The Top 10 Factors for a Successful EMR Implementation

1. The Top 10 Factors for a Successful EMR Implementation Earl Adams President PCCS, Inc.

2. 1 - Enthusiastic EMR Project Leader The person driving the project is the number one success factor for an Electronic Medical Record Implementation! • A Physician committed to the project. • A respected staff member. • Sets expectations and goals for group • Understands EMR product capabilities • Positive attitude and enthusiasm!

3. 2 - A Project Implementation Plan • Figure out the business case – costs, patient flow, increased efficiency • Get buy-in – commitment from all • Consider your options – EMR selection • Ensure support – Training, service, support • Prepare to change – develop strategy for handling bumps – be emotionally ready (The Business Case for Paperless Medicine, CIO, April 2006)

4. 2 - A Project Implementation Plan • Formal - Microsoft Project Plan • Informal – Simply a list of what you want to accomplish next – on paper or in your head • An incremental implementation is highly recommended • Understand your EMR capabilities and think about what to implement to help your group the most

5. 3 - Good EMR product and Vendor • Avoid very small EMR vendors • Don’t try to write your own EMR • Do reference calls and site visits • Look for excellent support • Expect to do your part in the implementation • Templates • Learn the product

6. 4 - Training • For the project leader - Vendor supplied, CDs, Online Tutorials, Self-learning • For the EMR end user - One-on-one training seems to give the best results

7. 5 - Provide your staff with multiple data entry methods • Typing • Templates & “Macros” • Voice Recognition – SpeechMike, Array Mike • Handwriting Recognition – Pen Tablet PCs • Scanning • Interfaces • Dictation with Transcription in EMR

8. 6 - A Solid Infrastructure • What is it? It is your network and communication systems. • You need a reliable Internet connection • Certified CAT 5, 5e, 6 or 6e wiring • Dell, D-Link, Cisco, or Linksys Hubs Routers and Switches – Good quality at reasonable prices - CDW in Chicago is a great vendor • What to look for? RCDD certification (Registered Communications Distribution Designer), Telecommunications companies

9. 7 - Quality Hardware • Dell PCs with Microsoft Office Basic • Dell Servers • Fujitsu Pen Tablets • Dell Laptops • HP LaserJet Printers with network connections • Fujitsu, Xerox or Ricoh (IS-200e) scanners

10. 8 – Good local computer support You can’t solve every problem using remote support. Local support is still required. • A company you trust for advice and support • Takes an interest in what you are trying to accomplish • Provides prompt support and returns calls • Does preventive maintenance • Does upgrades and patches

11. 9 - Implement Secure Remote Access to your EMR • Remote access is a very useful feature that is used heavily by Physicians and office staff • GoToMyPC is an outstanding product – it is HIPAA Security Compliant • Microsoft Terminal Server

12. 10 – Watch out for Interface Promises Interfaces can take months to complete! • Find out exactly what is interfaced • Demographics • Scheduling • Charges • Has it been done before? Ask for a reference. • Does the price include both vendors • Consider looking up information on another system instead of interfacing

13. 10.01 – Ownership & Desire EMRs purchased by Physician or Group are generally more successful than those purchased by a supporting organization such as a health system.