Breaking EHR Barriers: Enabling Scalable, Self-Controlled Operations
Assisted a critical access hospital in overcoming EHR limitations to enable self-controlled operational improvement.
The critical access hospital faced a significant challenge in achieving sustainable operational improvements due to limitations within its existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. While initial performance initiatives showed positive shifts in key metrics, the restricted EHR platform prevented the development of custom workflows and required costly dependencies on the current vendor for basic functionality. The need was clear: to find a flexible EHR solution that allowed the hospital to operate independently, improve efficiency, and reduce vendor-related expenses.
To address this, our Health Information Technology (HIT) team conducted a current-state analysis to identify operational gaps and conducted a thorough vendor vetting process, ultimately selecting Meditech as the optimal vendor. We represented the critical access hospital in negotiations, securing concessions and terms to create a robust, performance-based contract to establish a solid foundation for their partnership with Meditech.
This approach empowered the hospital to clearly define gaps within their current EHR system and optimize their operations for a scalable, self-managed EHR environment. Key areas of improvement included addressing patient safety concerns, securing PHI, enhancing RCM/cash management reporting, improving revenue collection efficiency, and reducing the need for manual workarounds.
Additionally, we identified an early termination option with the hospital’s existing EHR vendor, creating a financial pathway to transition without incurring prolonged dual-system costs. To support a smooth implementation, we helped establish a dedicated hospital-side project team, integrating both internal and external resources in alignment with Meditech’s deployment model.
Approach
- Step 1Assess Current-State HIT System Gaps
Conduct a thorough analysis of the hospital's existing Health Information Technology (HIT) system to identify specific gaps and limitations that impact operational performance, patient safety, and workflow efficiency. - Step 2Inventory Necessary Interface Requirements
Create a detailed inventory of required interfaces covering both clinical and administrative functionalities to ensure seamless integration between the new EHR platform and existing systems. - Step 3Evaluate Project Team’s Capacity
Assess the hospital's project team capacity to support a complex EHR deployment, identifying potential resource needs and preparing the team for a successful implementation process. - Step 4Draft a Request for Information (RFI)
Develop a comprehensive Request for Information (RFI) to gather essential details from potential EHR vendors, focusing on system capabilities, scalability, and customization options. - Step 5Facilitate Vendor Demos and Reference Site Visits
Coordinate vendor demonstrations and organize reference site visits to provide hospital stakeholders with firsthand insights into each vendor's capabilities and support model. - Step 6Negotiate Pricing, Solution Options, and Contract Terms
Engage in negotiations to secure favorable pricing, tailored solution options, and terms that establish a performance-based contract, setting the foundation for a strong, long-term vendor partnership.
Our strategic approach and HIT expertise enabled the critical access hospital to transition to an EHR system precisely aligned with its operational needs. This new platform gives the hospital greater independence, reduces reliance on costly vendor support, and establishes a solid foundation for ongoing performance improvements and enhanced patient care.