Best 3 Solutions for the Top EHR Implementation Risks for Specialty Healthcare

We all know that EHRs are now a “mainstream” for healthcare specialities. Then why there are many risks around its implementation?

Factors including technical & financial challenges, data quality issues, user adoption and training, regulatory compliance, interoperability, privacy and security issues, etc., make EHR very challenging to implement.

What are the top EHR Implementation Risks for Specialty Healthcare?

Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation is a complex process that involves significant planning, resources, and effort. There are several common risks associated with EHR implementation that can impact the success of the project. We have given the common ones that can affect your Specialty EHR implementation.

RELATED: Why Having A Specialty EHR Is An Added Gem For Your Behavioral Health Practice

1. System downtime

• EHR implementation can lead to temporary system downtime, which can affect patient care and productivity. 
• It is important to have contingency plans in place to minimize downtime and ensure that critical patient information is accessible at all times.

2. Data migration issues

• Moving data from legacy systems to the new EHR system can be challenging and prone to errors. 
• Data migration issues can lead to inaccurate patient data and impact clinical decision-making.

3. User resistance & training issues

• Resistance to change and lack of training can lead to poor adoption of the new EHR system. 
• It is important to involve all stakeholders in the planning process and provide comprehensive training to ensure that users are comfortable with the new system.

4. Integration challenges

• EHR systems must be integrated with other healthcare systems and technologies such as billing and scheduling systems, imaging systems, and laboratory systems. 
• Integration challenges can lead to communication and data sharing issues, impacting patient care.

RELATED: Prescribing Heart Failure Drugs with EHR Alerts

5. Security and privacy concerns

• EHR systems contain sensitive patient data, making security and privacy a major concern. 
• There is a risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse of patient information. It is important to have robust security measures in place to protect patient data.

6. Cost overruns 

• EHR implementation can be expensive, and costs can quickly escalate if the project is not managed effectively. 
• It is important to have a detailed project plan and budget in place to ensure that costs are controlled.

7. Vendor issues

• EHR vendors may face financial or operational issues that can impact their ability to support the system. 
• It is important to choose a vendor with a solid track record and financial stability and to have a contingency plan in place in case of vendor-related issues.

The top 3 Solutions for the EHR Implementation Risks

Below we have provided “3 simple but strategically curated solutions” that can be used in your Specialty EHR implementation process to mitigate the above-given risks.

Solution no.1: Comprehensive planning

• Healthcare organizations must plan and prepare for EHR implementation well in advance to avoid potential risks. 
• Don’t forget that it requires long-term planning and investment. A comprehensive plan should be created that includes timelines, budgets, and resources required for the project. 
• Prepare the list of core features (add-ons like a patient portal, lab integration, telehealth, etc.) your specialty requires in the system and find the vendor that provides customized features under your budget.
• Get a clear picture of the EHR integrations you need for your specialty.
• Include all your stakeholders like clinicians, board members, admin staff, etc., in your planning. Communicate with them about the risks and brainstorm solutions.
• The plan should also identify potential risks and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact.

Solution no.2: Staff training and engagement

• EHR implementation involves significant changes in workflows, processes, and technology. 
• Discuss the challenges of the current system and the benefits of your new EHR system with your stakeholders and make let the system be under the spotlight.
• This helps to solve the resistance to change.
• Proper training methods and clarifications need to be given to staff for the new EHR system
• It is crucial to provide adequate training and engage staff in the process. 
• This will help them adapt to the new system, understand the benefits, and mitigate potential risks.
• This will also attract physicians into implementing the new EHR

Solution no.3: Regular evaluation and monitoring

• Healthcare organizations should regularly evaluate and monitor the EHR system to identify any potential risks and take corrective actions. 
• Hospitals differ in scale, size, and the specialized services they provide. Thus getting the clinician’s expertise in implementing the new system is a must.
• This will help identify any issues before they become major problems and ensure that the system is working efficiently & effectively and that the project is a success.

Cloud-based Specialty EHR from Vozo

Vozo Specialty EHR lets you concentrate on your patients and makes valuable time for you to grow your practice and yourself as a specialist. 

• Vozo’s specialty EHR acts as the backbone for all your speciality needs 
• We tailor features to correct and speed up your workflow for providing quality care
• Whether you’re implementing new software or replacing your current EMR, we have you all covered

Our customizable templates let physicians view patient records & create case notes, and more from a single screen. Vozo RCM integrated with EHR & Healthcare Practice Management software offers greater efficiency and cost savings across the board. Our specialty-specific tools improve workflow, billing, scheduling, and documentation. 

Our features include e-prescribing, security, patient portals, lab integration, cloud hosting, and more. We offer the best means of ICD-10 standards which minimizes your administrative work.

“Let’s make your EHR implementation easier and more efficient, together”