Devices & Diagnostics, Health IT

EMR Replacement – Top 5 Signs That You Must Not Ignore

  EMR systems need substantial investment, and with the technology expanding and the rules changing, […]

 

EMR systems need substantial investment, and with the technology expanding and the rules changing, most users know they will need to replace theirs eventually. A 2013 survey by Black Book confirms that 81 percent of practices accept that their initial installation will become antiquated. Of those who indicated an upgrade was inevitable, most said they hoped to install new EMR software within the next year.

This is not news. A 2012 report by HIMSS stated more than a third of the 800 physician groups polled for their study were looking to replace their ambulatory EHR programs even a year ago. As providers move beyond Stage 1 to the more complex levels of Meaningful Use, medical practices will start looking for signs that it is time for new EHR software.

Evaluating the Current System for Flaws

The first step in the process is an evaluation of the current system. Evaluating the issues with your old system improves the decision making process and ensures a new platform is necessary.

  • Why is it not meeting your practice requirements?
  • Is there a training issue? Do we have new employees who have not received adequate training?
  • Is the technical support not responsive enough?

Discuss with your vendor whether an upgrade of the software might work as opposed to replacing the entire system. EHR replacement is a consideration when adapting the old system would require extensive and potentially dangerous workarounds or there are questions relating to the viability of the EMR Vendor or the capability of the vendor’s technical support team to provide the desired level of support.

What Five Signs Indicate That EMR Replacement is Due?

1. Clunky interfaces that don’t work – The environment in which any practice operates (howsoever small it may be), is very complex and there are many interface areas, whether hardware or software. The end-user must have confidence in the EMR program and their ability to master it for the EMR platform to be effective. When the interfaces stop working as desired or become unpredictable and take more time and energy on a repetitive basis, the user loses that confidence. Newer systems streamline the integration process and provide end-users with friendly and maneuverable portals that are stable and consistent.

2. Inability to integrate with Health Information Exchanges – Networking will drive the medical industry in the future. An EHR platform must be able to integrate with other systems to create coordinated care. A primary care physician posts medical records later accessed by a consulting specialist. This type of fluidity will improve patient outcomes and enhance medical care. First generation EHR software may not keep up with partners that are implementing more progressive applications.

3. The inability to meet the current Meaningful Use standards – Older EMR platforms came in under Stage 1 of Meaningful Use. The current system must be flexible enough to progress as the stages change. The Meaningful Use program is the cornerstone that all EMR software must address for future payment systems and incentives. If your EMR software fails to advance to Stage 2 and beyond and your meaningful use dollars are at stake, it may be time to consider replacing your EMR.

4. Problems shifting to ICD-10 diagnostic coding standards – The shift from ICD-9 to ICD-10 is a common issue in EHR software. The reality is ICD-10 brings significant changes to the healthcare industry. The current EMR software must meet that challenge to stay prevalent.

5. Poor technical support – All the changes ahead become even more daunting if the vendor fails to provide adequate customer service and technical support. The end user’s trust in the system is paramount. There needs to be a technical service staff available to help manage the transitions, as well as supply proper EMR training. Poor education leads to downtime and inefficiency. If the current EMR provider fails at their role, it is time for a change.

In a perfect world, medical facilities would purchase just one EMR system able to evolve with the times. If the current studies are any indication, the healthcare industry has not found that balance yet. Practices that commit to meeting the standards of Meaningful Use should take the time to find a sustainable EMR program that allows them to stay current with the technology without making expensive changes in the future.

 

Alok Prasad

Alok Prasad is the founder and President of RevenueXL Inc., which provides small and mid-sized clinics with a one-stop shop for medical solutions including Electronic Medical Records Software, Medical Coding, Coding Audits, and Medical Billing services. He writes on topics of relevance and importance to Physicians across different specialties.

RevenueXL has been in the business for over 8 years and enables its clients to accelerate their revenues by using a unique blend of process knowledge, mature and proven technology and business solutions, and some of the most gifted individuals that allow us to deliver exceptional quality and value.

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