Tips for Swapping Your Medical Software for a New EMR

Are you still charting on the first medical software system your practice ever implemented? Are you unhappy with the EMR’s performance or dissatisfied with its lack of functions? If so, you’re not alone. After using an EMR solution for months and even years, many healthcare professionals find that their first choice in software may not have been their best – and many find themselves searching for a new system better suited to the needs of their organization.

Though making the switch can seem daunting, it is not impossible. Most physicians find that they are much happier with their new software and that the conversion was worth the effort.

Why do physicians choose to switch EMRs?

• Purchased the software without understanding their practice’s needs
• Unable to customize the EMR to meet their workflows
• Need a system that is configured to their specialty
• Poor customer support

Have you finally decided to trade your old EMR in for a medical software solution that is better suited to your practice’s needs? Here are a few tips from Bizmatics sales rep Anthony Bates:

Ask your EMR vendor for formatted data. One of the biggest questions physicians have about switching EMRs is how their patient database will get transferred from the old system to the new. According to Bates, physicians simply need to ask their vendor to convert the data into one of many easy-to-read formats. In Bizmatics’ case, once the implementation team has the data in a format that their EMR can read, the team can easily migrate patient data into the new EMR. While not all data transfers are as easy as others, even the most complicated migration is worthwhile if it means switching to a system that works better for your practice.

Designate one person to coordinate efforts between your practice and the EMR vendor. This will make the transition a lot smoother. The liaison is generally an office manager, administrator or head nurse. Whoever you choose, make sure they are organized and responsible, as they will be responsible for communicating information to and from your office. In some cases, says Bates, this person will train the doctor and staff on how to use the system.