Two viewpoints: the preparation of a request for proposal. Viewpoint #1.

The medical record practitioner is often faced with the need to select systems or services. The solicitation of proposals from a variety of vendors/contractors through the use of a Request for Proposal could be a useful mechanism for making such selections. The medical record practitioner will be in a more advantageous position for getting the best price if negotiating with multiple vendors rather than just one vendor. A vendor/contractor who is "bidding" may quote a price much lower than if the vendor/contractor is "selling." Additionally, the medical record practitioner has a better opportunity to select the system or service that is not only the best priced, but also more closely meets the organizational needs.