Investigate funding alternatives to support successful EHR implementation.

National studies show that electronic health record adoption has been sluggish at best, with the two greatest barriers being "fear" (of change) and "funding" (budgets can't accommodate a significant outlay). While change management must be addressed internally, funding assistance is available from a wide range of sources. After conducting a comprehensive cost and return on investment analysis, physician practices must investigate options and determine which ones "match" their needs and priorities best. Among the available sources are grants or support from federal, state, and local governmental entities; private foundations, payors, and pharmaceutical companies; health information technology vendors; and hospitals and health systems. Seven key considerations can guide practices as they evaluate funding sources to ensure their goals can be achieved.