As more medical providers in the United States are encouraged to maintain electronic patient medical records, the electronic medical record software industry has grown and evolved rapidly. Electronic medical record software can be described as having three key functional elements-- overall functionality, design and functional aspects that are important from a physicians standpoint, and aspects that are important from a patients standpoint.

In terms of overall design, physicians can either purchase an entire software package or pick and choose from a menu and put together a customized package that meets their specific needs. While most software packages are flexible in terms of practice size, some are specially designed for very large or very small practices. The software may be physically located in the physicians office, or in a remote location accessed through the Internet. There may be different data entry options, such as via a keyboard, touchscreen, or voice.

From a practices standpoint, there are many options available to optimize the functionality of electronic medical records software. Some programs allow for customized or summary views of medical information, and many allow records to be downloaded to portable devices. Many programs allow physicians to review and sign electronic reports.

Systems are available that interface with appointment scheduling and financial software, and support links to internal or external email. As concerns grow regarding the security of electronic data and remotely stored data in particular, software systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated in preventing unwanted access. Some offer multiple levels of password protection. More recently, systems that use voice recognition or biometrics for identification have been developed.

For practices that permit patient access to electronic medical records, software options are available to provide appointment reminders, access to medical information, and access to patient education material or links. Some systems provide automatic links to patients on materials and other information that is relevant to their condition.