Electronic Health Records (EHR systems) are helping American healthcare system transform into a more robust, patient-centric, high quality and more affordable system. The government has undertaken many initiatives to help physicians meaningfully utilize lifesaving technology and the results are very promising. As of 2013, nearly 85% of US physicians are using some sort of electronic health record system to improve outcomes.
While the EHR market is quite saturated, however only a handful vendors offer online, fully integrated, and affordable systems that are user friendly as well.
Let’s take a look at important factors that a practice must consider before purchasing a new system.
Anytime anywhere pure browser access: End user installation limits the providers to anytime anywhere access and with upcoming system changes, it becomes cost prohibitive to employ IT staff to install the software, bug fixes and upgrades. Many outdated system vendors have client server systems that are accessed over the internet. You need to cross check if the system works over a web browser without any third party system like Citrix desktop sharing products.
Cloud Hosting: In addition to the benefit of not purchasing additional hardware, cloud hosted systems also provide automatic back up, enhanced system security, high availability and hassle free upgrades. Good vendors offer SAS 70 certified hosting that is certified to be HIPAA compliant. Top quality hosting also provides automated fail over and highest level of business continuity. Please remember self-hosting will be extremely cost prohibitive with upcoming Meaningful Use 2 security audits.
Customizable: A customizable system means it can accommodate almost all your unique workflow, operational, communication and reporting needs. Treatment plans adjustments, preventive care, disease management as well as adhering to unique practice styles, preferences and evidence-based medicine cannot be entertained with rigid obsolete solutions.
Integrated: An integrated system is the one which is based on a single source code, making exchange of information seamless between the EHR software, Practice Management and Patient Portals. It makes physician-patient interaction better and supports delivery of coordinated care.
Extendable framework: Larger multi-specialty practices need flexibility, advanced customization and integration capabilities, they need systems that can extend and connect with custom content, homegrown and third party systems and data bases, accounting and in-house laboratory, PACS, inventory and other systems.
Interoperability: The single-most important thing you should look for in an EHR software is Interoperability capabilities. This term means that the software is able to exchange discrete clinical information such as lab results, history, summaries of care, radiology reports, and prescriptions etc. with other stake holders across the continuum of care. Since healthcare transformation is based on strong information exchange you must ensure sure your new vendor is capable of this.
Compliance: There is no need to buy an EHR that will not ensure compliance with federal and state regulations Meaningful Use, privacy, safety, ICD-10 etc. In addition, it should provide you with secure messaging, syndromic surveillance, specialty and immunization registries in addition to pay for performance and Patient Quality Reporting.
Certified: Certification Commission of Health IT’s comprehensive EHR’s is a must have, it ensures the product meets the highest safety, security and functionality standards. ONC designated testing agencies validate products in meeting Meaningful use criteria while Sure Scripts offer’s electronic prescribing certification that validates the entire prescribing process for patient safety, security and best practices adherence. Top rated products by sure scripts are awarded gold certification status while it also provide the white coat of quality awards for top of the line systems.
Free updates: Another important point to consider is if your vendor is offering free lifetime software updates. Not all vendors offer this so you must make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
Ease of use: One of the major features of an ideal EHR system is that it is intuitive, interactive and easy to use. Every user using the system can take advantage of the interface of the software and complete the tasks efficiently.
e-Learning: A good EHR system promotes e-learning through online educational material that is simple and easy to use.
Mobile care: An EHR solution that helps you deliver mobile care is the one you should be looking to invest in. It offers the product on various platforms to improve practice workflows.
Affordable pricing: With minimum start-up and data migration cost, an ideal EHR system is very affordable. Remember, the most ideal EHR solution doesn’t have to be the most expensive one.
Fast track implementations with free training: Another important thing that you should consider is how much implementation time your vendor will require and if they are offering any training support.
Data privacy: Free EMR vendors share patient information with third parties. You must ensure taking this in writing that your data will remain your property and the vendor would never sell it to third parties even de-identified information may be risky for you and the patients that trust you with their most valuable information.
Standardized: The vendor must utilize broadly accepted standards that promote compatibility, interoperability and secure information exchange. Must have standards include HL7, ANSI X12, LOINC, SNOMED CT, DICOM, NCPDP, ICD9/10, CPT4 and PDF/H.
Quality standards: Good vendors must support the following quality standards:
- Leapfrog
- DOQ-IT
- QualityNet
- NCQA
- JCAHO
- HEDIS
Meaningful Use Guarantee: Make sure the vendor will always meet the entire Meaningful Use certification criteria which will help you increase your revenue considerably. Source
