An ePCR Buyer’s Guide

SECRETS

OF SMART

EPCR BUYERS 6

Secret 01 Choose an ePCR that offers

Exchanging data between EMS and Hospitals is a win/win.

EMS wins by receiving patient outcome data. Knowing what happens to the patient

after transporting them to the hospital allows EMS to run robust QA/QI programs based on

actual patient outcomes.

Hospitals win by gaining access to the raw EMS data they need to report to registries

(trauma, STEMI, stroke, etc.), trend patient populations, and develop metrics..

Knowing your patients’ outcomes will

change how you care for them.

two-way data exchange with hospitals.

6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

Look for built-in reporting that helps you

Data collected and reported within numerous separate reports doesn’t tell the

whole story. You need a partner that can help you gather all of your data and

seamlessly weave it into an easy to understand

story of your agency’s performance. That way you

can measure your own performance as well as

benchmark yourself against others in your state or

across the nation.

It isn’t the data by itself that is important.

It’s what you can learn from it.

Because better data means better care.

tell a story with your data. Secret 02

6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

Go with a provider that can grow with you.

Many ePCR providers lock you in to a version of software,

making you pay for the upgrades needed to keep up with your

agency’s developing needs. Look for a software as a service

(SaaS) provider that updates its software regularly so your ePCR

solution is always ahead of the curve.

And the upgrades shouldn’t cost you a dime.

Check the providers’ past release notes and

see how hard they work to meet their clients’

evolving needs.

Secret 03

6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

Secret 04 Seek a partner that understands the future of healthcare.

Healthcare is changing how EMS operates. It’s important to align

yourself with a software provider that understands what the

changes—today and in the future—mean for your agency.

By partnering with an industry thought leader, you ensure your

ePCR purchase will take you through the upcoming and

potentially tumultuous years.

Choose wisely and you can “future-proof” your

software purchase.

6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

Pick an ePCR provider that’s 3 steps ahead of

the healthcare changes.

Secret 05 total cost of ownership. Look beyond price and understand the

6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

Beware of hidden costs. The fine print in many ePCR contracts

contain numerous expenses that will add up significantly over

time. By looking beyond the initial price quote, you can assess

what it will cost to own and operate the software solution over the

years.

Software upgrades

Built in QA/QI reporting

Live support

Find a provider that offers many of

these “gotcha” items at no charge:

Unlimited users

Unlimited faxing

Ongoing training

Secret 06 ease of use and a medic’s workflow. Find an ePCR built for

When evaluating an ePCR, determine how easy it is for a medic

to use in the field. Field software shouldn’t slow down a medic.

It should work seamlessly and follow his or her workflow. The

software shouldn’t dictate how the call is run.

Look for software that has the flexibility your medics need in their

ever-changing environment.

Happy medics are

productive medics.

6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

1 Do you offer a two-way data exchange with hospitals, providing patient outcomes?

Does your reporting help me tell a story with my data? Can you help me benchmark my performance with

other agencies?

Can you grow along with me and my changing needs?

Do you have a strategy to ensure my ePCR will keep up with changing healthcare laws and practices?

Are you disclosing all of your fees up front? (Look for hidden fees such as seat licenses, faxing costs,

ongoing training, software upgrades, upgrading your reporting package, and live support.)

Is the user interface easy for my medics to use? Can my medics dictate the flow of the call or does your

software force them down a path? Does your software allow medics to change things on the fly?

The checklist

Ask these questions to potential ePCR providers and ensure a smart purchase.

About ESO Solutions ESO Solutions, Inc., founded in 2004 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, employs industry leaders in EMS, software design and information technology to create software solutions for the healthcare industry. ESO Solutions’ products help healthcare providers and administrators save time, improve documentation quality and operational efficiencies, and enhance the continuum of patient care. For more information about ESO Solutions, visit esosolutions.com