Article
Is it time for an EHR migration? A strategic readiness checklist for healthcare leaders
Jul 21, 2025 · Authored by Kathy Kuhar
In today’s healthcare environment, your Electronic Health Record (EHR) platform plays a central role in delivering high-quality care, improving operational performance and supporting long-term growth. But what happens when your current system can no longer meet evolving demands?
EHR migration is a strategic move that requires more than a new system; it demands clear alignment, thorough planning and organizational readiness.
How do you know if it’s the right time to make the move?
Moving to a new EHR system can offer a range of benefits, especially if your current system is outdated, inefficient, fragmented or lacks key functionality. Some of the most impactful strategic benefits of integrated, modern EHRs include:
- Improved clinical efficiency: Modern EHRs streamline documentation, ordering and workflows, helping clinicians spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with patients.
- Financial and operational optimization: A modern EHR can improve revenue cycle processes, reduce IT overhead and enable more accurate billing and reimbursement.
- Enhanced patient care and safety: Features like decision support, medication alerts and complete records reduce errors and support more informed, coordinated care.
- Better data sharing capabilities and interoperability: New systems are designed to easily exchange information with other providers, payers and health information networks, improving care continuity and meeting regulatory requirements.
- Stronger analytics and reporting for better insights and decision-making: Advanced reporting tools allow for real-time tracking of quality measures, financial performance and population health metrics, supporting strategic and clinical decision-making.
- More effective patient engagement: Integrated portals, telehealth and mobile access empower patients to take a more active role in their care while improving communication and satisfaction.
- Increased compliance and security: Up-to-date systems include built-in safeguards for HIPAA compliance, audit tracking and data protection, helping reduce risk and support regulatory readiness.
- Scalability and future readiness: New platforms are more adaptable to emerging care models, technologies, and interoperability standards, positioning organizations for long-term growth, cost savings and innovation.
Whether driven by system limitations, integration challenges, regulatory pressures or leadership vision, migrating to a new EHR platform is a decision with lasting impact. Knowing when and how to take that step starts with asking the right questions.
Our EHR migration checklist is built to guide health systems through that decision-making process by helping assess readiness across five key areas:
- Recognizing strategic triggers that may signal the need for change
- Gauging organizational alignment and capacity
- Ensuring a structured, collaborative selection process
- Preparing a solid implementation foundation
- Planning for long-term sustainability and success
Are you asking the right questions to guide your EHR migration?
This readiness checklist helps healthcare leaders move from uncertainty to clarity by focusing on the foundational considerations that drive successful EHR transformations. Use it to align teams, identify critical gaps and shape a forward-thinking migration strategy.
How to get started
Migrating to a new EHR platform is a complex journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Baker Tilly, we help healthcare organizations evaluate their readiness, plan strategically and implement with confidence. From assessment to go-live and beyond, our team is here to support your success.
Download our EHR Migration Readiness Checklist today and take the first step toward building a stronger digital future for your organization.
