The Collège des médecins du Québec identifies January 1, 2027 as a transition date for clinical recordkeeping. This does not mean every clinic must replace its EMR. Exceptions and transitional provisions exist. Start with the CMQ’s guidance to check which provisions concern your practice.
The first decision is therefore not which supplier to choose. It is understanding your current situation and the questions that remain unanswered.
1. Establish what you use today
Prepare a simple record: software name, version, supplier, internal owner and current agreement. Consult the official list of certified applications, then ask your supplier for written confirmation concerning your product and version.
Do not stop at a general statement on a marketing page. Keep the response, its date and the supporting documents. An unresolved question should remain visible in your plan.
2. Look at a working day before watching a demo
How does an incoming report reach the right person? Who checks outstanding results? What happens when a physician is away? How does the team retrieve an older note?
Choose three frequent situations and one troublesome exception. Describe the steps, people involved and expected outcome without including patient information.
These become your demonstration scenarios. Ask the supplier to show each one from start to finish. A feature on a checklist does not establish whether it fits the way your clinic works.
3. Ask transition questions before signing
If a change is necessary, clarify at least the following:
- Which data will transfer, in what format and with what limitations?
- How will historical documents remain accessible?
- Who will validate the transfer and correct discrepancies?
- What will the team do during an interruption or delay?
- Who will train physicians, administrative staff and future employees?
- Which charges cover migration, training, support and a possible exit?
Ask for written answers and an owner for each step. A successful demonstration is not a validated migration.
4. Finish with a decision, not just a software shortlist
Your review should lead to one of three directions: retain the current system with documented checks, improve how it is used, or prepare a change with the appropriate providers.
For each open item, record the evidence needed, its owner and the next follow-up date. This small discipline makes the decision easier to explain to the team.
Teché can help clarify requirements, prepare supplier questions and structure a transition plan. Technical migration, hosting and ongoing support must be scoped separately with the relevant providers.
Explore Teché’s EMR selection and transition support.
General information and operational preparation, not legal advice or a compliance attestation. Confirm the requirements for your circumstances with official sources. Do not send patient records through our contact form.
