Question

Describe the steps in the HIT system selection and contract management process.

Answer 1

Step 1-Assess the practices readiness to adopt an EHR system and develop a list of requirements for practice.This is done by evaluting both your own and the staff members readiness from a computer use and commitment perspective and ensure that all members of the practice have reasonable expectations about what the EMR will do for the practice.

Step 2-Talk to practices and hospitals in the community about systems they are using.

Step 3 -Compare EHR products and review user rating information about systems you are considering.

Step 4-It is necessary to go through a diligence process with each of the EHR vendors you are considering and is important to obtain information through contractual agreement.

Step 5-Vendor demonstrations provide an an opportunity to assess the look and feel of an EHR system and therefore it is important to use a standardized script that you provide to each of the vendors when conducting demonstrations.

Step 6-Site visits is the final step ,as the main objective of it is to visit a practice that is similar to yours and use an EHR system you are looking to practice.

The steps in contract management process are

• Standardize the process to ensure that all necessary steps executed consistently .This can be done by using a flowchart that outlines the steps and individuals that a contract must pass through before being finalized.
• Creating accountability using workflow automation.
• Contracts go hand in hand with policies and procedures.For an efficient contracts management system one should have the ability to link each contract to relevant policies and procedures creating seamless integration for compliance process.
• Creating a database of frequently used contracts and legal causes