Storms of Change/Choices

The diversity of healthcare technology solutions continues to expand exponentially. This growth may be credited with the increasing confusion among decision makers and stakeholders. This may be a comedic understatement to those of you who have found yourselves aghast in attempts to find a simple solution and implement it. The decisions necessary in choosing the right fit for electronic solutions can leave even the most tech-friendly physicians baffled and discouraged.

Many healthcare practices are turning to consultants for direction. While the use of consultants is not new to healthcare, one would have difficulty denying the increasing weight a consultant carries due to the combined effects of ARRA, meaningful use, and RAC audits. The business of healthcare consulting is growing rapidly, namely in the field of healthcare technology. With physicians seeking meaningful adoption of Electronic Health Records, hospitals and data service providers connecting, and software vendors scattered throughout the mix, whom should you trust? The criticality of choosing the right consultant is evident when you consider the potential impact that person may have on your practice’s compliance, financial status and longevity.

Consultants may be viewed as lighthouses in the storms of change, but are you following strong sustainable fire or just a flicker that may change to darkness and disappear when you least expect it? The flicker and the moving target are in reference to TRUST. Is there a code of ethics for a healthcare consultant? How do you know when their recommendations won’t be to choose software vendor in which they have a vested interest?

Many healthcare organizations hold years of experience with the utilization of consultants and are therefore familiar with how to navigate, making business-smart choices. The “comfort zones” may include areas like the choice of a legal representative, a CPA or recruitment services. Healthcare technology, although certainly not born yesterday, is an area of discomfort for many clinicians. It is new ground on which to tread-an exciting and fresh perspective for some, a recurring nightmare for others. The trust placed in the hands of a healthcare consultant cannot be denied, this may not be the new part. After all, the American Association of Healthcare Consultants formed in 1949. This organization promotes their mission as “Insisting upon ethical standards of performance” and “Informing the healthcare industry of these established standards.” The following was taken from http://www.aahc.net/ :

 Code of Ethics

Members of AAHC agree to adhere to the following principles:

• To exercise independence, objectivity and integrity in all professional engagements
• To maintain client confidentiality
• To strive continuously to improve their professional skills
• To fully disclose to a client any interests or relationships that may affect independent judgment in a specific engagement
• To continuously enhance the professional standards of consulting
• To fully disclose to clients in advance all financial arrangements related to an engagement
• To uphold the honor and dignity of the profession
• To maintain the highest standards of personal conduct

 Explore these topics with potential consultants and include a similar code of ethics in any contractual agreements. Be firm in emphasizing the importance of transparency regarding the consultant’s vendor relationships. This includes the disclosure of any possible financial interest in specific software solutions, sponsorship of related entities or further barriers that could prevent the practice from benefiting from a completely independent appraisal of needs. The solutions resulting from a consultant in the healthcare technology arena range from a simple electronic prescription module to full scale adoption of a complete suite of products with multiple interfaces. Your consultant should be able to educate you on the features within each system and how those capabilities match your needs.Consultants who offer unbiased solutions to a practice’s unique culture and workflow needs will leave the key stakeholders of that organization returning again and again for further consulting needs.

The stakes are high. The direction we choose now determines our potential success, whether it be continued or improved financial stability, improved patient outcomes or otherwise. The environment is changing and the automation of workflow is a continuous cycle. Individuals, organizations, and even the software vendors have choices to make. The growth and success of each of these entities will be directly related to their ability to cooperate with one another and walk through the fear of change. This does not ensure everyone will play fairly. Be sure choices are made with your best interests in mind.

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