Have you been wanting to pull the plug on your EHR software? You're not along. According to a new KLAS report, Ambulatory EMR Perception 2014: New Leaders Emerging as Market Shifts, more than 25% of large and small physician practices are considering replacing their electronic health record systems. KLAS interviewed more than 400 small and large physician practices about their EMR software solutions. Researchers found that many physician practices are considering replacing their electronic health records software. In fact 27% were considering replacing their EHR system while 12% wanted to replace their EHR but face financial or organizational barriers.
But why would so many practices desire to replace their EHR system? According to Jared Dowland, author of the report, the desire to replace an EHR varied by practice size. He said "Larger practices are seeking to consolidate from multiple [EHRs] and tighten their relationships with nearby hospitals, while smaller practices are seeking to resolve functionality, support and cost concerns" (Durben Hirsch, Fierce EMR, 8/26).
Switching Vendors
According to Health Data Management, the EHR vendors that saw the most practices recently switching from their products are:
- GE Healthcare; and
- NextGen
Dowland said, "Looking forward, Allscripts, GE Healthcare, McKesson and NextGen stand to lose more customers than other vendors, as 40% to 50% of their responding customers reported potential plans to leave."
The top vendors being considered by independent practices looking for better functionality, support and cost, include:
- Athenahealth;
- eClinicalWorks;
- Epic; and
- Greenway.
Meanwhile, the report found that larger physician practices that are affiliated with hospitals favor EHR systems from:
- Cerner; and
- Epic (Goedert, Health Data Management, 8/27).
Quick Summary:
- 27% of respondents were considering replacing their EHR system
- An additional 12% wanted to replace their EHR system but face financial or organizational barriers
- Most practices are leaving GE Healthcare and NextGen
- Top EHR vendors for independent practices include eClinicalWorks, Athenahealth, Epic, and Greenway
- Larger practices affiliated with hospitals are considering Cerner and Epic
