Changing from one EHR software to another can sometimes even be more difficult than starting from scratch. We know that implementing a big change can cause friction among your staff, longer work hours, and be risky overall if you aren't supported by the right provider.
The process of migrating your patient data to the new system can also be complex and time-consuming if you don’t work with a comprehensive and intuitive implementation team. However, making the switch to a new EHR may give you more functionality, lower your IT costs, and provide better customer service to your practice.
Below are tips on how to reduce the stress of an EHR migration and make the most of the training and support you're provided.
3 Tips on Switching EHR Software Providers
Get Staff Buy-in
The thought of change affects people differently. When it comes to changing the system that your staff members use daily, it could have an unpleasant impact on them. While some may be resistant to the change altogether, others may be open to the challenge. This is why it’s important to work with your staff from the beginning and understand their role, how they use the existing solution and how the new solution will benefit them.
When getting staff buy-in, understand your entire office workflow and communicate the benefits the solution will have on the practice, the staff, and the patients.
Understand the Data Migration
Migrating your patient data from one system to another doesn't have to be intimidating if you know what you're getting into. Working with your new EHR vendor and their HIPAA-compliant partners to understand what data you actually need to transfer over, how it will transfer, and how the new solution will collect and store data will take the fear out of the data migration process. Best of all, the data migration can occur with minimal impact on you, your staff, or your daily operations if your vendor is skilled at the process.
Focus on Training
You may think that all EHR systems are the same and that getting up and running with a new one is an easy transition, but that’s not always the case. When you switch EHR software, ensure the vendor offers different training options to meet your staff’s needs. To get the most out of your EHR training, utilize all of your resources, break up training sessions, and establish a training champion to keep track of the teams progress and motivate the team.
Thinking about making the EHR software switch? Use our optometry software buying guide to find the best solution for your practice.
