Which EMR / EHR Provider is the Right Provider?
Whether you are looking for additional functionality such as health management reminders, want to start ePrescribing or are looking to demonstrate standards for pay-for-performance Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) can be a useful tool. But with hundreds of EMR vendors in the marketplace how do you know who to add to your short list?
Tip #1: Get others in your practice involved. Find out what they want from your Electronic Health Records. Get their buy-in early. Hold regular meetings with providers and staff to discuss needs, concerns and questions, and list the problems you want to solve with Electronic Health Records.
Tip #2: Look carefully at what the different vendors are offering. Concentrate on those that are well-established in the medical software field and that offer comprehensive training and support. Consider how well they are prepared to face future standards and whether they are CCHIT CertifiedSM, which demonstrates Electronic Health Records software functionality, interoperability and security.
Tip #3: See the program for yourself. In-person demonstrations are vital to determining whether a system will meet your specific needs. Request them from each short-listed candidate. Run through a number of scenarios that are likely to test the product’s suitability. Create a checklist of all the important features and requirements, and note whether the Electronic Health Records meet these requirements.
Tip #4: Ask about implementation. No two practices are alike. Electronic Health Records implementation requires tailoring and fine-tuning to meet your specific needs. Find out how far each company is prepared to go to provide customization for the particular needs of your practice.
Tip #5: Set a timetable. Find out how long each candidate system will take to become operational. Integrated systems may be much easier to set up and resulting in less disruption to your practice than separate systems interfaced together.
Tip #6: Finally, evaluate each of the candidate systems with your colleagues. Make a decision based on long term value, not on price alone. Develop a scoring system based on your research and demos, or submit requests for proposals (RFPs) to each potential partner and compare the responses side-by-side. And don't forget: include questions regarding training and ongoing support—this element is critical to the successful implementation of your Electronic Health Records.
Computer Systems Support & Design, LLC based in Fairfield County helps medical provider offices get the most out of their IT infrastructure and supports them in implementing and maintaining their systems. We are vendor-neutral. Please e-mail me your question and I will try to answer all of them as they come in. Want to learn more quickly? Call me on my Cellphone (203) 216-9902.
