July 01, 2008
EHR Implementation Timeline
So how long does it take to implement an EHR in a clinical practice? According to an article in MedPage Today, approximately 2 years. Consultant Rosemarie Nelson offers an interesting discussion on the steps and timeline needed to make it happen. Her article applies more to group practices but offers some valuable insights into the process.
Step 1: Preparation (timeframe: 90 to 150 days)
The first step involves preparation and becoming familiar with the terminology, features, and functions of the EHR and it is suggested that a visit to practices that have implemented an EHR would be helpful. This step includes reviewing and understanding your work flow and the interaction of others involved in your practice.
Step 2: System Selection (timeframe: 60 to 120 days)
A valuable second step is to contact the hospital(s) that your practice is affiliated with and ask if they provide assistance with EHR solutions. Next, develop a Request For Proposal (RFP) to send to no more than five vendors whose products best meet your practice's EHR-related needs. In the course of evaluating systems, devise a comparative checklist of features, look at budgets and, of course, check vendor references.
Step 3: Implementation (timeframe: 45 to 180 days)
The third step is to develop a formal implementation plan. It should enumerate tasks, the parties responsible for seeing them completed, and deadlines. Updates to the plan should be made available to everyone at regular intervals.
Plan to reduce patient volume during the conversion and the implementation. In the short term, the practice may need to bring on temporary help or outsource chart conversions. Training sessions should be supplemented with simulated or "dry runs" of clinic days so physicians and staff become accustomed to using the system and can begin to identify additional workflow changes that may be needed.
The implementation plan should include a "go live" date and may actually include many such dates, covering different phases of the system. The dates may change depending upon the workflow adaptation and system configuration efforts.
Step 4: Post Implementation (timeframe: 6 to 12 months)
After the EHR is up and running, adjustments to practice operations will need to continue. Policies and procedures should be updated especially the changes related to HIPAA Privacy and Security regulations. If implemented correctly, the EHR can increase your revenues and lower your administrative costs.
Posted by rsk at July 1, 2008 10:55 PM