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EMR: Is it worth the investment without the stimulus package?

This is an important question for me. I believe that EMR products should be able to stand on their own from an investment perspective. Otherwise, government subsidies just delay inevitable failures. The stimulus package can provide needed startup funds, but if the program has faults and inefficiencies, then problems will surface. Judging EMRs on their own merit seems prudent.

With any government subsidy, strings are always attached. Reporting and rigid guidelines that may have nefarious motives will be required. Free market liberties may not be as available and will constrain innovative development. In an ideal world, finding an EMR that combines innovation and efficiency with government acceptance seems like the logical choice. But does such a choice exist? I think the rules are still enough in flux that caution is advised.

Physicians have become all too familiar with big brother. EMRs may be the perfect government tool for further scrutiny of everything documented. Keeping things at arm’s length should be a consideration.

Be cautious about handouts. Think before you leap! Keep some independence. It may cost more to take the stimulus money than it saves. Make sure the EMR is a good investment on its own. It should have enough efficiency to save on staff and supply costs to pay for itself.   Government “approved” software may or may not achieve this.