Selecting the Right EMR Solution

Physicians are faced with choice of increasing the use of technology. Specifically, they are assessing the benefits of using EMR. EMRs fundamentally change the workflow within the practice, and therefore, it is critical that the choices should not just be on the technology but on the long term objectives sought with implementing EMRs. Like all investments, the life-cycle costs and benefits must be assessed. Efficiency improvements from EMRs include reduced costs due to improved billing, improved appointment setting, and integration with other systems (example: e-Prescribing). Effectiveness of care improvements includes improved patient-physician interaction and patient centric quality of care. It must be noted that improvements in efficacy will far outweigh the improvements in efficiency, but they are harder to measure.

While there are 300 plus vendors, there is no simple mechanism to select the right one. Tax incentives are available, and in fact some vendors are offering free tools and services in exchange for the tax benefit. However, selecting the right vendor is a still a daunting task. The basic steps in selecting and implementing EMRs is to first understand the existing practice workflow, specify the goals, identify the requirements, and translate the requirements to desired features. Now the EMR tools can be compared against the desired features, ranked and scored to identify the top 3 to 5 EMR vendors. Choosing amongst the specific vendors and implementing them usually requires technical expertise. Fortunately a pool of EMR consultants are cropping up to help proliferation of EMRs.

The selection criteria centers around practice related features, vendor stability, and technology architecture. Practice related features include the ability to do quick charting/chart organization, interface with specific systems (hospital, lab, practice management, equipment), facilitate coding and billing/payment, facilitate appointments, manage referrals, educate and communicate with patients, e-prescriptions, and track progress.

Technical features to be considered include ability to use remotely – from home, hospital, ability to easily add new users (additional providers and staff), interface with other systems and hand-held devices like iPhone, interface with voice recognition systems such as Dragon Medical, decision support dashboards, and pre-built templates to facilitate documenting interactions with the patient. Architectural considerations are also important, including: cloud (SaaS) versus traditional installation, open source versus commercial platforms, interface with document management systems/work flow systems such as SharePoint, and interoperability with other entities (using XML or HL7 or other standards). In addition to practice related features and technology related features, vendor stability, ability to support the product, their track record, and certification for “meaningful use” are critical considerations.

For a free detailed step by step process, send an e-mail to Subbu Murthy at subbu@usourceit.com

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