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Tip: Use these strategies to select the right EHR vendor for your facility

EHR Connection, April 14, 2008

The vast array of options in today’s EHR vendor market can be overwhelming. Ensure that you make the best selection possible by following this game plan:

• Seek stability. There are no guarantees with respect to vendor longevity, but try to determine the likelihood that the vendor you select will still be around in three to five years to ensure continued availability of technical support.
• Identify vendors that meet your needs and your budget. Cost includes more than purchase price; be sure to consider factors such as support and service.
• Don’t put all your eggs into the functionality basket. Consider functionality, but also assess whether the vendor will properly implement the product or fully support the product under consideration.
• Check references. At least one site visit is mandatory, and several are preferable. Be sure to view the product under consideration in a facility that is similar to yours and that has a similar practice profile and comparable number of clinicians.
• Ask for a customer list. Vendors are likely to provide a list that’s as long as possible, so call customers at random to assess the potential for site visits. Be sure to inquire whether the customers would select the same vendor if they went through the process again.

This tip is from Medical Records Briefing and is the first of a two-part series. Next week’s tip focuses on the contract negotiation process.

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