EHR implementation can be difficult for smaller practices that have fewer resources at their disposal. They often lack the IT staff that larger institutions benefit from, which means that physicians must get more personally involved.

A recent paper from a researcher at the College of St. Scholastica suggested that physicians are capable of accomplishing EHR implementation and meeting the requirements of meaningful use, they simply need to spend more time on planning.

Nicole Miller, who wrote the paper, said that physicians need to spend time and energy considering the project management implications of their efforts. She recommended that doctors consult with available resources to help them through the IT issues that may arise during EHR implementation. Utilizing a consultant may be helpful.

Some physicians may balk at the price of private consultants, but contracting outside help doesn't have to be expensive. The government has set up Regional Extension Centers across the country that may be able to offer IT consultation services free of charge. While smaller practices may not have a staff of technology professionals, there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to successfully adopt an EHR system.