EHR Selection Checklist

“If you fail to plan you are planning to fail” – Ben Franklin

The EHR Checklist is available for anyone to use. Feel free to use the web version, downloadable, or print. The 10 steps will help during your EHR Selection process.

1. Go Live Date - Check the end date and notification requirements for your current EHR contract. Backdate at least 3 months to give yourself time to contract and implement your new EHR.

2. Current Problems - Write down what is wrong now – why are you looking? What are your problems costing you in time and money?

3. Needed Changes - Write down what you would want to be new and/or different in your next EHR such as functionality, training, support, etc.

4. Requirements - Create your requirements from #2 and #3 above – put them in priority and circle any must have’s. Don’t forget to include any Must Have’s such as MIPS reporting and/or ONC certification.

5. Budget - What can you spend up front and monthly? Don’t forget to factor in what your current problems are costing – if a new EHR costs more but saves you money it will be worth it.

6. Short List - Make a list of 5-10 potential EHRs. Consult with your colleagues, review websites and look at reviews on unbiased sites such as AmericanEHR. If you use a billing company consult with them.

7. RFP - Create a simple 1 page Request for Proposal from your Requirements (#4 above) and send the list to the Short List (#6 above) and ask them to respond and include pricing and a copy of their standard contract. Include high-level information about your practice in the RFP – specialty, number and types of providers, number and types of other staff.

8. Demos - Read the contracts and/or have your attorney review. Exclude any vendors whose contract you cannot live with. Grade the remaining responses and select the top 2-4 and conduct demos. Attached is a sample demo grading form.

9. Score - Grade each demo against your criteria and budget.

10. Contract – Sign the contract and start the implementation process.

By following this EHR Checklist you will SAVE your time because you won’t get caught in a maze of demonstrations, pricing negotiations and difficult decisions.