Many people are surprised to learn that around 20% of small businesses fail within their first year. This is true across virtually every industry, and there's no shortage of factors that contribute to this occurrence. For instance, a company that doesn't bring something innovative to the industry could struggle to compete with other businesses.

Treatment facilities, in particular, need to take every available opportunity to stand out. One of the most important obligations is choosing the right substance abuse EMR software.

Not everyone understands how to find the right application for their healthcare facility, though. Let's explore the key information you should keep in mind when moving forward.

Identify Your Needs

Before moving forward, it's essential to establish your organization's needs. This plays a large role in helping you narrow down your potential options. For example, your facility might struggle to quickly find electronic health records that it can use to offer better treatment options.

Your requirements will depend on many factors, such as your company's size, unique workflow, and budget. Don't rush through this process, as this could cause you to inadvertently choose the wrong vendor.

Data Protection

The cybercrime industry as a whole is estimated to cost the world over $10 trillion annually by the end of 2025. There's no shortage of hackers looking to steal sensitive data from businesses.

This is especially true regarding companies in the healthcare sector, as these companies work with highly valuable information like social security numbers. The software you choose should have comprehensive data protection in place so you can keep your information as safe as possible.

Even a single incident could cause major complications. You could derail your performance and cause irreparable damage to your company's reputation.

Check the Vendor's Reputation

Never overlook the vendor's reputation before making your decision. This will provide valuable insight into what you can expect from working with them.

See what other people online have to say about the company's enthusiasm, timeliness, and professionalism. Details like these will help you weed out unsuitable vendors.

It's also important to keep an eye out for fake reviews. These are often posted in batches and contain similar keywords.

Ignore them when making your assessment so you can have an accurate idea of the vendor's capabilities. Pay attention to how they respond to criticism.

It's best to avoid companies that get defensive or aggressive when facing negative feedback. Client testimonials are much more detailed than conventional reviews and are a great way to learn more about what they can do. With enough vigilance, you'll find a vendor suitable for your project.

Ask for a Demo

It's not recommended to purchase software without trying a demo first. This is the best way to get a grasp of how the application works and how you can integrate it into your workflow.

Using a demo also allows you to explore customization options to take your performance to the next level. Some providers offer free trials instead of demos, and these can be just as effective. If you don't feel the application is suitable for your needs, you can walk away with no commitment.

Consider Return on Investment (ROI)

No matter how useful a particular EMR software is, it won't be a suitable option if you don't measure your estimated ROI. Key details include:

• Total cost of ownership
• Maintenance fees
• Initial pricing
• Training/support costs

You can assess how useful the software is by considering the boost in efficiency you experience and how much you improve patient satisfaction.

Create a List of Different Vendors

There are countless options available, and finding the right one can seem overwhelming at first. Create a shortlist of different options so you can compare the fine details between them.

To clarify, you might discover that the cheapest vendor out of five options isn't suitable due to lacking in specific areas. Assess the most important criteria and narrow down your choices from here.

If you're having trouble deciding between two vendors, reach out to them to see if they'll compromise on pricing, level of service, etc. The more flexible one is likely the best choice for your company's needs.

Is There Ongoing Support?

The last thing you want is to have to deal with issues on your own after they arise. This could lead to extensive downtime, and there's no guarantee you'll be successful. The vendor you work with should offer some form of 24/7 support.

This could be through chatbots or outsourced employees, for example. The support team should also be highly knowledgeable on how to help you overcome your problems. Many vendors provide resources to their users so they can resolve minor issues without having to open a support ticket.

Scalability

As your company grows, so will its software needs. If you don't use scalable solutions for your substance abuse treatment facility, you could find it difficult to accommodate the increased demand.

Look for vendors that allow you to scale your software up and down as needed. This ensures you'll always have access to the appropriate resources.

Pricing

Not all vendors are created equal, and this is reflected in their pricing. It's best to avoid the cheapest options you encounter, as these will likely cut corners. However, there's a point of diminishing returns regarding what you budget for EMR software.

The most expensive choices aren't necessarily the best. Instead, look for someone in the middle of the industry's price range. This can help you meet your goals without overspending.

Ask about their pricing structure before making your decision. They should offer tiered levels of service that allow you to get the most value from the money you spend.

Choose the Right Substance Abuse EMR Software

The information in this guide will help ensure you choose the best substance abuse EMR software for your needs. From here, you'll have no trouble reaching new heights and avoiding common obstacles along the way.

Alleva EMR proudly offers the most advanced technology in the behavioral health space. Medical professionals can leverage our software to exponentially increase their productivity. You'll learn more about the benefits we provide when you schedule a demo today.