EHRs: The Grass Isn't Always Greener

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

Only two of five providers who switched EHRs in the last five years were happy with their new records system.

Physician satisfaction with EHRs is notoriously low. This prompts many to switch to a new vendor in hopes it will help them better meet MU standards. In September, one of four ambulatory providers was considering changing their EHR. Not surprising since 2014 was referred to by KLAS as the “Year of the Great EHR Vendor Switch.”

Now, according to a survey published in Family Practice Management, it appears switching EHRs to increase satisfaction just might be too good to be true.

iHealth Beat reports researchers surveyed over 300 family physicians who had switched EHRs since 2010. Most of them cited needing additional functionality; wanting to meet MU requirements; a desire to increase usability; and requiring improved training and support as reasons they sought a new EHR.

According to Fierce EMR, 59 percent of those surveyed either agreed or strongly agreed their new EHR was more functional, and 57 percent reported it helped the physician meet MU. However, despite those positives, only 43 percent said they were happy with the switch and even fewer - 39 percent - said they were happy overall with the new system.

Eighty-one percent said the time investment in changing EHR systems was challenging, and they cited productivity loss, data loss, and data migration problems.

“If your current EHR just cannot incorporate functionality you need or get you to MU, it may be time to switch to a new EHR. On the other hand, if you just want to change because you don't like using your current EHR or consider it a drag on your productivity, the grass may not be greener on the other side,” the study's authors wrote.