There are several factors which determine the total cost of using an EMR system and it is imperative for you, as a healthcare provider or an employee of a medical facility, to understand how each of them can affect the budget that you need to set once you are ready to purchase an EMR system.

Hardware

Most offices and facilities from medical imaging companies to large-scale medical facilities would need to upgrade their existing hardware such as servers and computers to make them compatible with the EMR system that they are planning to use. EMR vendors can usually provide you with a list of hardware that you can get for the EMR system that they have. Make sure to factor in the cost of any other hardware upgrades that you would need to get as well such as scanners, printers and computers.

Software

You would also need to pay for the license of the software used with the EMR system you have chosen. Most EMR vendors sell the license for the initial cost of the software and this is usually based on the number of the users or physicians in the practice. Make sure to check for any discounts which you could avail of, especially if you are a mid-level provider or an office staff of one.

Implementation and Training

You may also have to pay for the cost of bringing in a trainer from the EMR vendor to teach, test and train your staff for the EMR system. Typically, this is just a one-time charge and can usually take place over a couple of weeks or months.

Professional Support

Based on the existing personnel you have in your office or facility, you may need to get a short-term project manager or a lawyer who can review the EMR contract. You might also have to hire an information technology expert who can establish your server as well as your internet connection.

Maintenance

EMR vendors could also charge a certain percentage of the fee of the initial software every year to cover the cost of doing standard upgrades, patient education updates and other regular maintenance work which are necessary to keep the system running well.