Most EHR vendors request that physicians reduce their patient loads during EHR implementation and for a period after adoption. Suddenly, doctors are thrust into a situation where they have to:

• Unlearn old behaviors
• Participate in creating new workflows and templates to replace those used for years
• Learn new processes while trying to maintain a livelihood

The question to ask vendors is “how much will my practice be disrupted?”. Physicians should keep in mind that they not only will be paying for the EHR, they will be doing it with a smaller cash flow due to a reduced patient load. A sound implementation process should include the following:

• Initial meetings to discuss vision, philosophy, goals and approach
• Analysis of practice workflow, including patient flow and documentation review to identify blocks and barriers
• Customization of the system to meet the needs of the practice
• Implementation and rollout planning
• Small group, one-on-one and online training opportunities
• Tracking, monitoring and evaluation of system performance

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