Once you’ve decided upon the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software for your medical practice it is important to have a realistic idea about the software deployment timeline. Understanding the time required to implement the EHR software is crucial as it supports the planning process as team members and planners can easily split the procedure into milestones which helps to evaluate the progress throughout the completion process.
EMR software implementation time may vary according to the size of the practice and the type of software selected. For example, an EHR software deployment for a hospital system will take a longer time as compared to a smaller clinic with a few staff members. Also implementing a basic EMR software will take lesser time than EHR software with complex features and tools. The implementation time also depends upon the software deployment, if an ambulatory clinic goes for an on-premise software system it will take a longer time in contrast to cloud-based deployment due to the installation of onsite hardware and software.
Implementation Timeframe
Implementation roughly takes around 60 to 120 days and medical organizations should have an EHR software implementation plan. The plan should have members that make sure that tasks are completed and deadlines are met. The updates regarding the plan should be informed to everyone in the practice through a shared device every week.
It is also important that the implementation plan has go-live data to cover all phases of the implementation process. The date may vary according to workflow adaptation and systems configuration, having a target is always good so everyone in the practice work towards it and isn’t lost.
The Health Information and Technology, Evaluation, and Quality Center estimates that it takes a year for all practice sizes from EHR software planning to go-live. The time length can be shortened for practice setups that are modifying existing EMR software systems or smaller practices going for a cloud-based EMR software solution. Cloud-based software systems can be deployed into daily practice workflows in a couple of weeks.
Post Implementation
After the Electronic Medical Records software is running you will need to adjust workflow operations. It is important that after successful implementation you update all your policies and procedures and record any changes this may include any updates related to HIPAA compliance rules and regulations.
Your practice would also like to do a post-implementation evaluation which will help you highlight the benefits and costs in contrast with the proposed budget. If you have implemented the EHR software correctly then your practice will realize an increase in revenue and experience efficiency due to the automation of financial, clinical, and administrative tasks. Having an implementation plan will guide you throughout the process and make sure you won’t get lost in the middle, after all, it’s always good to have a map to record where you’re going!
