What does a practice do when the EHR they have purchased (for whatever reason) has failed to meet the expectation of staff and providers? How do you go about replacing an EHR?

Regardless of the reason, if staff and providers are convinced it will not work, then guess what? It will not work. Even if hundreds of other practices are using it successfully, it will not work.

Replacing an EHR is almost always the only thing that will accomplish what the practice needs to happen to succeed. A recent survey has indicated that about 27% of providers and practices are actively looking to replace their current EHR and another 10% would except for financial constraints. The amount of effort and planning (or lack thereof) invested in any product takes a toll (both emotional and financial) on staff and providers when they get to the point where they say enough is enough.

The best choice for them at this point is to hire someone with expertise in choosing the EHR with the right fit for their practice. Think about it:

• The first choice, regardless of due diligence didn’t work
• Unless significant changes have been made to staff, the same staff will participate in the next process
• “hyper” criticism will prevent objectivity
• At this point the practice cannot afford a long learning curve or another failure
• Time is critical

Looking outside of the practice for advice, objectivity, experience, and detachment from the last experience will help take the practice to the next level for success. Understanding the benefits of outside will help the practice to put the bad experience behind them and quickly transition to another product. There is no simple way to transition staff, but the right expertise willing to take the time to know your culture and practice can find the right fit for staff and providers and walk them through the transition. Forget painless, the discomfort is already felt. Mitigating the weight of the pain is the only option. Bringing in a fresh voice that can dispassionately dissect the problems, propose sound business intelligence will clear the path to success.

Find a consultant who has a proven track record and put them to work putting the past behind you and getting to work on your future. Your practice is at stake.