How to ensure you have an EHR Replacement which is smooth

Are you currently using EHR which is outdated? Check out the Electronic Health Reporter and get to know some of the best in the market. It could be that, what you are using is not best for your type of needs or your needs are not being met by the vendor.

Whatever the reason that you might be having, just know that you are not alone in these. There are countless medical practices who are looking for a solution to replace their EHR for reasons which include:

• Lack of functionality of the system
• Low user satisfaction
• Operation costs are very high
• Failure to reduce the workload of the physician
• Lack of ability to exchange data

So if you are dissatisfied with your system; it could lead to several problems including low to no patient engagements. Because you are not satisfied with your EHR; it will be hard for you to effectively engage with your patients. Below are some of the tips which you can follow when replacing your system:

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  Ensure that your staff is involved in the entire process:

  One of the main reasons; that you might be wanting to replace your system is due to low user satisfaction. That is why there will be a need to involve your medical staff and physician at each and every stage of the process of selection. Take their feedback into consideration when you are shortlisting vendors, discuss priorities of migration of data with the new and old vendors, and attend demos.

• Search for EHRs which meet your specific requirements:

  The EHRs need to make your practice to be efficient than it currently is. They have to add value through saving time and ensuring that the physician doesn’t burn out.
  Avoid doing a replacement of the EHRs if there is no return on your investment that is quick. If you do, this transaction being expensive, with a lack of functionality and workflow that is inefficient, it will end up pushing practices to go for another option.
  As you are looking around for the best EHRs system; it is important that you prioritize finding a system that meets the needs of the physicians; who will be using it and is able to support the growth of your practice.

• Ensure that you achieve the priorities of your data migration:

  You have to proceed with caution in regard to data migration and to be able to reassess your needs for data mapping.

• Schedule deadlines and ensure that you stick to them:

  Replacement of EHRs is something which is time-consuming and a process that is very complex meaning, you should be ready and prepare your staff for the same. When you create a long term plan, it will ensure that the transition is easy for everyone.
  It is also important that you set deadlines for each of your EHR replacement stage; such as when to communicate to staff when to collect their feedback when to select a new vendor when going for demos when to discuss matters with your old vendor when to migrate the data when to implement the EHR and train staff on how to use it.

• Securing the data of your patients during the transition period:

  It is very important to ensure; that data is secured due to the fact that; you are working with external parties; the new and the old vendors of the EHR. You have to ensure that the medical data of your patients are secure.

  Consider the following to help you in ensuring that the data is safe during the EHR replacement process:

• Secure your medical archives:

  It is very important to understand the data export and import process; which involves being able to find data formats that work on the old as well as the new EHR systems. In case you transfer just part of your archives to the new system; then it means that you have to ask your old vendor how the data; that remains on your old system; will be disposed of securely. In case they are able to store the data, ask them if you will have access to it in case you will need it in the future.

• Engaging dedicated data safe keeper:

  To avoid compromising data privacy and safety at any given stage; ensure that one of your staff or physician is the safe keeper of the same. This is a role which requires the process of data migration; being overseen and keeping a close eye; on how the transfer of the data; is done and stored; by both the new and the old EHR system.

The above will ensure that you have a smooth EHRs replacement process from your old to the new system. And in no time; you will be settled to start working; using your system.