Another major challenge facing medical practice managers? Selecting and implementing an EHR.

For the second year in a row, that item ranked No. 3 in MGMA’s member survey of the top challenges of running a group practice. Nearly 60 percent of respondents said it was a “considerable or extreme challenge,” which is close to last year’s response. (EHR concerns came in after dealing with rising operating costs and managing finances with the uncertainty of the Medicare rates, which is perhaps not surprising.)

But in 2008, 72 percent said EHR implementation was an extreme challenge, ranking it as No. 1. Now, the fact costs and uncertain Medicare rates bumped it out of the top spot is likely a reflection of the frustration over unpredictable Medicare rates (and Congress’ inaction to fix them). Is there something else happening here?