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How should rural health providers evaluate electronic health record (EHR) vendors?

When selecting an electronic health record (EHR) system, pay special attention to the type of provider and market that each vendor typically serves, as well as the amount of support a vendor provides after EHR implementation. Several vendors specialize in working with small and rural health care clinics with fewer than ten providers.

Your local Regional Extension Center (REC) can help you navigate the vendor landscape. RECs are located in every region of the country to help health care providers select, implement, and become adept and meaningful users of EHRs. Your local REC can help you objectively identify the vendor product that best meets your unique needs as a rural provider. Contact your local REC to find out if you are eligible for free or reduced-price local EHR selection support.

For more information about evaluating EHR vendors in rural settings, see the following resources.

Top Three Rural Health Information Technology Resources for Evaluating Vendors:

Implementing EHRs – Selecting or Upgrading to a Certified EHR

How do I select a vendor?
Timing of the Vendor Selection Process There are several different options for how you might select a vendor. Some practices go through the planning electronic health record (EHR)...
What should I include in a vendor RFI/RFP?
Timing & Basics After you assess your electronic health record (EHR) needs, set EHR goals, make key decision about must-have EHR capabilities, and narrow the vendor field, you should draft a...
Where can I find a full list of certified electronic health records?
The Certified HIT Product List The Certified HIT Product List (CHPL) provides the authoritative, comprehensive listing of complete electronic health records (EHRs) and EHR modules that have been...
Which electronic health record (EHR) system should I purchase?
The good news is that there are plenty of options. In fact, there are over 440 complete Certified EHR products for the ambulatory market. Consequently, the selection process can take time. The...
What does "interoperability" mean and why is it important?
The Basics A complex health care system requires diverse electronic health record (EHR) products. Interoperability refers to the architecture or standards that make it possible for diverse...
What factors should I consider when selecting a vendor?
Key Factors to Consider The following are several considerations for electronic health record (EHR) vendor comparison that Regional Extension Centers (RECs) have found useful. Consider these...
What is an ONC-authorized testing and certification body?
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) authorized six organizations to perform complete electronic health record (EHR) and/or EHR module testing and certification. These six...
What are certified electronic health records? Should I only choose a product that is ONC-certified?
Certified electronic health records (EHRs) are EHRs that have been tested and certified under the Temporary Certification Program maintained by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health...
What are important items to include in a vendor contract?
Factors to Consider in Contract Negotiations To avoid costly mistakes, make sure to consider the following factors when negotiating your vendor contract.1,2 Contract negotiation is a critical...