Did you know that 2014 is the “Year of EHR Replacement,” according to many HealthIT experts?That’s because many practices, having re-evaluated their EHRs and found them wanting, have decided to “rip and replace,” as some put it.
A stunning 81% of providers who said they wanted to replace their EHRs are actually going through with it within the next year, according to a recent Black Book poll. Among the problems that providers want to solve are lack of usability and delayed product upgrades, according to an article on the EHR Intelligence blog.
But before you start the difficult EHR search again, make sure you know what to look for so you don’t find yourself once again with EHR software that doesn’t meet your needs. Take our short quiz now:
Test Your Knowledge of EHR Software1. It’s not important for your EHR to be ICD-10 ready at this point; hardly any EHR is.
True False
2. All EHRs are now 2014 Meaningful Use Certified as complete EHRs.
True False
3. A majority of practices are now switching to web-based EHRs from server-based EHRs.
True False
4. Your EHR does not have to interfere with patient interaction in the exam room.
True False
5. Excellent customer support is vital, and it is usually an additional cost.
True False
Answers
1. False – It’s extremely important for your EHR to be ICD-10 ready. If your EHR was ICD-10 ready, then it could have been tested during the front end testing week provided by CMS March 3-7. But it’s true that very few EHRs are ICD-10 ready; according to a recent survey, only 25% are.
2. False – Only 27 of the top 50 EHR systems are 2014 Stage 2 Meaningful Use certified as complete ambulatory EHRs, and that’s important, since it’s required to attest for either Stage 1 or Stage 2 for 2014. CMS did just announce a hardship exception based on vendor delays, but do you want an EHR that can’t meet deadlines?
3. True – A recent survey showed that 61% of practices changing their EMRs were switching from server-based systems to web-based EHRs.
4. True – Patient interaction is not helped by having the doctor typing away on an EHR in the exam room, rarely making eye contact, and there are EHRs that offer a better kind of interface.
5. False – Excellent customer support is vital to your success with an EHR; in fact, that’s one of the reasons many practices are switching to new EHR systems.
We hope you did well on this quiz—it’s vital to find the right EHR for your practice. Want to know more about what to look for in an EHR/PM? Get your free guide to the Top 12 “Must Have” features for your EHR/Practice Management software now at http://bit.ly/1i6o2Ce.
