Top 9 Things to Consider When Choosing an EMR System
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Electronic medical records (EMRs) are mandatory for healthcare systems according to the HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) Act. Among the many benefits of the EMR is its capability to make processes such as medical chart reviews simpler and more efficient. However, EMRs pose many challenges as well. Data breaches caused by mishandling sensitive healthcare data of patients have resulted in several lawsuits. To avoid liability, health systems using EMR must take all possible steps to ensure compliance. Here are some important considerations that could help ensure a good EMR contract. 1. Your EMR contract must assign liability and provide protections in the event of a data breach. 2. Cyber liability insurance coverage is an important consideration, especially if the breach is the vendor’s fault. 3. Ensure that the EMR chosen can accomplish your key objectives as a provider. So, it is best to test-drive the product. You can get a customized system if you provide the vendor with your typical patient and office scenarios. 4. Consider pricing, costs of hardware, software, implementation, training, and ongoing network support and maintenance fees. 5. Ensure that rapid technology changes are addressed in the contract. When data is stored in external servers or the cloud, you should make it clear that you own the data. 6. The contract terms should include ongoing support and training from the EMR partner. 7. The final payment should not be granted until the EMR system is successfully integrated into their workflow. 8. The contract should be flexible, and it is up to the provider and the EMR vendor to determine how much flexibility the contract should have. 9. Consider major EHR functionalities such as •
Server options (client server, application service provider (ASP), SaaS (Software as a Service)
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Capability to integrate other products such as billing software, practice management systems, public health interfaces and so on
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Privacy and security capabilities
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Ensure that the vendor has a solid market presence. Find out whether they can provide local support and/or has a local presence.
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
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The EMR you choose should be able to document Meaningful Use.
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Are you planning to replace your practice management system? How do you plan to handle the interface or conversion?
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Take into account the legal costs associated with using legal counsel for contract review.
Introduction of the electronic medical record system is surely a good step because it can enhance patient care, ensure accurate documentation, improve care coordination, and lighten the considerable workload associated with gathering medical records and providing medical record retrieval services, an important requirement for medical as well as legal entities. Transitioning to an EMR system is challenging, and so you should be patient enough and take into consideration even the minutest details. Make sure that you understand the contract well, clear your doubts regarding any complex or confusing wording in the contract, and ask for additional terms you would like to include. The EMR vendor you choose should be able to meet your expectations and fulfil their contractual obligations. To achieve the best overall value, consider the quality of the product and the quality of the vendor in addition to the contractual terms and out-of-pocket costs involved, before signing your EMR contract.
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
(800) 670 2809