During this phase the vendor will design and build the EMR to the client’s specifications. You will also be responsible for testing features and providing the necessary feedback on any customizations. As all EMR’s have some level of customization to them, i.e. templates, forms, workflow, it’s important that all these items are tested before installation. By taking this approach you will get a number of opportunities to make sure that this is the right system for your office before it is installed. In the event you become unsatisfied with the software’s performance, it is much easier to return the software at this time than after the installation. Vendors are also more willing to work with you to customize the system prior to the installation as they are motivated to get you installed and collect their final payment.
If you requested a data conversion from your previous system this will also be done during this phase. Data conversions are prone to problems making it even more important to complete during this phase of the implementation.
While the system will be thoroughly tested after the installation of the software and before the go-live date, testing during the system build phase is also required. This is usually done remotely by connecting to the vendors system via the internet. This makes it difficult to test the performance of the system, but testing of the workflow and features should be done. Try inputting a patient and taking them through all of your most common visit types. This should all be done by your appointed “Champion Physician” who will be the main point of contact between the vendor and doctor’s office during all testing and customization tasks.
NEXT: Install & Test
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