The Medical Group Management Association released new survey results that bode well for EHR adoption. Medical practices that have implemented an EHR system reported better financial performance than those with paper record systems, according to the survey, "Electronic Health Records Impacts on Revenue, Costs, and Staffing: 2010 Report Based on 2009 Data."
So much focus has been on the initial investment of the EHR system - not that it's misplaced focus. Getting to the race is half the battle, but the industry needs to get past the capital costs. Whenever you embark on a big initiative, upfront cost is required. EHR systems are no different.
We can't lose sight of why the industry is being pushed to adopt EHRs. It's to create a more efficient, safer and higher quality healthcare system. If that's the goal, a financial investment isn't too much to ask. You have to take heart that if all things are properly planned, costs should go down.
Implementing an EHR system alone isn't going to automatically guarantee medical practices better financial performances. Medical practices have to be strategic about every aspect of the EHR implementation - including due diligence in researching EHR vendors, crafting a re-engineering plan that addresses its particular needs, involving all staff members, getting proper and complete education and training, developing downtime plans, setting up privacy and security policies, and so on. There are so many components that must be in place to ensure a smooth transition from paper to electronic records.
Implementing an EHR system is as much as business decision as a clinical one, so you have to treat the whole initiative as such.
Overall, this survey is good news for those just starting out. Create a smart strategy for implementation. Throughout the process, keep your eyes on the prize, especially during the tough times. The overall goal and the survey results should help along the way.
Photo by psyberartist via Creative Commons license.
