Fig. 1.

PCIP Implementation Timeline and Milestones The EHR project began on the day that the medical practice signed the agreement to join PCIP. Shortly afterwards (generally within 2 weeks), the practice’s stakeholders participated in a teleconference to review and approve a project plan developed by eClinicalWorks and PCIP, and then the EHR implementation was considered to have begun. The PCIP implementation process included: a review of the practice’s current hardware, recommendations for additional hardware and software purchases (including Internet service); review of available IT support and recommendations for IT support services if needed; integration of EHR with an existing project management system (PMS) or import of data from the existing PMS into the EHR; testing of electronic billing with private and public payers; and training (8 hours for every staff member and 16 hours for each healthcare provider). EHR go-live (transition to the EHR by all healthcare providers) was scheduled immediately after training was completed for all staff and providers. The PCIP implementation process did not include the integration of laboratory results delivery interfaces during the time covered in the current study. PCIP staff continued to be involved with the practices after EHR go-live to provide technical support, help with problem tickets, and assist with quality improvement and other initiatives.