Which system is primarily designed for the management of outpatient care?

The practice management system (PMS) is specifically designed to manage outpatient care, focusing on the administrative and financial aspects of running a healthcare practice. This includes scheduling appointments, managing billing and insurance claims, and maintaining patient records related to outpatient services. PMS systems are integral in streamlining workflow in outpatient settings, thus enabling healthcare providers to enhance efficiency and improve the patient experience.

While electronic health records (EHRs) and electronic medical records (EMRs) are vital for documentation and patient care, they typically encompass both outpatient and inpatient services and focus on the clinical aspects of patient information management. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS), on the other hand, assist healthcare professionals with clinical decision-making but are not specifically structured to handle the operational demands of outpatient care management. The PMS is distinct in its focus on improving the business and operational aspects associated with outpatient practices.