Is Your Practice Prepared for Health Information Technology?

PSS can help set the stage for success - so you get the most from your practice management software and EHR solutions.

PSS knows medical practices. And we're using that insight to help physicians and practitioners plan for Health Information Technology - and then find the practice management software and EHR solutions that best fit their needs - and their level of preparedness.

Already on the road to H.I.T. and EHR adoption? PSS has the H.I.T. and EHR solutions you need for every step of the process. What follows is a partial checklist to help improve your level of preparedness before you begin implementing practice management software or Health Information Technology.

Set Your Goals
1. Identify goals by key decision makers and physician champion
2. Develop and prioritize business and clinical goals for EHR adoption
3. Confirm that goals are achievable, measureable and manageable
4. Identify EHR and EHR solutions capabilities needed to achieve goals
5. Identify internal changes necessary to achieve goals
6. Receive organization-wide commitment from:

a. Leadership
b. All providers
c. IT staff
d. Support staff
e. Other

Assess Your Skills
1. Define skills needed to be successful in EHR and EHR adoption
2. Evaluate necessary skills for H.I.T., EHR and EHR adoption of all providers and support staff
3. Identify training to provide your staff
4. Address concerns of employees at lower levels of readiness

Plan a Reward System
1. Develop reward/acknowledgment system in your practice to promote H.I.T. and EHR adoption
2. Develop incentives around clinical and business goals
3. Communicate to all the benefits of EHR and EHR adoption, and incentives tied to Health Information Technology goal attainment

Audit Resources
1. Review your current office floor plan to identify:

a. Broadband and high-speed Internet connections
b. Other network connections
c. Potential locations for computers
d. Tablet vs. stationary workstations in exam rooms
e. Scanning options

2. Identify current IT personnel internally and externally
3. Identify potential additional IT resources needed to implement practice management software
4. Consider economic impact of your EHR adoption, including return on investment and return on effort
5. Budget for productivity shift during initial phases
6. Review HHS website for the most recent resources available for Health Information Technology and EHR adoption

Make a Plan
1. Develop an EHR project and EHR adoption plan that defines roles and responsibilities, timelines and deadlines, and staff communication
2. Review EHR project plan with the entire organization
3. Request feedback on EHR project plan from all stakeholders
4. Consistently evaluate and review your EHR project plan

Stay up-to-date with Meaningful Use criteria, certification standards and other eligibility requirements with the expertise of PSS and information from The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.