Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are the backbone of any medical clinic in existence today. Thanks to technological development, we can input patient information, chart it, monitor it, and reference it in seconds through an EMR system. Since it’s such an integral part of a medical clinic’s day-to-day operation, choosing an EMR system that is compatible with your office and client demand is crucial.
It’s no secret that there are a vast number of EMR software options available to practices today. Knowing which criteria to prioritize in selecting EMR software will simplify and streamline the onboarding process for you and your clinic. Here are some of the top EMR challenges you should be aware of before making your final EMR selection:
- Availability of Tech Resources:
Some EMR software systems that aren’t rooted in a cloud or web-based solution are going to require expensive technological infrastructure and equipment to get it working properly. In most cases, small to medium-sized offices aren’t going to have a technical department that is adept in overhaul of an EMR system. To avoid this problem, consider cloud and web-related EMR solutions that reduce the cost of the initial set-up, as well as long-term maintenance. Additionally, cloud-based EMR software provides ongoing updates of the system, removing the need for local installs and constant management oversight.
Remember: a good cloud-based EMR system can provide all of the benefits of an in-house established system.
- Staff Size:
Only you know exactly how many physicians, nurses, and front-end office assistants are available to monitor EMR charting in your clinic. If you run a smaller sized clinic that only has one physician and a few nurses and assistants, chances are you can’t spare multiple employees to work full-time on your EMR system. Pulling staff members away from the most important part of your clinic, caring for patients, will result in poor medical treatment and attention, resulting in an unhappy clientele at your establishment.
If you have a small clinic, be sure to work with an EMR vendor that only needs one to two people within your organization to make sure it’s working properly. Also, consider scheduling the implementation of the new system over a longer period of time so you and your staff don’t burn out in the process.
However, if you have a bigger clinic, you can consider EMR systems that require substantial involvement from your staff.
- Access to Training Resources
With a new EMR system comes the need to train staff in the implementation and monitoring of the software. Big corporate medical facilities will have their own training departments that provide onboarding information. However, if you come from a clinic that is not corporate, chances are you do not have the in-house training program to make the EMR software rollout painless.
When it comes time to pick your vendor, choose a system that comes with oversight, information, online direct support, and accompanying articles and guidebooks that will make your life easier. Particularly with online support, you’re going to want to prioritize a system with 24-7 communication in case you have any immediate EMR-related questions or concerns. Additionally, select one or two people who will be responsible for managing the entire EMR process. Only investing in their training of the system will save the clinic money.
Selecting The Right EMR Software
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for EMR software today, but one thing is certain: it will expedite, streamline, and organize your clinic in an incredibly effective way moving forward.