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The benefits of EMR adoption have been identified time and again. This article is not to identify the benefit of EMR but rather how to create and environment of positive change. Every medical practice has challenges during the transition from the traditional paper charting process to an EMR. Just like no two practices are alike, no practice experiences the same challenge. The degree of tech savvy and desire to make the conversion a success is dependent upon your relationship with the team assigned to train and implement. Once you have selected the EMR, which you feel best suits your practice needs and workflow, the real work has begun.
Lets work together to get the system operational in your practice.

Steps for a smooth transition:

• Communicate with your assigned implementation specialist.
• Understand that you are now working as a team member with your implementation specialist, and their goal is to launch your practice into the world of the Paperless Medical Office
• Being cognoscente of the implementation specialist time and talents while working for your practice, change is challenging, your implementer can ease this process
• Every practice has special needs and requirements, investment of training time and patience will resolve many identified issues

Having trust in your implementation specialist to get you started towards the paperless office is very important. These trained specialist convert medical practices all of the time, and know how to get it done. Working as a team between the medical practice and the EMR vendors implementation specialist

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software typically comes with a cost for set-up and training. Every new software system needs attention to detail in the beginning stages of use. A complex EMR Software is no exception. While the Graphic User Interface (GUI) make the medical software appear easy to use by the medical practice staff, the software code and “behind the scenes” calculations are complex and very logically structured.

Set-up cost: are based on a variety of factors. The term “No Free Lunch” applies to EMR as well. There are some different EMR software systems on the market that have a zero charge for set-up. The set-up charge is designed to provide the medical practice with a robust content of clinical data and applications in place. These tried and proven data bases structures are more than a matrix to be completed by the end user. The idea of having a free training and set-up offer is a good one. If you are willing to take the time and invest your knowledge and create your own EMR. Why reinvent the wheel? The time spend on template creation and content management and maintenance can be more than bargained for. The time spent in this task of EMR template creation can be better spent seeing patients of leisure activities. The ongoing maintenance and updates are up to the practice. A nominal set-up fee can be money well spent.

Training costs are based on the level of tech savvy at the provider and staffing levels. Appropriate levels of training in the beginning can deliver a tremendous return. Paying a fee can be another well justified cost. The training can show the provider and staff the most efficient and effective way to maneuver through the system. Some people are tech savvy and can pick up the system usage quickly, while others take more time and resources to get up to speed on the software. Trying to “figure it out on your own” can be a difficult decision to go back and correct. The investment in time and money can get you miles ahead. Applying what you have learned as a beginning user can lead you to more advanced training and superior documentation in a more expedited manor. The learning curve can be lessened, and faster, high documentation levels can be achieved.

In summary: the cost of Set-up and training can be recouped fast and with a higher return on investment than a shrink wrap out of the box EMR Software. This is your practice and keeping it a successful practice along with patient care are very important.