Time to Switch to a New EHR? 3 Key Questions You Need to Ask First.
June 9, 2022So many factors come into play as an organization determines why it should transition to a new EHR system. Does your vendor understand your clinical needs or business model? The following list will help guide you in your decision of whether a change is needed now or not.
Why do you want to change?
- Do you need a more cost-effective solution?
- Do you need better billing capabilities?
- Are your quality metrics meeting the needs of the organization?
- Is your vendor support falling short of your expectations?
- Do you need increased ability to customize your EHR?
- Are population health capabilities meeting your needs?
- Are your providers and clinical staff frustrated with the system? And why?
Is this the right time to switch?
Migrating from your current EHR to a whole new system is labor and time intensive. Is your hospital or practice prepared for the work ahead? Some organizations will not have a choice because their current vendor is no longer supporting or enhancing their product. Or the direction the vendor is taking for future enhancements no longer fits your organizational needs.
Your organization might have more time to consider whether to switch or not and determine the best timing. When determining whether to switch and when to switch examine overall cost, how the current system affects productivity, and whether your system will handle interoperability needs into the future.
Most organizations decide to switch because physicians were not happy with the system’s ability to reduce workload, and many have not returned to normal productivity levels even two years after implementation.
Other factors that contributed to switching EHRs was cost and interoperability, as many organizations felt that the lack of value and functionality was not worth what they were currently paying. In addition, many organizations are looking ahead and realizing that their current vendor is not well prepared for interoperability between systems. Without a strong path for this many organizations are concerned with their ability to access and share clinical information, opening themselves to potential increases in medical errors.
Do you have the right resources to make the change?
One additional factor in determining whether your organization is best prepared to switch EHRs is people resources. Your organization’s leadership involvement in providing knowledgeable resources is critical to the success of your EHR transition. Individual participation from your “champion” providers and best clinical staff is vital to ensuring the new solution is implemented well. However, keep in mind, these same resources are required for maintaining day-to-day operations while providing high quality patient care.
Leadership should consider qualified outside resources to steer the selection, negotiation, and implementation of your new EHR. Making a change is difficult but not having the best resources available from the start of your EHR planning and transition might lead you down a similar trail with all too familiar dissatisfying results.
Switching to a new EHR platform is a substantial financial investment that is critical to driving efficiency, productivity, and profitability for your healthcare organization. Connect with us today at 623.980.8018 or by email at inquiries@johnlynchandassociates.com and start down the path of a successful EHR conversion.
