For those of you who are looking for an EMR software, the number one question you should ask the vendor is, ‘Why is your EMR software different’?
For those of you who have already chosen an EMR software, do you consider your implementation successful?
By various counts, anywhere from 50-70% of clinics are considering switching their EHR software. Some Electronic health record implementations are on schedule with all stakeholders of the practice fully involved in achieving their set goals. Others struggle at the onset and eventually stall; leading to partial or no success.
What is the reason for Failure?
Is it the people involved or the implementation process, or is something wrong with the product? My extensive experience working with providers and clinics for the last 18 years has taught me – it is not that simple.
People, Processes, and Tools
Processes are the binding agent. You need to have the right people, starting with leadership in the practice and having the best Tool (EMR software) for your clinic. Best EMR Software is one that works with your workflow, and technological comfort.
Where it fails most of the time, however, is Processes. I am not going to write in detail about how to do implementation here, but I am going to point out a very important aspect of the Implementation process.
Vendor Involvement.
Too many times, vendors allow practices to dictate the process, whereas practices look for guidance and best practices from the vendor. Vendors should be leading this. I was speaking with a company recently that had decided to take this head-on by putting money where its mouth is. They decided to refund part of the implementation fee if the practice works with the vendor to do proper implementation within an agreed-upon time frame. This simple assertion means that people and tools have to be excellent and someone is willing to take the bull by the horns to project-manage the entire process. I like this proactive approach and will be eager to learn the outcomes.
