Making a choice in specialized software, such as that used to keep track of patients’ medical information, is not something you’ll want to take lightly. Implementing a new electronic health records software solution involves an investment of your money, time and staff resources, so it only makes sense that you would take your time in determining the best application and provider to go with.
If you are fortunate, some of your colleagues at other, non-competing medical practices may have some good leads for you to check out. However, the way things work at your medical organization could be quite different, so your software requirements may not dovetail with those of your colleagues.
Only by reading reviews, comparing the details of each application and investigating your options for software providers will you discover the right application for your organization. With that in mind, as you do research into EHR software vendors, here are five things to look for.
1. Good Track Record
Look for a software vendor that has a proven track record in the medical industry, with many years of experience.
Your EHR software provider should be an acknowledged leader in the field, so look for reviews from credible sources that show you details about the best in the business.
2. Experts in the Field
It’s best to go with an EHR software vendor with plenty of expertise in the field. Not only do they need great programmers and developers working on the software, they need to be aware of emerging issues that will affect how EHR applications are used.
This means they should stay on top of impending governmental regulations as well as changes in industry best practices.
3. Responsive to Your Requests for Information
If someone on your staff is confused about using a particular element of the EHR software, time is of the essence. You’ll want to select an EHR software vendor that answers your requests for information without much delay.
See how other customers feel about the vendor’s help desk and customer service department.
4. Certified Software Provider
In order to get the financial incentives offered by the government for demonstrating Meaningful Use, you must use certified EHR software only.
Otherwise, you stand to lose out on the maximum $63,750 from Medicaid and as much as $44,000 from Medicare. The government is encouraging medical organizations to grow more efficient and requires them to demonstrate this with the EHR software they implement.
5. Updates Software on a Timely Basis
You don’t want to work with a software provider that sits on its hands. Regular updates are important for ensuring that the EHR application will continue to function properly as other aspects of your system change, such as when you get new computer hardware or update your operating system. You should expect to see bug fixes and improvements to the software periodically.
You may need EHR software because it has never been implemented before at your medical organization, or you have found that the old software at your location is woefully out of date or is no longer supported because the developer went out of business. Fortunately, you can find the perfect EHR application by doing some careful research. Once you’ve determined the best vendor to work with, you can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to focusing on treating your patients.
Key Takeaway
- It’s crucial to find the right electronic health records software for your particular medical organization.
- Managers and owners of medical practices need to do careful research before they go with a particular EHR software vendor.
- Make sure that your EHR software vendor stays on top of industry trends and new government regulations.
- It’s best to work with a software provider that has an excellent track record over the years, indicating it is stable.
- Make sure that the software vendor updates the EHR application regularly, improving how it works.
- You must use certified EHR software in order to receive financial incentives from the government regarding the demonstration of meaningful use.
