When a medical facility has decided to adopt a new EMR software system, there are several important points to consider. Price, certification and usability are all critical factors, as is compatibility with any existing systems. By doing a bit of research prior to implementation, doctors and hospitals can ensure maximum effectiveness and high levels of staff and patient satisfaction with the transition.
Perhaps most important, before you choose a specific EMR software package be sure to discover whether or not it’s certified by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT). Although the development of the exact criteria for federal certification guidelines is still ongoing, the Health IT Advisory Committee has announced, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that they plan to “grandfather in” software provided by vendors that have obtained CCHIT certification. This is important because Medicaid and Medicare are offering incentives for physicians and healthcare facilities that adopt eligible, certified digital recordkeeping systems.
It is also critical for EMR software systems to meet the unique needs of different doctors and hospitals. Practices that take the time to fully understand their current demands, but also try to anticipate potential future requirements, will ultimately experience a much higher success and satisfaction rate than facilities that act only on cost or other factors. A wide variety of features are available, including the collection of specific data regarding the staff to physician ratio, the average number of phone calls received daily, patient vital signs, drug allergies and prescriptions, to name only a few.
Of course, cost remains a major factor for many doctors and healthcare facilities that are considering the adoption of an EMR software system. In order to determine the best system for your budget, be sure to perform a cost-benefit analysis. Devoting the time to research this up front will prevent costly mistakes and help to ensure that you end up with a product that fulfills all of the facility’s current needs and can be scaled to meet future requirements as well. Also, be sure to look into government assistance programs that are available to help finance the adoption of new EMR software systems. Ultimately, the time and money that is saved will make it worth every minute you invest upfront.