Choosing a new EHR is rarely just a technology decision. It affects provider efficiency, staff workflows, billing performance, and patient experience every day.
Most dermatology practices begin the process the same way: scheduling demos and comparing feature lists.
But the practices that end up satisfied with their decision usually take a different approach.
They evaluate workflows, not just software.
Why EHR Evaluations Often Fail
EHR vendors typically demonstrate optimized scenarios. Documentation flows smoothly. Navigation looks simple. Every workflow appears efficient.
What isn’t visible during a demo is how the system performs during a full clinic day.
After implementation, practices often discover:
- providers need more clicks to complete visits
- imaging workflows interrupt patient flow
- integrations require manual steps
- staff require extensive retraining
These issues rarely appear during early evaluations. They appear months later.
The Hidden Challenge in Dermatology
Dermatology workflows are highly visual and procedure-driven. Small inefficiencies compound quickly across high patient volumes.
A system that works well for general medicine may struggle with:
- longitudinal lesion tracking
- dermatopathology coordination
- procedure documentation
- multi-location scheduling
- cosmetic and medical billing differences
Evaluating whether a platform truly supports dermatology requires asking the right operational questions, not just reviewing features.
Why Most Practices Miss Critical Evaluation Criteria
During vendor comparisons, teams often focus on:
- interface appearance
- headline features
- pricing structure
But long-term success usually depends on factors that receive less attention:
- implementation support quality
- workflow customization flexibility
- update reliability
- training availability after go-live
These elements directly impact adoption and long-term satisfaction.
A Structured Way to Compare Vendors
Many practices now use standardized evaluation tools to compare vendors side-by-side during demos.
To support this process, we created a Vendor Evaluation Checklist for Dermatology Practices designed specifically for EHR and practice management selection.
The checklist helps teams evaluate:
- dermatology-specific functionality
- workflow efficiency
- integration capabilities
- compliance and security safeguards
- future scalability
- onboarding and support readiness
Instead of relying on memory after multiple demos, practices can score vendors consistently using the same criteria.
→ Download the Dermatology Vendor Evaluation Checklist
How to Use the Checklist During Your Evaluation
The most effective approach is to bring structured questions into every vendor conversation.
Use the checklist to:
- validate workflows live during demos
- compare vendors objectively
- involve clinical and administrative staff in scoring
- identify risks before contract signing
Many practices find that seeing workflows completed in real time reveals more than feature presentations alone.
Making a Confident Decision
Switching EHR systems is a major investment of time and resources. Taking a structured approach early in the evaluation process reduces surprises later.
If your practice is actively exploring new platforms, using a consistent evaluation framework can help ensure the system you choose supports both clinical care and operational growth.
Download the Vendor Evaluation Checklist for Dermatology Practices to guide your evaluation process.
