Guidance from specialists highlights questions for practices to consider around access, usability, verification, and preservation of historical patient records.
SIOUX FALLS, SD, UNITED STATES, September 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Foxfire Systems Group is offering expert insights urging independent optometry practices to think about data migration early on when weighing a switch to a new electronic health record (EHR) platform. Foxfire emphasizes that any migration strategy should be examined as a core element of the overall decision, given that past patient data needs to stay functional within the practice’s regular clinical and administrative operations.
Data migration involves moving information from one system to another. During an EHR change, the relevant data might cover patient histories, insurance data, exam findings, files, clinical notes, and other details the practice relies on for patient care and daily management. The key issue isn’t just whether records transfer, but how staff will locate, access, and utilize them once the switch is complete.
“Practices should ask for a detailed walkthrough of the migration process before agreeing to a new EHR,” said Korry Petterson, Visionary at Foxfire Systems Group. “They need to know what data will be moved, how it will be arranged in the new system, how it will be verified, and what help is available if problems come up.”
Foxfire’s recommendations encourage practice leaders to start by taking stock of the data and workflows that are critical for everyday patient care and office management. This review can help pinpoint which record types must be ready at go-live, which teams depend on certain information, and where additional checks might be needed after the move.
The company also advises asking prospective EHR vendors how source data will be converted into the new platform. Mapping describes the connection between data fields in the old and new systems. Practices can request specifics on how typical records and files will look after the transition, as well as the steps for spotting any errors before going live.
Verification is another important factor. A practice can decide who will inspect the converted data, which sample records to review, how to log any issues, and who will handle corrections. Setting these steps ahead of time can help define duties across clinical, front-office, billing, and IT teams.
Foxfire also suggests that practices think about scheduling and communication. A transition plan can outline when staff training will take place, when data checks are planned, and what steps to follow if someone needs to find information during the switch. These details can help practices determine if the migration plan fits with their operational needs and rollout timeline.
“Data migration should be viewed as part of being operationally prepared, not as a technical task left for the end,” Petterson said. “A solid plan helps the practice maintain continuity of data and feel assured during the change.”
Foxfire’s public resource, Making the Switch Easy, outlines its guidance on moving patient histories, insurance information, and exam records.
About Foxfire Systems Group
Foxfire Systems Group delivers EHR and practice-management tools for optometry clinics. The company is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For more details, visit the company website.
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