Published on : January 11, 2011

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Top must-haves in your EMR budget and ways to finance them

Top must-haves in your EMR budget and ways to finance them

If you’re like many, chances are you are either 1) building a roadmap for EMR or 2) satisfied with pilot results and wondering how to accelerate rollout in 2011. In both scenarios, the budgeting process for EMR is complex because it requires a mix of software, hardware and professional services to minimize disruption of your business and maximize return on your investment.  The “always-on” workforce is high-maintenance and you must plan for special resources to support them.  A short list of must-haves in an EMR budget includes:

  • Project management
  • Process evaluation and optimization
  • Clinical experts to apply data to improve outcomes
  • Hardware, software, networks, wireless
  • Interfaces and integrations
  • Implementation, training
  • Maintenance, support
  • Security, disaster recovery, business continuity
  • Servers, storage, backup
  • Executive decision making tools
  • Communication

We’re seeing several creative ways to finance EMR programs.  

  1. Ask your vendors about payment plans and what can be paid for upfront vs. what can be broken into monthly payments?  
  2. How far can you push the limit of converting capital to fixed and predictable, yet scalable operating expenses?
  3. What components are in place related to hardware, software, and services? Are you really maximizing what you can get out of your current clinical system? Could new training drive higher return on assets and efficiencies?
  4. Are state incentives or grants available?

The Center for Health IT recommends “getting detailed information about products and services included in the offer/contract”. It may seem like splitting hairs, but it is useful to have outlined in writing every detail that is included.” Also, ask about what’s not included as there is a wide range of variance.
This white paper offers more insight into building, budgeting, and financing your EMR program:

White paper – The Countdown to EHR and Outcome-Based Care

About the Author

Renee’ Flis

National Sales Manager – Independent Owners

VCPI

111 W. Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI  53203

P: 414-378-1280

rflis@vcpi.com

Renee’ offers 10 years of consultative experience in skilled nursing, assisted living, hospital, and travel healthcare environments.  CxO-level executives depend on Renee to drive results in both strong and volatile markets. Renee is an expert in developing, facilitating, and executing strategic business plans from an entrepreneurial leadership perspective. As a post- acute change agent and certified outcomes educator, she helps providers prepare for 2014 and the outcomes-driven world of Accountable Care Organizations to come. 

Over the years Renee has helped dozens of providers shift their strategic direction to a paperless, outcome-driven business model.  She helps create competitive advantage through improved outcomes reporting, to drive up market share from referring hospitals.

Industry Association Memberships

  • AHCA – American Healthcare Association
  • AHCA I/O – American Healthcare Association, Independent Owners
  • AAHSA – American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging
  • ALFA – Assisted Living Federation of America

Education

  • Bachelor of Science Degree – University of Wisconsin Stout
  • Certified Dementia Care Specialist – Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association & NWTC

Professional Affiliations

  • VCPI - Client Connections
  • White House & Healthcare Reform Resource Groups
  • Healthcare Executives Network