1. Do your homework. Familiarize yourself with the language of EMRs and also try to get a feel for what is going on in other practices. Understand the impact the government has on the implementation of EMRs, and map out realistic goals and expectations for your practice.

2. Efficiency. EMR software can dramatically increase productivity, patient care and efficiency levels in your office by eliminating outdated handwritten note taking and filing systems, while keeping the most current information at your fingertips.

3. Hardware and software. Before anything else happens, you must have the right equipment. It is imperative that faulty or improper equipment not be used, as it can impede workflow and could even negatively affect patient safety.

4. Legality. Make sure the legal integrity of your digital records system is up to par. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), an electronic record must be stored in a legally correct manner, or it can be considered hearsay, and challenged as legally invalid. Make sure your electronic medical records meet the Federal and State requirements for a medical record, to avoid complications.

5. Cost. Although EMR software can be expensive, the many benefits of using digital recordkeeping systems will most likely save your practice money in the long run. Consultation with an EMR expert is essential to getting the best deal on a system that really fits your needs. And remember that you will also save the time and money you’ve been spending on storing and filing paper.

6. Work flow. Make sure the system you choose has a workflow that fits your needs and has been proven to do so via testing. This will allow you to spot problems that need to be fixed prior to widespread implementation.

7. State and federal regulations. The EMR software you choose should meet all requirements to protect patient safety and privacy.

8. Use a staged rollout. Once you’ve chosen the best system for your practice, by selecting a few people to participate in the initial implementation of a new system, you can identify stumbling blocks and train these staff members to provide strong support to others throughout the rest of the deployment process.

9. Allow adequate time for the transition. Consider going to an abbreviated schedule for a minimum of two weeks, but up to one month, after implementing the new system. This will allow staff members to train without as many distractions, but will also require them to use the system throughout daily routines, just at a slower pace.

10. Support and maintenance. After your practice has chosen, installed and adapted to new EMR software, make sure there are provisions in place to perform maintenance and updates as needed. You should also have a clear idea of what type of ongoing training/support you can expect to receive for additional questions that are sure to come up.