1. The Top 10 Factors for a Successful EMR Implementation Earl Adams President PCCS, Inc.

2. 1 - Enthusiastic EMR Project Leader The person driving the project is the number one success factor for an Electronic Medical Record Implementation! A Physician committed to the project. A respected staff member. – Sets expectations and goals for group – Understands EMR product capabilities – Positive attitude and enthusiasm!

3. 2 - A Project Implementation Plan Figure out the business case – costs, patient flow, increased efficiency Get buy-in – commitment from all Consider your options – EMR selection Ensure support – Training, service, support Prepare to change – develop strategy for handling bumps – be emotionally ready (The Business Case for Paperless Medicine, CIO, April 2006)

4. 2 - A Project Implementation Plan Formal - Microsoft Project Plan Informal – Simply a list of what you want to accomplish next – on paper or in your head An incremental implementation is highly recommended Understand your EMR capabilities and think about what to implement to help your group the most

5. 3 - Good EMR product and Vendor Avoid very small EMR vendors Don’t try to write your own EMR Do reference calls and site visits Look for excellent support Expect to do your part in the implementation – Templates – Learn the product

6. 4 - Training For the project leader - Vendor supplied, CDs, Online Tutorials, Self-learning For the EMR end user - One-on-one training seems to give the best results

7. 5 - Provide your staff with multiple data entry methods Typing Templates & “Macros” Voice Recognition – SpeechMike, Array Mike Handwriting Recognition – Pen Tablet PCs Scanning Interfaces Dictation with Transcription in EMR

8. 6 - A Solid Infrastructure What is it? It is your network and communication systems. You need a reliable Internet connection Certified CAT 5, 5e, 6 or 6e wiring Dell, D-Link, Cisco, or Linksys Hubs Routers and Switches – Good quality at reasonable prices - CDW in Chicago is a great vendor What to look for? RCDD certification (Registered Communications Distribution Designer), Telecommunications companies

9. 7 - Quality Hardware Dell PCs with Microsoft Office Basic Dell Servers Fujitsu Pen Tablets Dell Laptops HP LaserJet Printers with network connections Fujitsu, Xerox or Ricoh (IS-200e) scanners

10. 8 – Good local computer support You can’t solve every problem using remote support. Local support is still required. A company you trust for advice and support Takes an interest in what you are trying to accomplish Provides prompt support and returns calls Does preventive maintenance Does upgrades and patches

11. 9 - Implement Secure Remote Access to your EMR Remote access is a very useful feature that is used heavily by Physicians and office staff GoToMyPC is an outstanding product – it is HIPAA Security Compliant Microsoft Terminal Server

12. 10 – Watch out for Interface Promises Interfaces can take months to complete! Find out exactly what is interfaced – Demographics – Scheduling – Charges Has it been done before? Ask for a reference. Does the price include both vendors Consider looking up information on another system instead of interfacing

13. 10.01 – Ownership & Desire EMRs purchased by Physician or Group are generally more successful than those purchased by a supporting organization such as a health system.