Should rural organizations consider selecting the same electronic health record as their parent health system?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to electronic health record (EHR) implementation. Your organization has to make this decision individually. When making the decision, you should consider the implementation issues that are unique to rural health care settings. Also, be sure to evaluate whether adopting your parent’s EHR system will promote collaboration and data exchange within your organization. Finally, remember there are vendors who specialize in serving rural health care organizations. Whatever you decide, make sure to select an EHR from the Certified Health IT Product List.

Your Local Regional Extension Center Can Help

Your local Regional Extension Center (REC) can help you as you assess which EHR system is right for your organization. RECs are located in every region of the country to help health care organizations select, implement, and become adept and meaningful users of EHRs. Contact your local REC to find out if you are eligible for free or reduced-price EHR implementation support.

For More Information

For more information on selecting an EHR system in rural health care settings, see the following resources.

• How should rural health providers evaluate electronic health record (EHR) vendors?
• Implementation Support for Critical Access Hospitals and Other Small Rural Hospitals
• Rural Health IT Toolbox: Selection and Implementation