Diagnosis: Computerized order entry
• Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) is a highly desirable component of electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• CPOE allows for enhancements that can influence laboratory orders such as decision support, alerts, and reminders.
• Implementing CPOE requires support at the highest level of administration and the information technology partners, as well as the laboratory director and staff.
• CPOE can be added to an existing EHR system or the entire EHR can be replaced with a new EHR that has CPOE capability.
• Although adding CPOE to an existing system is faster with less disruption to the organization, it may limit the number of enhancements that are available and may not even meet the minimal requirements for the institution. Purchasing a new EHR system with CPOE will likely have greater cost of implementation, more disruption of operations, and take more time.
