Now that your office has decided to invest in an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, you’ll need to choose a vendor. What should you look for?
Of course, there are some basic requirements that any EMR should meet, such as meaningful use. The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) also now tests EMRs for basic functionality and certifies vendor products meeting the tested items.
But you’ll want to look beyond these basics when selecting an EMR. First, you may require functionality specific to your medical specialty. Additionally, you’ll want a product that feels right, and the CCHIT tests only for functionality, not for usability,
Another important—and often overlooked—element in EMR selection is support. The EMR you choose will be an integral part of your practice’s operation for many years, so you’ll want to select an EMR vendor that will be around to support it.
Clearly, it isn’t possible for an EMR vendor to operate in every location it sells EMRs, but it can still offer local support in many ways.
That’s important, because assistance with installation and training are critical. Additionally, as with any software, you can expect occasional problems—and your EMR vendor should be available to fix them quickly and efficiently.
The bottom line: Be sure to ask potential vendors about local support. Your EMR vendor will be your partner in a long term undertaking—and as with any partnership, it’s best to get to know your partner well before you commit.
Selecting an EMR Vendor—Look for Local Support
Of course, there are some basic requirements that any EMR should meet, such as meaningful use. The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) also now tests EMRs for basic functionality and certifies vendor products meeting the tested items.
But you’ll want to look beyond these basics when selecting an EMR. First, you may require functionality specific to your medical specialty. Additionally, you’ll want a product that feels right, and the CCHIT tests only for functionality, not for usability,
Another important—and often overlooked—element in EMR selection is support. The EMR you choose will be an integral part of your practice’s operation for many years, so you’ll want to select an EMR vendor that will be around to support it.
Clearly, it isn’t possible for an EMR vendor to operate in every location it sells EMRs, but it can still offer local support in many ways.
That’s important, because assistance with installation and training are critical. Additionally, as with any software, you can expect occasional problems—and your EMR vendor should be available to fix them quickly and efficiently.
The bottom line: Be sure to ask potential vendors about local support. Your EMR vendor will be your partner in a long term undertaking—and as with any partnership, it’s best to get to know your partner well before you commit.