Getting Started
How do I get started?
The American Academy of Family Physicians’ Center for Health Information Technology has developed a four step process for the implementation of an EHR. For more details, visit their website at http://www.centerforhit.org/.
For additional information, visit:
http://healthit.ahrq.gov/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=1077&&PageID=
14253&mode=2&cached=true&wtag=wtag503
http://www.acc.org/practicemgt/HealthCareTechnology/ehr_guidance.htm
How do I find a system that meets my needs?
The first step to selecting a system is to clarify your expectations about how the technology would work in your practice. Conducting a practice and staff level assessment helps you understand your office from the inside out, build a vision for the using an EHR and expectations for benefits. You’ll want to consider your patient population, the workflow of your practice, how your practice is structured, what information technology you currently use and the skill level of your staff.
You should also consider systems certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT). CCHIT includes security, privacy and compliance aspects of an EHR system in the certification process. A list is available at www.cchit.org. CCHIT also offers white papers on how certified EHR systems can help reduce malpractice risk.
Your peers and professional organizations are a great source for information on what EHR systems and vendors provide value. For example, the American Academy of Family Physicians (www.aafp.org) offers members the opportunity to talk to peers and group purchasing discounts.
