Switching Orthopedic EHR Systems Can Be as Easy as 1, 2, 3

You didn’t choose to become an orthopedist because you love paperwork and record-keeping — you chose your career because you wanted to provide high-quality care to patients. When it comes to the software you rely on for day-to-day clinical operations, you need an orthopedic electronic health record (EHR) solution that helps you cut through the noise to focus on what you do best–helping people get back on their feet.

Even if you’re frustrated with your current orthopedic EHR system, you may feel like your hands are tied. You undoubtedly remember how difficult it was to implement your current system, how many new details there were to learn and how it may have created a loop of dissatisfaction for your staff and your patients. It is perfectly understandable if you’re hesitant to take time out of your hectic schedule to explore new options. But rest assured, things have changed. You have options. Consider a healthcare technology vendor than can help make it easy to migrate to a more effective orthopedic EHR — as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Need a Reason to Make the Switch?

If you’re settling for documenting late at night and it’s taking time away from your family, and personal life, or struggling with inefficiencies and communication issues in the office, it may be time for change. If you’re experiencing frustrations such as these, unnecessary strain on your practice and staff could more common than not. A new orthopedic software solution may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

We get that it can be daunting to take the leap, especially when many vendors seem to purposefully make switching a challenge. This feeds a seemingly endless cycle of frustration, which is why you should opt for a vendor committed to creating a system that makes migrating easy.

Here’s How Switching Your EHR System Can Be as Easy as 1, 2, 3

1. Time

When it comes to switching orthopedic EHRs, time is probably one of your main concerns. How long will it take you and your staff to adapt? What about the time to actually install and launch of the new system? How involved is the implementation process?

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you have an internet connection and a browser, then you should be able to get set up quickly and easily with a new EHR system. Your new orthopedic EHR should be ready to go from day one, with built-in features that are both intuitive and adaptable to your practice’s needs.

Here are some features you should look for right out of the box:

• Orthopedic-specific content
• Easy-to-learn interfaces
• Adaptive workflows
• Easy-to-follow instructions
• Quick documentation with a system designed to minimize clicking and typing

The new system should require easy installation by you and your team, to help allow you to get up and running quickly and back to your top priority: patients.

Also, make sure to ask and understand what implementation will look like as well as training. Speaking with current clients who made the transition can offer valuable perspective.

2. Product

The best business solutions are those developed by professionals with a deep understanding of the market they serve. Using an EHR built by actual orthopedic surgeons means it was built with your specific workflow in mind. An orthopedic EHR should come packaged with specialty-specific features and content that fits your unique workflow. Plus, having a true cloud-based system that’s not only easy to use in the office, but also when you’re on the go is a major perk. Your EHR system should go where you go.

So what should you expect with a cloud EHR system? Here’s a list of some platform benefits:

• Flexibility and mobility
• No expensive server upkeep
• PACS and physical therapy interfaces to promote interoperability

You should also opt for an all-in-one EHR system that also fully integrates with the other vital functions you need to run your practice. The EHR system should work seamlessly with your orthopedic practice management and revenue cycle management solutions for quick and easy office communication.

You need technology that will keep up with you and help your staff be more efficient. Find a healthcare vendor that provides a suite of orthopedic solutions to provide you with the features you need to streamline and help grow your practice, including the flexibility of a cloud-based system.

3. People

Even the best technology isn’t 100% perfect 100% of the time. When you run into issues, you need to know that your EHR vendor has your back with responsive and reliable assistance and better yet, one that even has award-winning customer support for added credibility.

The people behind the product and company can make all the difference. Working with a trained and talented team that is there when you need them — from implementation to ongoing support. You should look for a team that can deliver that personalized guidance you need to get up and running and continue on a forward path of success.

Find out if the orthopedic system’s vendor takes into account insights and feedback from on-staff physicians who regularly consult with peers such as yourself. This can help create solutions that adapt to the real-world workflows of specialty practices such as yours.

Here are a few key components when assessing an orthopedic EHR vendor that extend beyond the product features:

• Dedicated customer support members with orthopedic experience
• Implementation team members who can travel on-site to help you start out on the right foot
• Stable company with strong history and outlook
• On-going innovation, product enhancements and new product offerings

Are You Ready to Make the Switch to a New Orthopedic Software?

We get it — the thought of changing orthopedic EHR systems can be overwhelming. However, in reality it doesn’t have to be. Sure, implementing any new system requires a bit of time to adapt, but it’s a very small sacrifice when compared to the efficiency and other business improvements you can experience by no longer having to deal with clunky or outdated software.