How Do You Organize EHR Transitions?

EHR implementation is not an event as much as a process.  The key to implementation is managing a variety of transitions from the paper chart to the electronic chart.  Your transition strategies and decisions could have repercussions on patient care and malpractice risk.

EHR transition must be based on sound clinical decision making and coordination of dramatic changes to clinical operations.  In too many cases, practices let the technological issues dominate EHR deployment and relegate clinical issues to an afterthought.

How Can You Plan and Design Your EHR Effort?

Any EHR project must be based a clear commitment in time and resources by management and doctors.  In too many cases, EHR projects focus on the technical project aspects rather than the transformational strategies and commitment needed to succeed.  In the final analysis, the project must be supported by effective empowerment and governance.

Planning, analysis and design is woefully inadequate for most EHR projects.  As a practical matter, practices need to create a clear and complete plan backed by good project and implementation design efforts to succeed.  The components that you need to address include:

Implementation Plan –

What is an Additional Financial Consideration for EHR Adoption in 2011?

Until December 31, 2011, EHR investments are eligible for 100% Bonus depreciation.  100 % Bonus Depreciation allows a practice to completely write off their hardware and software EHR expense without limit in 2011.  (Bonus Depreciation drops to 50% in 2012 and reverts to regular depreciation in 2013.)  Another interesting aspect to Bonus Depreciation is that Bonus Depreciation is not limited to an offsetting profit.  Without getting into too much number crunching, that means that you may be able to generate positive cash flow depending on financing etc.

For many practices, a 2011 EHR investment may present a significant tax benefit.  However, that means that you need to move forward quickly since the EHR must be placed in service by the end of 2011 to qualify for 100% Bonus Depreciation, and by December 31, 2012 to qualify for 50% Bonus Depreciation.

Note that an EHR placed in service is not the same as attaining Meaningful Use and qualifying for the Stimulus Incentives.

© Sterling Solutions, 2011

What EHR Contract Issues are Important?

EHR contract negotiations should based on the fact that your practice, and not the vendor, is responsible for maintaining your patient records.  Anything that could inhibit your access or use of patient information will cause you problems and may compromise patient health.  Unfortunately, most EHR contracts do not recognize your obligations or accommodate your situation.

Contracting for an EHR actually consists of three portions: the business deal, key contract issues and contract details.  This article will focus on essential business issues and key contract issues.

What are the Key Issues in Selecting an EHR?

The key difficulty in selecting an electronic healthcare record (EHR) is that few practices have a clear vision of what the EHR should have and what constitutes an effective EHR.  With several hundred potential EHR options, the average practice is faced with a dizzying array of options and products.

Surprisingly, the EHR product selected can affect medical professional liability (MPL.)  Not all EHR products are the same or have the same capabilities.  If you buy an inappropriate product, you may have to make operational and management compromises that affect how well you track and administer patient care.  In order to avoid such risks, you need to purchase a product that effectively handles three key needs:

Why are $640 Million in Federal Funds Aimed at Encouraging EHR Success Anti-Competitive?

Over half of the healthcare information technology regional extension centers (HITREC) are undertaking activities and establishing relationships that don’t appear to support the notion of unbiased advice and avoiding a conflict of interest.  Federal funding of over $640 million to encourage the deployment of electronic health records (EHR) by primary physicians is being used by many HITRECs in ways that will stifle innovation and bar new companies and innovative products from the exposure needed to improve health care.