EHR replacement can be a challenge for healthcare executives and IT staff. One way you can make the switch more manageable is by finding the right solution for your organization. Utilize these valuable tips to ease the switch and set yourself on a path toward success.
Not every EHR solution is going to be perfect for every practice. There are just some days when your EHR feels like more of a problem than a solution, but the act of finding a replacement seems just as daunting.
Whether it be from performance issues or software being discontinued by the vendor, EHR replacement can be a significant challenge for any healthcare executive or IT administrator. Finding the right solution to overcome these problems is also becoming more difficult as companies innovate and evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
The whirlwind of options can be confusing while you search for the best EHR software to improve physician productivity, staffing shortages, financial outcomes, and patient experience.
Make sure you only have to make the switch once; follow these tips to help you find the solution that works best for your practice’s unique goals.
Step 1: Develop a Request for Proposal (RFP)
An RFP allows you to compare multiple potential vendors. It provides a framework for providing detailed information about your practice and listing specific requirements. It’s well worth the effort to ensure prospective vendors have guidelines to prepare a proposal that clearly addresses your needs.
Step 2: Give them a wish list
A wish list of key features, functions, and reporting needs gives prospective vendors a complete picture of what you expect from a partner. When and how they respond will give you a better understanding of how their services will fulfill your goals.
Step 3: Research, research, and more research
Read blogs, customer comments, and third-party review sites. Talk with your clinicians and staff to get more details about what works and doesn’t work with the current EHR system. Reach out to peers in professional organizations to learn more from their experiences.
Step 4: Go beyond the sales pitch and get to know the vendor
An EHR solution goes beyond the software. EHR replacement involves the personalities that you’ll be working with on a regular basis. It would be best if you took time to get to know the vendors and make sure they’ll be a good fit for your practice.
Have questions ready
Similar to how a business develops interview questions to ask a candidate for an important position, your practice needs to prepare a list of specific questions for your potential EHR partner. Here are a few questions to consider:
- Does the EHR provide robust specialty content out of the box?
- Will the partner be able to meet the demands as my practice grows?
- Does the EHR vendor offer a complete end-to-end solution from when the patient arrives to when the payment is collected?
- Does the EHR vendor ensure a true continuum of care?
A partnership built on trust every step of the way
Switching to the right EHR software to yield better results requires a partner you can trust. Managing the complexity of keeping up with workflow demand is only possible with a partner who will be there every step of the way. It’s essential that they share the same amount of passion and commitment as you when it comes to serving your clinicians, staff, and patients.
Additional resources to assist you with your search
Software Advice, Review of Electronic Medical Records Software
This comprehensive list provides a detailed comparison of EHR software products along with a buyer’s guide.
Breaking Up (With an EHR) is Hard to Do by Juliann Schaeffer, For The Record, Vol. 25, No. 14, P.22
This article thoroughly explains why healthcare providers are seeking new EHR software and the importance of making the transition correctly through a qualified and reputable vendor.
When Should You Replace Your EHR?
When your current EHR software no longer meets your organization’s needs or feels more like a burden than a solution, it is time for a switch. This will involve a substantial conversation between the executives, IT administrators, providers, and other staff members to gauge your organization’s specific needs.
This e-book is a great place to start.
Meet NextGen Ambient Assist, your new AI ally that generates a structured SOAP note in seconds from listening to the natural patient/provider conversation.
Read Now