Conclusion Your client’s goal is to have an efficient and integrated IT system that enhances its ability to deliver quality patient care and otherwise run its business. Counsel’s primary role is to help its client achieve that goal. Communication between counsel and the client’s IT staff will improve the client’s results. While this Member Briefing covered many of the essential issues in IT agreements, there is no substitute for counseling your client prior to the execution of the agreement, advising your client during the term of the agreement, and assisting the client as it transitions to a new vendor. The work required to successfully negotiate IT agreements for your client may seem tedious or even redundant, but the attention you give to the details during negotiations will help avoid unpleasant surprises after the ink is dry on the contract.

When your client's chief executive officer calls you at 10:30 P.M. on a Tuesday with a potential problem, you will be glad that you did all you could to put your client in the best possible position to resolve the problem on favorable terms. Negotiating with Health Care IT Vendors © 2016 is published by the American Health Lawyers Association. All rights reserved.

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