Electronic Health Record (EHR) software have become the next benchmark standard for healthcare industry. Over the last 5 years or so, physicians have increasingly shifted towards a more advanced version of the healthcare records.

Now, the EHRs not only help physicians look after their patients’ data, but also help them communicate with other entities in the industry, manage their practices and even billing services.

However, the process of implementing an EHR in a practice is a long and tedious one. It can usually take up to a year to fully implement the EHR system in a practice and train the staff accordingly. But before buying the software and entering into an agreement with a vendor, here is a list of 10 things that you should keep in mind.

1. Interoperability:One of the most important things you should look for, in an EHR software, is Interoperability. This means that the software is able to exchange vital patient information such as test results, medical histories, summaries of care, lab reports and prescriptions etc. with other entities in the healthcare industry.
2. Compliance:Another very important aspect every potential EHR buyer must look for, in his/her software is, compliance with the industry standards and guidelines. The EHR software must be able to comply with government rules and regulations and must be able to incorporate changes if required.
3. Support services:Another very important aspects of buying an EHR software is to make sure its vendor offers top-of-the-line support services because implementing a new software will be difficult and time consuming. You need to be able to get the support staff to answer all your queries at all times.
4. Software updates:Technology is a complex world of interconnected systems working together. However, sometimes, there are flaws and shortcomings in your product or it might just become obsolete in a particular area. Your vendor must be able to provide you constant upgrades in order to improve its security and efficiency.
5. Compatibility with PM & Billing:EHR software are meant to be integrated with your Practice Management and Billing software, if you are using them. Even if you are not using any PM or billing software, you might need them in the future. Therefore, it is very important that your EHR is fully compatible with those.
6. Required certifications:You would not want to spend a huge sum of money on implementation of an EHR software only to find out that it is not properly certified by the government’s regulatory bodies. Make sure your EHR vendor has all the necessary certifications that are needed.
7. Secure channels of data transfer:Another important feature every EHR must have is having secure channels of data transfer to communicate with other entities in the industry. Obviously, no one  wants to risk losing your data to hackers.
8. Electronic prescriptions:Every EHR software must be able to help you write electronic prescriptions in an efficient and time-saving manner, helping you save costs of using paper-based prescriptions.
9. Workflow efficiency:After making the big switch to EHR systems, you should be able to improve your workflow efficiency. If an EHR software is going to slow you down, then there’s no point in using it, as it will only lead to reduced patient care.
10. Cost analysis:In the end, you must perform a detailed cost analysis of how much every software is going to cost you. Remember, it is not necessary that the most expensive one is always the best one. Make your selection rationally and see which one offers the best features per your needs.

These were a few things every EHR buyer must keep in mind before choosing to make the big switch. If you follow them in letter and spirit, chances are, you will not regret your decision later on