Tips for Smooth Transition to New EHR System

 

Not too long ago, jokes about providers' sloppy handwriting were commonplace. However, the majority of medical record-keeping now takes place digitally. Electronic health records (EHRs) are used in almost all providers' offices and practices because of the Affordable Care Act. Effective workflow practices and procedures are essential to patient safety, experience, satisfaction, and many other aspects of the emergency department (ED). The Electronic Health Records system is one workflow tool that significantly affects departmental efficiency.  Your revenue cycle management (RCM) front end depends on your electronic health records solution. 

EHRs have challenges, but they can significantly increase the accessibility of patient information. One of those challenges is the need for health systems to switch from one system to another; this difficulty will arise more frequently as EHRs continue to outlive first- or even second-generation software. Telehealth and EHR integration can ease administrative burdens, enhance practice workflows, and enhance patient care. 

It isn't easy to transition to a new system, even if it will result in more efficient workflows. An EHR transition requires considerable thought, time, and planning. Five tips for transitioning to new EHR software are as follows: 

Effective communication can be the deciding factor in a successful transition. 

There are numerous parties involved in the planning process for an EHR transition. It's crucial to keep in mind to communicate clearly with each party. The providers, department leadership, and practice administration should know what to expect before, during, and after the go-live. 

Know the capabilities of your vendor. 

It's crucial to understand the capabilities of both your current and future vendors when making the switch. Early attention to any weaknesses should help prevent any potential setbacks. 

Transitions go more smoothly after training. 

Make sure to complete provider education. The providers will need more training than a quick, one-day, two-hour overview can provide. Consider breaking up the training planning into phases and inviting a vendor representative and a seasoned physician champion. For example: 

• Initial skill evaluation three months before launch 
• Training in fundamental skills two months before the launch 
• Training for each application one week before the launch 

As part of the application training, include a summary or outline of the significant workflow modifications so that anyone unsure how to complete a particular task has a handy reference. 

Check the workflow procedures again. 

Examine all current workflow procedures to identify areas for efficiency improvement. While streamlining workflow is the new EHR system's aim, other solutions might exist. Examine every procedure, and use this time to redesign any that need improvement. 

Go-live doesn’t mean the process is over. 

Schedule frequent meetings to handle any unique difficulties in the months following go-live. Keep in touch with all teams, provide updates, and invite input. Electronic health records (EHRs) transfer is a time-consuming procedure; to make it effective, recognize the team members and providers. Finally, evaluate and measure each crucial success aspect. 

Summary:  

This guide briefly explains the tips for a smooth transition to the new EHR system. EHR technology's end-user issues and inefficiencies are getting worse. In these situations, the electronic health record software determines the practice's efficiency. As a result, the vision and specialties of your healthcare center should be reflected in your new EHR software. TalkEHR has created modern technology for controlling your practice's workload, income, and patient scheduling.