Which step is recommended before purchasing an electronic health record (EHR) system?

• A. Skip demos to save time.
• B. Purchase first and assess fit after deployment.
• C. Ignore information from third-party vendors.
• D. Demo extensively, identify needs, gather information from providers, and set a refund window.

Answer: (D)

Thorough evaluation and due diligence before purchasing an EHR is essential. The recommended approach—extensive demos, clearly identifying your clinical and operational needs, gathering information from providers and peers, and setting a refund window—puts you in a strong position to choose an system that truly fits your workflow and data requirements while protecting you if it doesn’t deliver. Demos let you assess usability, interoperability with existing tools, and whether the vendor can meet your reporting and security needs. Defining needs upfront ensures you’re comparing features that matter to your practice, not just fancy promises. Hearing from multiple providers and outside sources helps surface real-world performance, implementation effort, and support quality. A refund window gives a practical exit if the system underperforms post-implementation, avoids long-term commitment to a poor fit, and creates leverage to negotiate terms. Skipping demos, buying first, or ignoring third-party input all risk selecting a solution that disrupts workflows, fails to meet requirements, or leaves you with limited options if issues arise.