Intentional Planning Paper

Some medical administrators approach EHR implementation the same way one would approach leasing a new car. You do some research online, read a few reviews, compare features and price points. In lieu of the test drive, you request a demo. You may have to demo several systems before you "fall in love with one." But, when you do, you negotiate contract terms, select key customization components and arrange financing. Then, all that's left to do is simply plug in the hardware and software and step into the new world of digital patient files and cloud-based scheduling. Sounds easy. Right?

Unfortunately, converting a medical practice operating under traditional conventions into a twenty-first century, fully compliant cloud-based model takes more than just covering the basics. Implementing a successful EHR takes thoughtful planning for the known and unknown factors that impact your daily operations. When most consumers buy a new car they don't intentionally consider all of the minute details in their daily routine determining factors, but the reality is incorporating an EHR into the business plan will dramatically impact the way a medical enterprise functions.

Intentional Planning is the Key to Successful EHR Implementation

While every organization has unique requirements and service delivery models,

Your team needs a strong leader with a thorough understanding of your practice, your mission and your consumer-patients. Finding a well-organized project manager who intimately understands practice workflow patterns, technology capabilities and budgetary constraints is essential. Your team should also have at least one representative from each major "work group" thoughtout the organization, i.e. nurses, physicians, lab technicians, IT professionals, schedulers, and finance personell. The team also needs members will be attend training and train others, along with someone to test the new EHR internally and with external