Successfully creating and managing an internal planning team is crucial to planning success. Team members should bring differing perspectives on how the electronic health record (EHR) will be used and provide a wide array of skills and knowledge. Without an enthusiastic, representative team of practice/hospital/health center employees, the planning phase of EHR implementation is unlikely to adequately address all EHR implementation plan barriers before implementation. For further guidance on recommended team members, see Who are the key stakeholders on this project? It is important to engage these stakeholders early and often as you plan to implement your EHR.

For outside planning assistance, your practice/hospital/health center can enroll with your local Regional Extension Center (REC). The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) established 62 RECs across the United States. RECs are equipped with the personnel and resources to support and advise providers in all phases of the EHR adoption and implementation process, including the planning phase. Depending on your REC’s business model, your REC may provide free or reduced-price support to your practice/hospital/health center as you plan. To obtain contact information for your local REC, please visit the REC information page.