In a report from the Orem, Utah-based research firm, KLAS, most urgent care facilities looking to expand in size or location are finding varying types of EMR solutions including ambulatory EMRs, ED solutions, and best-of-breed urgent care EMRs. For the Urgent Care 2012: A Host of EMR Options report, KLAS interviewed 76 urgent care organizations about their EMR vendor’s performance, focusing on best-of-breed vendors.

KLAS compared best-of-breed EMR vendors, CodoniX, DocuTAP, and Practice Velocity in the areas of efficiency and patient safety, reporting and charge capture, and vendor support and ongoing communication. According to the report, Practice Velocity edged out its competitors as the top vendor amid the close-packed scores. However, providers say it’s not just the score that makes the best vendor for an urgent care center. 

 “There isn’t a case of bad or good chocolate—just different preferences. The best EMR really depends on the urgent care center. Some value clinician efficiency. Others need top vendor support because they don’t have in-house IT. Some need to share patient information with an affiliated hospital. Each urgent care center should examine their facility’s needs, and then begin vetting vendors and products,” report author Erik Bermudez said in a statement.

Different providers use different vendors to fit their organizations. Standalone urgent care centers, or those in a chain, tend to use a best-of-breed vendor. Hospital-affiliated locations often adapt an in-house ED solution or ambulatory EMR to receive an integration advantage. While KLAS focused on best-of-breed vendors, findings about major EDIS and ambulatory vendors are also included in the report.