RFI Conversion and EHR Project Management for Two Hospitals and Ambulatory Practices
Case Study.
Project Overview
Market: Ambulatory Care
Primary Service: EHR Consulting / Project Management
John Lynch & Associates partnered with a healthcare system operating two hospitals and several ambulatory practices to manage the replacement of their Electronic Health Record (EHR), financial management, and supply chain systems. The initiative required a comprehensive approach—from operational assessment and vendor evaluation to project management and system implementation—ensuring seamless integration across all care settings.
Objectives
- Assess current EHR, financial, and supply chain systems.
- Develop and manage a structured RFI process for system replacement.
- Provide leadership throughout the EHR selection and implementation lifecycle.
- Improve interoperability between hospitals and ambulatory practices.
- Enhance operational workflows and reduce system complexity.
Challenges
- Existing systems did not meet evolving clinical, financial, and operational needs.
- Lack of visibility and collaboration between hospitals and ambulatory practices.
- Complex project scope involving two hospitals with different care specialties and ownership models.
- Need for comprehensive stakeholder alignment and change management.
Solutions Implemented
To overcome these challenges, the following solutions were implemented:Phase I: Operational Assessment & IT Infrastructure Review
- Conducted organizational assessments across hospitals and ambulatory locations, including IT systems, staffing, workflows, and infrastructure.
- Interviewed leadership, clinicians, and support staff to identify gaps and define future-state goals.
- Delivered a comprehensive assessment report outlining current challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Phase II: Request for Information (RFI) & EHR Selection Process
- Developed and managed a detailed RFI process aligned with organizational requirements and regulatory standards.
- Key activities included:
- Identifying and screening qualified EHR vendors
- Defining functional and technical requirements
- Organizing vendor demos, reference reviews, and scoring matrices
- Facilitating decision-making and final vendor selection
- Used a structured evaluation methodology to ensure alignment with clinical workflows, financial operations, and strategic goals.
Phase III: EHR Project Management, Conversion & Implementation
- Provided full project leadership in coordination with the selected vendor’s implementation methodology.
- Developed project plans, validated timelines and resource commitments, and ensured contractual alignment.
- Oversaw change management efforts, staff training, and communication planning.
- Facilitated cultural adoption of new systems and workflows through executive alignment and front-line engagement.
Final Steps & Deliverables:
John Lynch & Associates led the organization through the following key implementation elements:
- Readiness Assessments
- Strategic & Communication Planning
- Project Management & Risk Mitigation
- Data Migration Oversight
- Contract Compliance Monitoring
- Training Facilitation
- Regulatory Alignment (including attestation readiness)
- ROI Analysis & Performance Monitoring
Results
- Streamlined operations across hospitals and ambulatory sites.
- Reduced system complexity and improved provider efficiency.
- Enhanced interoperability and data flow across care settings.
- Increased revenue cycle performance through improved collections and cost reduction.
- Positioned the organization for long-term success with a modern, scalable EHR and operational infrastructure.