I think everyone acknowledges how important it is to be able to send a doctor your records, regardless of where they were kept, easily and quickly. Apparently setting up the system to be able to do that isn’t so simple.
A statistic that is running rampant is that there is a 75% implementation failure rate with EMR solutions in provider practices. That means that three-quarters of all EMR systems implemented are yanked right back out because the implementation could not be completed or the system didn’t work the way the practice needed it to.
There are any number of obstacles to success, but I spoke with Dr. Peter J. Polack of eMedikon. He told me the A#1 reason for failure is choosing the wrong software.
Whoever is responsible for getting an EMR started falls in love with a software solution before doing anything else, including defining their requirements. So they purchase and install an application and THEN try to make it fit the practice.
Maybe it needs to be wireless but the software doesn’t support that. Maybe the application doesn’t fit the workflow and the office tries to change to accomodate the software….Bad idea. The staff rebels, the patients are upset at delays, and the practice is out a pretty good hunk of money.
So EMR and EHR (Electronic Health Record) vendors: Take Note!
It is in your best interests for the solution you sell to be successful. Before rushing ahead with the order, you will be better served by sitting down with your potential customer and make sure the preliminary planning has been done. Without it the implementation has a high likelihood of failure….a huge setback for both you and your customer.