1.
Have your current and near future practice needs been defined?

• Does the EMR interface with your billing or practice management systems?
• Is your practice's record management methodology supported?

2.
Before you purchase your EMR...

• Compare a number of EMR systems
• Focus on EMR systems that best fit your needs

3.
Which EMR technology do you need?

• A client-server EMR software or a web based EMR software solution
• Does the EMR allow and support for practice growth

4.
Can you get an EMR software demo?

• Is it specialty specific
• Is it as easy to use on complex patient cases

5.
How complicated is the EMR to use?

• Are the EMR document templates customizable?
• Will the electronic medical record solution save your office staff time?

6.
How easy is office implementation?

• Easy and shared access among providers and staff
• How disruptive implementation will be to your practice

7.
What electronic medical record features are supported?

• Charge capture for billing?
• Voice recognition
• etc, etc, etc.
  

8.
Is the EMR solution technologically stable, compatible and flexible?

• Is the electronic medical record solution 'certification focused'?
• Is it stay within HIPAA compliance for privacy standards and confidentiality?

9.
What is the actual cost of electronic medical record ownership?

• Cost for EMR hardware/software license, installation, training, upgrades and maintenance
• Is there an EMR software efficiency cost savings from successful office implementation?

10.
After you purchase your software system, what then?

• Is there reliable continuing EMR software vendor support and training?
• Are EMR customizations easily available?

Making the right EMR purchase the first time can be a positive experience! Keep in mind successful electronic medical record implementation will enhance your practice and improve patient care.