Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back from switching EHRs

1. Don’t Let Fear of the Unknown Hold You Back from Switching EHRs Chances are that your optometry office already has an electronic health record system – and assuming that is true, the chances that you are unhappy with that EHR system is probably pretty high. EHRs can have a host of problems, but these tools are so valuable to most offices, the fear of switching EHR providers can be huge. You have probably had this system for years and have gotten used to its quirks, downsides, snafus, and shortcomings. Just as you may have gotten used to your old car that leaks oil in the driveway, the comfy sofa that your dog chewed, or your old phone with the cracked screen and poor battery life, the thought of switching EHRs can be unsettling or even downright scary. While those fears may be real, they are also likely unjustified. Switching to a new EHR provider can mean you get to take advantage of the newest advancements in smart automation and technology and switch to an electronic health record system that is more powerful, more secure, and easier for everyone to use. This blog looks at the most common fears associated with switching electronic health record systems and why, despite those fears, making the big switch may be the best thing you can do for your practice, your staff, and your patients. Common fears with switching EHR software Even if your old electronic health record system software is not pulling its weight or doing what you want it to, there are a variety of reasons why you may fear switching from it to a new EHR system. Those fears include: Changing something you are familiar with: Not that long ago, your office was likely using paper records for everything, and then filing those, searching for them, and storing them. Electronic health record software represented a major leap forward – suddenly, all of that information was available from a laptop, phone, or tablet, meaning front office staff no longer had to copy or print out forms and health care providers did not have to lug them from office to office. Instead, accessing patient records or upcoming appointments was as easy as logging into a computer, accessing your dashboard, and finding the needed documents in a matter of seconds. You

2. grew to know this system – and all of its faults – pretty well. Changing, naturally, can make almost anyone apprehensive. Having to learn a new system: You and all of your staff may have spent days in class learning how to use your new electronic health record software, and then engaged in continuous update classes ever since then. That was a lot of work – and it makes sense to think that getting a new EHR system means throwing away everything you already learned and starting over. Worries that your staff may resist learning the new system: As hard as you worked to learn how to use your new electronic health record system, your staff likely worked just as hard, too. Will they be thrilled about the prospect of forgetting everything they have already learned and starting over on something new just because you said it will be good for the patients and the practice’s bottom line? No way. Fears that you will be blamed if things do not work out the way you said they would: This is a real fear, and something to take into account. It is a common fear because when something goes wrong, you can bet there will be a lot of people ready to point fingers at you even if it is not your fault, and that anything that does go the wrong in the switch to a new EHR could be blamed on lower profits, higher costs passed along to patients, and more problems in the overall efficiency of your practice’s delivery of care. Signs that the time is right to switch your EHR While your fears may be real, the reasons to switch your electronic health record software can be important to almost every aspect of your practice. Here are some signs that your fear of switching may pale in comparison to the benefits you would get from an actual switch: Your EHR workflow is impacting your efficiency Your EHR is unable to grow as you add health care providers, locations, or specialties You are not happy with your current EHR vendor, particular when it comes to customer service Other optometry offices have EHRs with helpful new features – and yours is not getting updated You don’t have mobile access with your EHR system You are constantly on the phone with tech support because of technical problems with your EHR

3. You need to improve your office’s productivity to keep up with consumer demands, employee expectations, and what your competition is able to offer Top features to look for when you are ready to switch your electronic health record software Top EHR software from a leading EHR software provider will have a range of features that will streamline your office. Top features to insist that your next EHR system has include: 24/7 access from any device – especially mobile devices like tablets and phones Easy patient scheduling tools that save your office time and customers can use without the need to call for help Built in templates and order sets A simple and attractive user interface that gets you to any screen in just a few clicks Smart task management capabilities that help your office staff get more done with less wasted time The ability to generate tons of meaningful use data for clinical and financial reporting Get to know EHR features from Eye Care Leaders Eye Care Leaders is a leading provider of the best EHR software. EHR choices from Eye Care Leaders include myCare iMedicWare, My Vision Express, and a suite of a la carte add-on services that handle MIPS, revenue cycle, patient payment collection solutions, and more. To learn more about the reasons why you should switch to Eye Care Leader from your current EHR provider, contact an EHR specialist today.