As physicians, hospitals and other providers move into the new era of collaborative care models, one of the key considerations is selecting a vendor for an electronic medical record (EMR) or electronic health record (EHR) system.  While the changeover to “paperless” patient records holds the promise of greater efficiency and higher quality care, it’s vital to deploy an EMR system that fits the provider’s requirements.  Here are some issues to consider:

• Size and scope.  Will a simple “out of the box” solution meet your organization’s needs?  Can the system be scaled up if patient volume increases?
• Customization.  How much can the vendor customize the EMR system to meet the specific requirements of your organization?
• Compatibility. With the expected growth of accountable care organizations (ACOs), your patient records may need to be passed seamless to other providers.  Is the EMR system fully compatible with other platforms?
• Total cost.  When comparing vendors, look at the total cost over the life of the contract rather than just the initial purchase.  Some vendors discount the “front end” of the contract and make it the difference in the monthly service payments.
• Platform.  Is this a cloud-based or a web-based system?  Be sure the vendor explains the pros and cons of each platform.
• Training.  Some vendors include hands-on user training in the contract, while others only provide online training, with in-person service available for an additional fee.
• Mobility options.  Will physicians be able to view patient data from their smartphones and tablets as well as their laptops?
• Termination.  What happens if the contract needs to be terminated before the expiration date?  Is there a penalty fee?  Do you have to buy back your patient records from the vendor’s database?

If you are considering the purchase of an EMR system, be sure to take your time, determine your requirements and carefully compare different proposals before making the decision.  That’s the best way to avoid making a costly mistake.