Handbook for electronic health records implementation

Official Website of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT

Certification of Health IT

Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC)

Health Equity

HTI-1 Final Rule

HTI-2 Proposed Rule

Information Blocking

Interoperability

Patient Access to Health Records

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Health IT and Health Information Exchange Basics

Health IT in Health Care Settings

Health IT Resources

Laws, Regulation, and Policy

ONC Funding Opportunities

ONC HITECH Programs

Privacy, Security, and HIPAA

Scientific Initiatives

Standards & Technology

Usability and Provider Burden

Electronic Health Record Implementation: Preparation is Key

Whether you're just starting to think about adopting an electronic health record ( EHR ) system or are ready to make the transition from paper records to EHR s, preparation is critical. Before implementing an EHR , your practice/hospital health center should complete the following activities.

Electronic Health Record Preparation Steps

Your practice/hospital/health center should complete the following activities before you implement an EHR system.

EHR Preparation Step

Related Health IT Resources

Connect with Your Local Regional Extension Center

• Regional Extension Centers
• What kinds of services does a Regional Extension Center provide?
• What are the benefits of working with a Regional Extension Center?

Assess Your Practice Readiness

• Step 1: Assess Your Practice Readiness
• How do I conduct a practice readiness assessment?
• Who should assess practice readiness? Who can I ask for help?
• Is there a checklist or methodology that I can use to assess my practice readiness?

Redesign Your Workflow

• What does electronic health record ( EHR ) workflow redesign mean and why is it important?
• What important electronic health record ( EHR ) workflow redesign areas should the implementation team focus on?
• What are some tips for approaching workflow redesign?

Plan Your Approach

• Step 2: Plan Your Approach
• When and how should I start EHR implementation planning?
• What are the key steps of the electronic health record ( EHR ) implementation planning phase?

Select or Upgrade to a Certified EHR

• Step 3: Select or Upgrade to a Certified EHR
• How do I select a vendor?

Contract with a Vendor

• Step 3: Select or Upgrade to a Certified EHR
• What are important items to include in a vendor contract?

Conduct EHR Implementation Training

• What training resources are available for electronic health record implementation?
• Who should train my staff?

Prepare for EHR Go-Live

• How do I best plan for system go-live?
• What support do I need during go-live?

For More Information

For more information about preparing for EHR implementation, see How to Implement EHR s.

Your Local Regional Extension Center Can Help

Your local Regional Extension Center ( REC ) can help you plan for and manage the EHR implementation process. RECs are located in every region of the country to help health care providers select, implement, and become adept and meaningful users of EHR s. Contact your local REC to find out if you are eligible for free or reduced-price local support.