Despite many benefits and the Meaningful Use incentive program, practices are still dragging their feet when it comes to implementing Electronic Health Record (EHR) software. Unfortunately, Meaningful Use has not eliminated the barriers to entry for most small and medium sized medical offices. Here are a few barriers that small practices face.

Finances seem to be the primary barrier for most practices. Although Meaningful Use offers between $44,000 and $64,000 per provider, it comes as a reimbursement. Practices must purchase and implement EHR software before the money flows. Declining reimbursements from public and private payers and patients losing their health insurance have caused a downward trend in revenue. As a result, even web-based EHRs with a monthly fee model may be difficult for some practices to afford.

Time is another important barrier. Providers and staff work hard to make ends meet. They don’t always have time to search out EHR systems, schedule demonstrations, and navigate the murky waters of EHR purchasing. This problem is perhaps most pronounced for the single practitioner who does not have an office manager.

Lack of technical understanding is the third main barrier. Even if a practice has time and financial resources, providers may feel intimidated by their lack of computer skills. They feel like it is too difficult for them to make a proper EHR selection if they do not understand the technology.

Is your practice interested in implementing EHR? Are you stymied by one or more barriers to entry? Our experienced consultants can help you develop strategies to overcome these common road blocks. Please contact us at info@xlemr.com for more information.