Running a medical practice is no small task. From juggling patient care and managing staff to keeping an eye on the bottom line, there's a lot on your plate. Your electronic health record (EHR) system should make things easier, not contribute to the chaos. But what if it's actually slowing you down? If you're seeing more inefficiencies, burnout amongst your team, or missed chances to grow, it might be time for a closer look. Here are seven signs your EHR could be holding your practice back—and what you can do about it.

1. Your Staff Spends More Time on Data Entry Than Patient Care

If your team is bogged down with repetitive data entry or navigating clunky EHR interfaces, it’s a red flag. An outdated or poorly designed EHR can eat up hours that should be spent with patients. This is not only frustrating; it limits your ability to see more patients and grow your practice.

Fix It: Look for an EHR with intuitive workflows and automation features. Modern EHR systems streamline documentation with user-friendly interfaces and AI-driven tools. Consider solutions that integrate seamlessly with your practice management tools to cut down on administrative busy work.

2. Patient Satisfaction Is Dropping

Are patients complaining about long wait times, billing errors, or communication gaps? An EHR that doesn’t support patient engagement—like online scheduling, secure messaging, or clear billing—can erode trust and push patients away. In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, a poor patient experience can stunt your practice’s growth.

Fix It: Choose an EHR with robust patient engagement tools. Features like patient portals, automated appointment reminders, and transparent billing can boost satisfaction and retention.

3. You’re Missing Out on Revenue Opportunities

An EHR that lacks integration with revenue cycle management (RCM) tools can end in missed claims, coding errors, or late reimbursements. If your practice is leaving money on the table due to inefficient billing processes, your EHR might be behind it.

Fix It: Opt for an EHR with built-in RCM capabilities or seamless integrations. Regularly audit your billing processes to ensure you’re capturing all revenue opportunities.

4. Your EHR Doesn’t Support Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

With the popularity of telehealth and remote patient monitoring, practices that don’t offer these services are at a disadvantage. If your EHR doesn’t support RPM or telehealth integrations, you’re missing out on a growing market and the chance to provide proactive care.

Fix It: Upgrade to an EHR that supports RPM and telehealth. It should specialize in remote patient monitoring, offering tools that integrate with your EHR to track patient vitals and improve outcomes. This not only enhances care but also opens new revenue streams through RPM reimbursements.

5. Compliance and Reporting Are a Constant Headache

Staying compliant with regulations like HIPAA or MIPS can feel like a full-time job if your EHR doesn’t simplify reporting. Manual reporting processes or older systems can lead to errors, penalties, and missed incentives.

Fix It: Invest in an EHR with automated compliance and reporting features. Look for systems that provide real-time analytics and customizable reports to keep you audit-ready. 

6. Your EHR Doesn’t Scale with Your Practice

If your practice is expanding—whether through new locations, providers, or services—an inflexible EHR can hold you back. Systems that can’t handle increased patient volume or multi-location workflows create bottlenecks that stifle growth.

Fix It: Choose a scalable, cloud-based EHR that offers flexible solutions for practices of all sizes, with features like multi-location support and customizable workflows. Evaluate your current and future needs to ensure your EHR can keep up.

7. Your Team Resists Using the EHR

If your staff avoids using the EHR or constantly complains about it, that’s a sign it’s not working for your practice. Low adoption rates lead to inconsistent documentation, errors, and inefficiencies that can derail your growth plans.

Fix It: Prioritize user-friendly EHRs with strong training and support. Engage your team in the selection process to ensure buy-in.

Take the Next Step Toward Growth

Your EHR should be a partner in your practice’s success, not a barrier. If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to evaluate whether your current system is holding you back. Switching to a modern, integrated EHR like Athelas Air can transform your workflows, enhance patient care, and unlock new opportunities.

Air offers flexible solutions that adapt to practices of all sizes, with features like multi-location support and customizable workflows. Ready to see how a better EHR can fuel your practice’s success? Book a demo today.