EMR Implementation: Preparing for the Launch Date

The task of taking your practice from paper records to EMR is a big one. Many practices do this in one fell swoop. Others move in a series of stages. If you're operating out of just one office it may be easier to do it in a single action. At a multi-location office, it can be easier to make the switch in stages.

Plan your target roll-out dates in advance; often it's a good idea to work with sections of patients. You could begin by adding only new patients to the system. As each milestone is reached, small problems can be worked out. After working through these glitches, you may be ready to add another batch of patients.

By looking at the results of the first batch, you will receive guidance to take you through identifiable problems. When you repair these problems at the source, you will stop the influx of bad data and will positively affect the overall operations of your medical practice.

Are your employees ready to take the leap? If you don't have an IT person on staff, you will want to go with a contractor. This person should be brought on from the beginning; hopefully they are recommended by a related service provider or software vendor. Key clinical and office staff should be present at the time of the transition, as well as the maximum possible amount of doctors. Training can also be an issue. The pressure of working with clients in a live work setting can be stressful, especially when tackling the tough part of the learning curve.

When our practice's launch date arrived, we were fortunate to experience no major surprises. There were some tiny glitches, but no major setbacks. We attribute our success to the care taken in advance to work on planning and training. By the way, do you want to learn more about implementing EMR in your own practice? Download my free report "Getting Through The EMR Maze."

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