The CFO's role in implementing EHR systems.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Financial Management
• Information Systems Management

Background:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are increasingly adopted in healthcare systems.
• Successful EHR implementation requires strategic financial oversight.
• The financial implications of EHR adoption are often underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance for Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) on managing EHR system implementation.
• To highlight the financial and operational changes associated with EHR adoption.
• To offer actionable recommendations for financial leaders during EHR transitions.

Main Methods:

• The study outlines recommendations based on practical experience from a health system.
• It emphasizes the CFO's role in strategy, project management, and financial monitoring.
• Key actions include understanding system-wide impacts and post-go-live revenue evaluation.

Main Results:

• Active CFO involvement is crucial for successful EHR implementation.
• EHR systems necessitate changes to both clinical and revenue cycle management.
• Post-implementation financial monitoring is essential to address revenue fluctuations.

Conclusions:

• CFOs must be integral to EHR implementation strategy and project management.
• Recognizing EHRs as a change to both clinical and revenue systems is vital.
• Proactive revenue monitoring and rapid response to financial shifts are critical post-go-live.