Research shows that roughly 73% of all EMR implementations fail. Experts give numerous reasons that may contribute to this failure, three of which specifically stand out as greatest contributing risk factors when converting physician offices to electronic medical record (EMR) systems:
The first factor in EMR risk is the style of implementation. Many vendors try to cram the practice-changing techniques into a very short period of time – often too short for proper adoption and full understanding of how the new system works best in each unique practice environment.
SOLUTION:
Practices who adopt EMR solutions gradually using an incremental implementation approach are over 90% successful. Be sure your vendor offers incremental implementation or you could be setting yourself up to fail.
The second factor in EMR risk is lack of useful clinical content in its design, which slows down and frustrates the user, leading them to abandon the EMR all together.
SOLUTION:
The right EMR can actually save time and increase the accuracy of patient record documentation.Select an EMR that is customized around the unique needs of your specialty.Critical clinical content should be already expressed in its template designs. The system should be designed to be intuitive to the way you work, for faster speed and accuracy from the start. Be sure you select an EMR solution designed specifically for your specialty.
The third factor in EMR risk is cost.EMR solutions can be initially expensive, with many vendors collecting payment in full before the system is fully functioning, leaving little incentive for ensuring the ongoing success of their clients.
SOLUTION:
Select a vendor with a pay-as-you-go or subscription-based fee structure, one with lower up-front costs.This ensures the interests of the vendor are directly in line with your success.You may have heard the expression, “Once you pay, they go away.” However, when a vendor is subscription based, paid on a continuous basis, the vendor will be much more motivated to provide the training, service and support needed for a successful EMR implementation. Make them work for you, keeping those financial incentives in place.
