| Cost is one the first questions that spring into | | | | Delaying, the implementation of EMR can increase |
| most physicians' minds when considering EMRs. | | | | the workload needed to scan and copy paper |
| Entry level EMR systems can cost as little as | | | | medical records to digital. The cost of stage and |
| $3,000, with more advanced EMRs costing over | | | | increasing amounts of paper can help justify the |
| $100,000 for solo physician practices. It is helpful | | | | purchase of new technology. |
| to think of an EMR as an "investment" rather than | | | | 3. Acquiring Computer Hardware |
| an expense. Productivity, efficiency, and quality of | | | | For more sophisticated installation and networking, |
| care can be increased with the implementation of | | | | an outsourced IT company may be needed. It is |
| an EMR. | | | | recommended also that computer hardware |
| Integrated EMR system vs. modular EMR | | | | should not be purchased until the EMR is selected. |
| selection: | | | | Different EMR vendors require different hardware. |
| It is important to find out if the EMR system you | | | | Timeliness is also important in order to ensure |
| plan to implement will integrate with existing | | | | that the hardware can be ordered on time |
| systems. Many EMR systems come as a bundled | | | | corresponding to the installation dates. |
| package with a Practice Management system. | | | | 4. Computer hardware setup and Network |
| Some vendors may charge an additional $3000 to | | | | installation |
| integrate an HL7 interface with an existing | | | | Selecting a good IT company is like selecting a |
| software system. | | | | mechanic. A good IT company is worth its weight |
| EMRs will not be a commodity: | | | | in gold. |
| By waiting to implement EMRs when they drop in | | | | 5. EMR training for staff |
| price, will add more paper to be scanner later at | | | | Assess the technological aptitude of your staff. Is |
| additional costs. The economic laws of supply and | | | | the EMR vendor providing you with sufficient |
| demand are in play, raising prices to offset | | | | training? Or are they leaving the window open for |
| demands once the government pressures | | | | more training down the road. |
| practices to implement EMRs. You may have to | | | | Disaster Recovery: |
| wait months for installation or settle for a less | | | | Natural disasters such as earthquakes and |
| product. | | | | hurricanes should be taken into account. What will |
| Beware of the "Turnkey Solution" Marketing | | | | happen to the patient records if such a thing |
| Message: | | | | occurs. It is important to have backups on |
| There are hundreds of thousands of practices and | | | | individual harddrives and also internet based |
| no two are alike. Each practice requires a different | | | | storage. |
| level of aptitude. There will be a need to recognize | | | | Use one person as Point Person: |
| a change in workflow and procedures. Be sure to | | | | One person from the office staff whether a |
| examine the different customization options | | | | doctor or front office should take the lead in |
| related to templates, facts, and workflow. | | | | terms of researching EMR vendors. This will |
| Document Your Implementation Plan: | | | | facilitate a more smooth transition. They will also |
| Choosing an EMR vendor is just one step in the | | | | be responsible for timeliness and decision making. |
| implementation process. Research hardware | | | | Preparing your questions in advance: |
| carefully and compare different hardware types. | | | | Develop your questions regarding training, |
| There are also factors such as variations in | | | | implementation, budget, timeframes, payment |
| computer hardware, networking, implementation, | | | | options, hardware needs, installation, completion, |
| and training. All these factors play an important | | | | and go live goals. |
| role in changing from a paper charting system to | | | | What is the cost of license per physician? |
| electronic. | | | | Are there existing clients in this specialty? |
| An implementation consultant is especially | | | | Does the EMR come preloaded with templates? |
| important here to ensure timeliness and | | | | Is the company the developer of the software or |
| completion. | | | | is it rebranded from another vendor? |
| 1. Selecting a EMR Vendor | | | | Is the EMR ASP based or client/server based? |
| It is very important to choose the right software | | | | Does the system include a practice management |
| system that has the right technical support, fits | | | | software package? |
| your budget, and is suited for your medical | | | | How many clients does your company have? |
| specialty. | | | | Is the system HL7 compliant? |
| 2. EMR Installation | | | | How long has the company been in business? |
| Should a physician take on the lead role in | | | | Is development done overseas? |
| implementing. Identify the risks associated with | | | | Is the software CCHIT certified? |
| bad technology. Also assess the life expectancy | | | | How often do I need to upgrade software |
| of the technology. Is the technology written in an | | | | hardware? |
| updated language such as JAVA or .NET? | | | | |