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Katherine Konnert
HCMT1020, 001
Assignment 6c
Transition Plan
Because the design and operation of HIM departments will be evolving, the development
of a concise transition plan is necessary to ensure the success of EHR implementation
(Fahrenholz & Russo, 2013). The steps in the plan will depend upon the users in the practice, the
patients, and the health information management resources that are available. Although the HIM
director should lead the transition team, each department should be represented, including IT
(AHIMA, 2010; Fahrenholz & Russo, 2013). The plan should be developed prior to the vendors
installation process, and allotted a minimum of six months (Fahrenholz & Russo, 2013; Tate,
2014).
1. Define the current state within the HIM department
a. Identify major processes
b. Number of staff and their strengths, skills, job descriptions, requirements,
and qualifications
2. Define the desired future state within the HIM department and then compare the current and
future states to determine what is needed
a. Identify which patients health information will be converted and how
much information will be maintained (ex. Demographic data, allergies,
problem list, etc.)
b. Determine what technology will be used and purchase the technology
(computers, laptops, tablets, etc.)
c. Install Ethernet and connectors at appropriate places within the facility,
keeping in mind the need to charge laptops and tablets.

d. Train and educate staff to scan and input essential information and follow
policies and procedures
e. Scan and input essential information into the EHR so that it complies with
federal laws and regulations.
i. Make sure input information matches data in paper record
ii. Make sure data is indexed correctly
iii. Match practice-defined data elements
f. Assign personnel to audit and manage data and develop a schedule for
taking steps to maintain data quality.
g. Develop policies and procedures to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and
completeness
i. Define audit processes and procedures for reconciling interfaces
and notifications
3. Destroy paper-based information once it is converted to the EHR successfully and
the designated (as per state laws and practice regulations) length of time for
maintaining records has passed.

References
AHIMA. (2010). Migrating from paper to EHRs in physician practices. Journal of AHIMA,
81(11), 60-64. Retrieved from http://www.library.ahima.org
Fahrenholz, C., & Russo, R. (2013). Documentation for health records. Chicago, IL: American
Health Information Management Association.
Tate, A. (2014). Tips for a smooth EHR transition. Retrieved from HITECH answers:
http://www.hitechanswers.net