The 5 Stages of EMR/EHR Implementation

According to research, about 86% of office-based practitioners have electronic health record (EHR) and electronic medical record (EMR) systems. These solutions help simplify record-keeping and meet compliance requirements. They also reduce the risk of errors, enabling you to offer better care. While implementing such tools has many benefits, the process can be challenging. If you don’t use proper strategies, you may end up with software that doesn’t meet your needs. This issue can also complicate the transitioning process and frustrate your employees. Following the proper stages of EMR/EHR implementation is an ideal way to avoid these challenges. Here, we discuss the five steps that you should take when acquiring such a solution for your practice.

1. Planning

When implementing an EHR system, you need a clear road map for guidance. The first measure that you should take is to determine the needs of your facility by conducting an assessment. Identify the key features that you need the software to have.

Be sure to confirm that there are metrics to measure success after implementation. Determine if your current IT infrastructure supports the solutions that you are considering.

It’s always important to consult all stakeholders when you’re planning to get an EHR/EMR solution. This measure simplifies the search process and helps identify a system that meets everyone’s needs. Planning is also a great way to determine the training that your employees will need for onboarding.

2. Budgeting

When adopting an EHR system, you should first determine all the costs involved. The most common ones are buying the solution, implementing it, training staff to use it, and getting needed third-party software. Since estimating such expenses can be challenging, consider contacting various providers.

Ask about the cost of getting the solution and other services, like employee training. Inquire if there are other systems that you need in order to support the EHR software.

Taking these steps will simplify budgeting by helping you learn about the features of each solution. It also makes it easier to compare costs against benefits to determine the most suitable EMR/EHR system.

3. Selecting a Provider

Choosing a provider is one of the most crucial stages of EMR/EHR implementation. Once you complete budgeting, identify the solutions within your price range. Then, narrow down your options by picking one that offers additional features alongside managing health records.

To simplify the selection process, outline all your long-term needs by answering various questions. For example, do you need your EHR system for only managing records or also for supporting team-based care? Are you planning to open other branches and need a system that offers multi-locational support?

Answering such questions is a suitable method for understanding the needs of your chiropractic practice. Still, it may be challenging to choose between two solutions offering similar features.

An ideal way to simplify selection is by contacting an EHR/EMH provider like ChiroSpring for a demo. This process will enable you to learn more about an individual system’s features.

You can also gauge other things, like user experience or interface, overall design, and ease of use. After evaluating your choices based on such aspects, you may pick one system and start planning for implementation.

4. Data Transfer

Transferring data to a new EHR/EMR solution is a headache for most practitioners. The best way to ensure that the process goes smoothly is by planning with your provider. If you are already using EHR software, confirm if the incoming solution is compatible with your existing one.

If not, start developing strategies to transfer the data manually or by using third-party software. Create a backup for all files to prevent losses caused by errors.

Alternatively, avoid the inconveniences of getting another solution by selecting EHR systems with cloud solutions. With a tool like ChiroSpring, you can automatically protect your data and limit access. This software also has enhanced encryption tech to prevent breaches during and after the transfer.

5. Training Staff

Adopting a new EHR/EMR solution without training your staff can be catastrophic. If your team doesn’t know how to operate the new system, they will slow down service delivery. This can frustrate them, reducing work morale and productivity.

After getting an EHR solution, simplify the onboarding process by using comprehensive training. Liaise with your provider to get experts to orient your staff on using the new system and troubleshooting.

That said, it is vital to ensure that the training aligns with the skills and role of each employee. This way, you can avoid complicating the learning process and encourage usage.

Another strategy to empower your employees after adopting an EHR system is having a team of competent IT staff members. They should undergo rigorous training to be equipped with all the skills needed to manage the solution. They may then support the rest of your team and orient new employees.

Contact ChiroSpring to Implement an EHR System

Following the discussed stages of EMR/EHR implementation can speed up the process and prevent complications. It can also avoid data loss and ensure that your employees understand using the new solution.

ChiroSpring provides the best EHR system for chiropractic practices. This solution can simplify managing health records and booking appointments. It also offers an integrated payment tool to streamline billing and save time for your employees and patients.

ChiroSpring is an all-in-one practice management and EHR system built specifically for chiropractors to help them regain face-time with patients, spend less time on back-office tasks, maintain a limited staff, and save operational costs.

To see how ChiroSpring can help you simplify how you manage your practice, reach out to one of our specialists today!

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