Medisoft Implementation Tips: Ease Into Your New EHR

One of the most difficult parts of adopting new electronic patient records software is the actual changeover from paper records – or your old EHR software – to your new practice management solution. Many practices that choose a Medisoft solution get a jump start on the process of moving from one EMR to another, thanks to the ease of upgrading and transferring records from one McKesson Medisoft product to another. Even those who are switching from an EMR provided by a different vendor could have it fairly easy, as many Medisoft vendors offer conversion tools to make the switch easier. Whether you’re moving up from paper records or switching from another electronic patient records solution, however, it’s far easier to ease into your new program than it is to jump in with both feet.  These tips can make your Medisoft rollout run much more smoothly.
Forget the Go Live Date
Many implementation consultants will suggest that you set a goal date that will be your “go live” date – the do or die day when you’ll switch over from doing everything one way to doing everything in your new Medisoft installation. In many cases, that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, encourage providers and other staff to start switching over to the new EMR gradually, a few patients at a time and a few appointments a day. That will allow everyone a chance to get comfortable with the new interface and new procedures before they have to make the complete switch.
Start Training Early and Incrementally
People learn best when they learn incrementally – one step at a time, with each step building on the one before. Many Medisoft vendors offer training programs to help your people get up to speed on using the most important – and most helpful – features of your new medical records software. Choose a few technology leaders – staff and providers who are conversant and comfortable with computer technology – and work with them intensely to arm them as go-to experts as the rest of your staff starts adopting the new EMR.
Pick Slow Times for Practicing
Practice makes perfect, and that applies to getting comfortable with new ways of entering patient data. The best times to practice are the times when the workflow is a little more leisurely – the last few appointments of the afternoon. It’s much easier to find everything you need when you’re not rushed and dealing with the crush of early appointments.
Medisoft offers a number of electronic patient records options, all of which meet all current standards, so it’s easy to find the EMR configuration that works best for your practice.