Bradford Scott Medical

One concern in implementing an Electronic Health Records system is the length of time it takes to get it up and running. You don't have too look hard on the Internet to find examples where it took 6-12 months to get the implementation off of the ground.

Here are some tips when trying to determine the time frame towards a successful EMR/EHR implementation:

Talk to your EMR/EHR vendor about realistic expectations towards a 'Live Date'. Then stick to those dates. Canceling training sessions can throw off your live date.
Be prepared for the training sessions to get the most out of your training time.
Make sure your Physicians are committed to learning the product and that they can schedule time to be trained on the product. Let's face it. An EMR/EHR product is only as good as the Dr that is using it. They need to commit to learning it.
If you are implementing both an EMR/EHR and an Integrated Practice Management System at the same time plan the best use of your time. Have your Front Office and Billing Staff learning the PM, while your clinical staff begins setting up their EHR templates. This way both parties can get up and live on the product without waiting on the other side.
Make sure your Physicians are committed to learning the product ... wait, did I say that already? Well it is worth saying it again. The Physicians are busy but without them committing to learning the product your implementation could take months longer than necessary.
With a push to get your EMR/EHR system up and running in 2011 to prove your 'meaningful use', expect your software vendor to have a line of physicians wanting to implement. Get in line sooner than later! Don't delay or you could risk not being ready in time.
(and maybe the most important) Contact Bradford-Scott! We can help you design a proper implementation schedule and get your staff up and running on Intergy EHR by Sage.