more of a necessity.
Mobile EHRs let providers access, update, and coordinate patient care from virtually anywhere. But here’s the real question: Does your practice actually need one? When does mobile access move from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have”?
The answer depends on how your practice delivers care day-to-day. At 1st Provider’s Choice, we’ve seen practices like yours benefit from choosing the right EHR EMR software that goes beyond just features. See how your current system stacks up—and whether going mobile could better support your workflow with this checklist.
Let’s Find the Right Mobile EHR For You
What is a Mobile EHR?
A mobile EHR is a secure application or platform that lets healthcare providers access their EHRs using a smartphone or tablet.
How Does It Work?
Most EMR EHR systems are cloud-based, which means they’re always connected to your main system. Any updates you make on your phone or tablet sync instantly.
Since they are mobile, the functionality depends on your system:
| Full-Feature Systems | Lite Versions |
| Complete charting capabilities | Patient lookup and basic information |
| E-prescribing functionality | Appointment scheduling |
| Billing and coding features | Quick note-taking and voice memos |
Either way, these mobile EHRs should still feel like a natural extension of your existing systems, eliminating the need for you to relearn and manage.
Mobile EHR Benefits
Before assessing whether you need mobile electronic health records, let’s first understand what benefits you can gain from having one.
Access Anywhere, Anytime
Being able to review and access important information whenever needed helps you make faster decisions and stay connected with your patients, even outside office hours.
Faster Documentation
Mobile EHRs make it easy to jot down notes during rounds or between appointments. No more waiting to “catch up” at the end of the day, which keeps your documentation timely and accurate while lightening your after-hours workload.
Better Care Coordination
With real-time updates that sync across devices, your entire care team can stay aligned and informed. This improves communication, prevents errors, and ensures smoother, more coordinated care for your patients.
Increased Patient Engagement
Some mobile EHR EMR software offers features such as secure messaging and mobile-friendly updates, enabling you to communicate more easily with patients. That added convenience builds trust and encourages more active participation in their care.
Time Savings & Efficiency
Having quick access to essential tools—like prescribing, messaging, or reviewing labs—means you can handle tasks on the fly. This will save you time, reduce back-and-forth, and allow you to focus more on patient care than on paperwork.
Should I Use a Mobile EHR for My Practice?
Now comes the question: Is a mobile EHR the right move? This quick checklist can help you figure that out. If you find yourself nodding “yes” to more than a few of these, it might be time to explore your options.
- Are your providers frequently away from their desktop workstations?
- Do you offer home visits or telehealth services?
- Is documentation being delayed due to access issues?
- Are you looking to improve patient response time?
- Do you need faster coordination between departments or locations?
- Do your providers prefer using tablets or smartphones for charting or review?
- Are there complaints about clunky or outdated EHR interfaces?
- Are you striving to modernize workflows or attract tech-savvy clinicians?
If several of these hit home, your practice could likely benefit from EHR mobile access and functionality, and we’re here to help you find the right fit.
Before You Jump In: A Few Things to Consider
If you think a mobile EHR is the right strategy for your practice, that’s great! Let’s go over some of the features to look for in a mobile EHR so you’re set for success.
Is it secure and HIPAA compliant?
Security isn’t optional. Make sure your mobile EHR uses strong encryption, secure login protocols, and meets all HITECH/HIPAA standards. Patient data should always be protected, no matter where it’s being accessed from.
Does it integrate smoothly with your current EHR system?
A mobile app is only helpful if it works with your existing setup. Look for solutions that sync in real-time, just to ensure there’s no delay or duplication between desktop and mobile workflows.
Is the mobile interface easy to use on smaller screens?
A great mobile EHR should feel and act intuitive. Test how easy it is to navigate, chart, or communicate using a phone or tablet. User-friendly design makes a big difference in adoption and efficiency.
What happens if the internet goes down?
Check whether the app allows offline access or, at least, temporary data entry. In areas with spotty Wi-Fi or cellular services, this feature can be a lifesaver.
Is it compatible with different devices?
Your team might use a mix of iOS and Android devices, so choose a mobile EHR that works across platforms. This ensures flexibility and avoids limiting who can benefit from mobile access.
Make the Right Move with 1st Provider’s Choice
Over the years, we’ve seen and listened to providers share their frustrations with clunky systems, poor mobile experiences, and promises that never quite deliver. That’s exactly why, here at 1st Provider’s Choice, we’ve built ours differently.
What sets us apart isn’t just what we built—it’s how we built it.
We’ve spent years refining our EMR/EHR system based on real-world providers in actual practices, during real patient encounters, and have built solutions to address challenges firsthand. Our EHR’s design is made to solve your problems, not just check feature boxes, with:
- User-friendly design on every device.
- Security that reinforces and protects your data.
- Real-time syncing within seconds.
- Tools and templates designed specifically for your specialty.
- A solution that works for your entire practice ecosystem.
We’ve built our solutions with the same care and expertise that goes into everything we do. Your practice is unique, your challenges are specific, and your solution should be, too.
Your Workflow. Your Pace. Our Support
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a mobile EHR secure enough for patient data?
Yes. Reputable mobile EHR systems, like ours, use encrypted connections, multi-factor authentication, and are built to meet HIPAA standards, ensuring patient data stays protected. - Will mobile access slow down my EHR system?
Not at all. A well-designed mobile EHR syncs in real-time with your main system and is optimized for speed and performance even on the go. - Can I use a mobile EHR if my internet goes down?
Some mobile EHRs offer limited offline access, allowing you to continue documenting and syncing data once you’re back online. It’s best to confirm this feature when choosing a system. - Is mobile EHR functionality available for all specialists?
Yes! 1st Provider’s Choice offers specialty-specific mobile tools, so you get the features that matter most to your workflow, no matter your field.