There are many ways electronic health records (EHRs) ensure data is accurate and healthcare operations run smoothly, allowing specialty care providers and their teams to better serve patients. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized these benefits – including enhanced coordination of care, improved public health reporting, increased patient engagement, and better security – and created the Meaningful Use program in 2011 to encourage providers to incorporate EHRs into their operations. This program has changed over the years, and there are important requirements and updates all practices should brush up on to maintain compliance.

Much of the dialogue about EHRs centers on their ability to streamline clinic operations. But that’s not their only value: The right EHR enables medical practices to improve patient outcomes.

There was much to behold at Nextech EDGE 2025, our annual user conference. Care providers and administrators from specialty practices nationwide gathered in Orlando, Fla., to connect with each other and learn about industry trends, regulatory changes, and the latest innovations from savvy experts and peers. There also were plenty of exciting updates from Nextech about the company and its technology platform. Here are the highlights:

Clinical excellence and financial stability are two major priorities for physician-entrepreneurs, yet achieving both requires a fine balance. Forward-thinking leaders like Dr. Neel Vaidya, chief information officer at Chicago Cornea Consultants and longtime Nextech user, incorporates emerging technology into his practice to improve workflows, enhance patient care, and build fiscal sustainability.

A new year has arrived and so have fresh chances for business growth. Specialty healthcare practices have a prime opportunity to set themselves up for financial success by leveraging the right technology. The key lies in evaluating past performance, setting clear goals, and aligning the appropriate tools to meet these objectives. Here’s how your practice can make 2025 your most profitable yet.

Data reporting is a necessary chore for medical practices, particularly those receiving government funds.

A successful dermatology practice has a lot of moving parts: clinician expertise, patient engagement, competitive marketing. But all those efforts are for naught if your billing system doesn’t keep the cash flowing in.

It takes more than clinical expertise for specialty healthcare providers to deliver outstanding care. They also must have a well-run practice to keep operations smooth and patients happy, especially in today's world of healthcare consumerism. Practice administrators take charge of this effort, managing the intricate web of scheduling, billing, patient communication, and much more. It's a critical role in any practice that requires a diverse skill set and tireless work ethic.