decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2005 Issue 5 (May)
Connect with ‘user groups' to get opinions about software
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Article Overview
This article explains how medical practices can evaluate electronic medical records software before purchase. It focuses on gathering feedback from user groups, comparing vendors, defining desired system capabilities, preparing a request for proposal, and negotiating contract and support terms. It is aimed at practice administrators and others involved in selecting health IT systems, with emphasis on interoperability and implementation planning.
Why This Topic Matters
Choosing practice software affects workflow, data exchange, long-term support, and readiness for future reporting requirements. The article helps readers understand the main areas to review so they can assess vendors more systematically.
Article Sections
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Connect with user groups to get opinions about software
Introduces the topic of evaluating electronic medical records software and the role of peer user groups in gathering practical feedback.
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Get into a user group
Describes the value of peer groups for sharing experiences, common problems, and general impressions of software use.
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Research potential vendors
Covers broad vendor research considerations, including compatibility with existing practice systems and related product offerings.
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Know what capabilities you want prior to a vendor demo
Addresses preparation for demonstrations by identifying desired system capabilities and general data exchange needs.
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Develop a request for proposal
Explains the role of a written proposal document in defining desired system features and tying requirements to the contract process.
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Make sure the selection process is the same for every vendor
Discusses keeping vendor evaluations consistent and avoiding premature or incomplete product presentations.
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Negotiation and reference tactics
Summarizes high-level negotiation themes such as cost review, support considerations, upgrades, training, and reference-check approaches.
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Vendors participating with the federal govt.’s interoperability initiative
Provides a list of vendors associated with a federal interoperability initiative.
What You Will Learn
- How peer user groups can inform software selection decisions
- What to consider when researching vendors for medical practice software
- How to prepare for software demonstrations and define desired capabilities
- Why written proposals and consistent evaluation methods matter in vendor selection
- What broad negotiation topics are commonly addressed in software purchases
- Which vendors are listed as participating in a federal interoperability initiative
Who Should Read This
- Practice administrators
- Medical office managers
- Healthcare technology decision-makers
- Physician practice owners
- Billing and operations staff involved in software selection
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