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Kathryn Lofton Feasibility Study 4
Kathryn Lofton Feasibility Study 4
FEASIBILITY STUDY
IMPLEMENTING AN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD FOR OUR PRACTICE
Kathryn Lofton
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
2.
BACKGROUND ____________________________________________________3
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
SCHEDULE ________________________________________________________5
8.
Kathryn Lofton
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This feasibility study covers the implementation of an EHR for our practice. We will
consider many aspects, among them cost, technical requirements, staff requirements, and an
approximate schedule for this project.
2. BACKGROUND
This project is concerning the implementation of an EHR for our practice. This study will
give a brief synopsis of the technical options of cloud vs client-server system, costs over 5 years,
staffing needs, and schedule. The associated costs as well as return on investment are found in
the Financial Feasibility section.
3. SYSTEM OVERVIEW
There are two ways an EHR can be implemented, a cloud or a client-server system. A
majority of private practices choose cloud technology due to the lower up-front costs. All that is
required is an Internet connection and simple computers. A client-server system will require a
secure area for the equipment. A method of backing up the data will also need to be in place in
the event of a disaster or hardware/software failure. The ability to download patient data and
storage requirements will need to be considered in a cloud-based system.
4. TECHNOLOGICAL FEASIBILITY
Probably the best option for our practice would be a cloud-based system. This would not
require additional space for equipment. The cost for the system itself would be more in the long
run, but the cost could be offset by remaining in our current space, although some of the space
currently occupied by paper chart storage could possibly be renovated into a secure area for the
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Kathryn Lofton
server hardware required. A client-server system would require either moving to a larger space
or renovation to add a secure area to house the equipment, with either a higher lease expense or
renovation expense.
5. ORGANIZATIONAL FEASIBILITY
If a cloud-based system is used, the changes involved will be pretty much equipping
exam rooms, front desk, back office, and physician offices with fixed or wheeled terminals,
giving staff tablets or notebook computers to carry with them, or a combination of mobile and
fixed equipment. Printers will also be required in front and back office, regardless of the use of
stationary or mobile equipment. If a client-server system is used, secure space will be necessary
for location of hardware. It is possible some of the space currently used for paper chart storage
could serve this purpose as the need for storing paper charts will decrease. Staff will need to be
educated and evaluated on their ability to use computers and get them comfortable with the idea.
Staffing number will probably not change significantly following installation and
implementation, but job descriptions of some staff members may be changed. For example,
transcriptionists and/or medical assistants may need to take on more scribe duties as the need for
transcription will reduce.
6. FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY
In-Office
In-Office
In-Office 5-Year
Cloud-Based
Cloud-Based
Cloud-Based 5-
Estimated
Estimated
Total Cost of
Upfront Cost
Yearly Cost
Upfront Cost
$33,000
Yearly Cost
$4000
Ownership
$48,000
$26,000
$8000
of Ownership
$58,000
Kathryn Lofton
Initial Cost
($13,100)
Present
Year 1
($8190)
Year 2
$19,229
Year 3
$12,612
Year 4
$38,832
Year 5
$36,982
value of net
benefit
(cost)
Five-Year Return on Investment Per Provider for Electronic Medical Record Implementation
7.
SCHEDULE
Note that much of the timeframe will depend on the EHR vendor. The estimated times
given are subject to change.
Evaluation of job requirements of staff members and how each would use the EHR.
Evaluate clinical and cross-departmental workflows. Evaluate technical skills of each
Kathryn Lofton
REFERENCES
HealthIT.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2016, from https://www.healthit.gov/providersprofessionals/faqs/how-much-going-cost-me
Wang, S., MD, PhD, Middleton, B., MD, MPH, Prosser, L. A., PhD, Bardon, C. J., MD, Spurr,
C. D., RN, MBA, Carchidi, P. J., RN, MPH, . . . Bates, D. W., MD, MSc. (2003, April 1). A CostBenefit Analysis of Electronic Medical Records in Primary Care. Retrieved February 13, 2016,
from http://nyehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Wang_EMRCostBenefit.pdf