Document Due Diligence: The practice should document EHR problems with appropriate letters and paperwork to EHR vendors to demonstrate due diligence in trying to protect your patient records. In too many cases, practices accept EHR vendor explanations for problems without communicating the impact on their organization or records. Failure to document the problem and the practice response could cause operational problems and a variety of legal issues.
The best defense against a failing EHR is to monitor the performance and well being of the EHR that you use and your vendor. Make sure that any changes to management or software is understood and evaluated to verify the continuing reliability and viability of your EHR. For example, if a vendor is moving their EHR offering to a cloud product, then you need to seriously evaluate the vendor commitment to your current inhouse system.
In most cases, practices with failing EHRs encountered early warning signs, but failed to act. You owe it to your practice and your patients to monitor the health of your EHR and develop a go forward strategy before you are caught in a difficult situation with a failing product or vendor.
Ron Sterling authored the HIMSS Book of the Year Award winning Keys to EMR/EHR Success. This article post was first published on Avoid EHR Disasters. He is a nationally recognized EHR expert with the information that you need to improve patient service and performance. He can be contacted at rbsterling@sterling-solutions.com.