How to select an EHR consultant

An EHR consultant is a specialized health IT professional who helps healthcare organizations optimize their electronic health record systems. These experts ensure that EHR software is properly implemented, compliant with federal regulations, and effectively supports clinical workflows.

EHR consultants prioritize clinical aspects, unlike patient management consultants who focus on financial and administrative operations.

Their responsibilities vary depending on the organization’s size and needs. Some consultants concentrate on selecting and configuring EHR software, meeting compliance standards, and reviewing physician documentation. Others take on broader roles, such as training healthcare providers and ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.

What are the pros and cons of working with EHR consultants?

Working with EHR consulting firms can be a great way to get an EHR system up and running. Here are some pros and cons of working with such experts:

Pros

1. EHR implementation, integration, and optimization professionals: EHR consulting services provide the expertise necessary for seamless EHR system integration. These professionals design and deploy systems that enable secure data sharing across healthcare settings. They optimize EHR systems by tailoring strategies to specific hospitals, departments, or services, improving data quality, streamlining workflows, and designing user-friendly interfaces through user research methods.
2. Data migration specialists: Transitioning from paper records or outdated legacy systems to a modern EHR system can be complex. EHR consultants facilitate data migration by cleaning, analyzing, deduplicating, and securely transferring patient records.
3. Comprehensive training: Successful EHR adoption depends on well-structured training programs. Some EHR consulting professionals specialize in training healthcare staff, tailoring programs to the specific needs of a practice or hospital.

Cons

1. Expensive fees: The main problem with EHR consultants is that they can become very expensive, especially with the growing number of vendors offering specialized services.
2. Limited clinical experience: The main downside of hiring an EHR consultant is their lack of clinical experience. This makes it hard for them to understand the requirements of a physician working in a hospital, as they are not insiders. They’re often unqualified and untrained when it comes to interacting with patients.
3. Long turnaround time: EHR implementation involves multiple stakeholders, including software developers and IT administrators. This complexity can lead to longer-than-expected project completion times.

What to Look for in an EHR Consultant

A medical software consultant can help your healthcare organization or medical practice navigate the EHR software market and find the right fit for your needs. So then, what should you seek in an EHR consulting company? The following list explains the qualities to look for in an EHR consultant.

1. Experience With Your Industry

Different industries and types of clients have different needs concerning their EHR systems. For example, hospitals face unique challenges when it comes to interoperability and security requirements, while small physician practices have different needs than large health systems.

An experienced EHR consultant will be familiar with these nuances and can guide you through them as part of their work on your project.

2. Knowledge of the Latest Industry Trends and Technologies

The healthcare industry is constantly changing as new technologies emerge, new regulations are put in place, and other factors affect how providers work daily. A knowledgeable EHR consultant will stay up-to-date on these updates so they know what options are available today as well as what may become available in the future.

3. Fees and Pricing Structure

A desire to understand your business goals beyond simply selling products and services at any cost. There is no one-size-fits-all fee for an electronic health record consulting package. So, some factors should be considered before hiring a consultant, such as if you want in-person consultation or remote consultation, how much time you want them to spend with your company, and how often they will be available for meetings, which is also true for medical record consulting.

Takeaway

Choosing a consultant or company to set up or improve an organization's EHR system can be a difficult and time-consuming task. It demands a lot of research and time to find the perfect match. However, the right systems must be implemented in the right way, so it’s often imperative that you work with the respective expert.