Personalization is critical when choosing the right physical therapy documentation or EMR for your practice.
Nitin Chhoda discusses the importance of personalization and customization in the physical therapy documentation process, and how it should affect your selection of a physical therapy EMR.
The best limbo dancers are extremely flexible and that same quality is essential in a physical therapy documentation system.
The majority of EMRs were developed and written with a specific user in mind, from hospitals and physicians to surgeons.
EMRs reflect the reasoning of the creator rather than the end user. It’s essential to select an EMR developed by or for a physical therapy practice to ensure the EMR doesn’t begin dictating how the clinic conducts business.
Selecting the Best Physical Therapy Documentation System
When selecting a physical therapy documentation system, the two key factors are flexibility and control. The system must offer the flexibility to meet the individual needs of the practice for the present and the future.
Therapists must be able to control every aspect of the physical therapy documentation process without interference from the EMR. Documentation software provides the means to achieve a more efficient and profitable practice.
It should never intrude on or force therapists to compromise on the way they operate their business.
Have an Effective EMR
Many EMRs look and sound good in theory, but ignore the practical concerns of the clinical environment. Physical therapy practices vary widely in the services offered, professional experience and work environment and an EMR must be able to adapt to the diverse needs of the individual practice.
A good physical therapy documentation system offers additional options as needed to grow with the practice.
An effective EMR integrates easily with existing office systems to expedite physical therapy documentation of patient records, enhance marketing endeavors, and provide patient portals for additional functionality. EMRs automate many of the time consuming tasks typically handled by staff members, freeing them to engage in pursuits that promote the clinic, acquire new patients, and increase the level of the practice’s customer care.
Customized Pattern
The ability to create customized templates, without restriction, that accurately reflects the services and treatment options of the individual practice is essential. Therapists should be able to create their own templates, without hiring a tech specialist to navigate the system.
Not all patients respond the same way to treatment, requiring therapists to be creative to achieve the best results for the client. Any EMR should include the ability to combine any number of physical therapy documentation services and bill accordingly.
Reimbursements
Physical therapy documentation, billing and coding options specifically designed for use by therapists help navigate the increasingly complex requirements for reimbursements.
The ability to submit claims electronically should be a function of physical therapy documentation software.
Reimbursements are received quicker and additional information and clarification can be accomplished almost immediately. EMRs also allow therapists to work with an extensive number of payers for the best reimbursements.
As more complex and innovative treatments are developed, physical therapy documentation must be able to change and evolve to meet the needs of practices.
Flexibility in all facets of EMR software is needed, from time stamps to avoid legal issues to the ability to create custom forms that reflect the special requirements associated with physical therapy clinics. Both web-based and server-based EMRs are available, but the key to successful implementation is always the ultimate flexibility of the selected software and its ability to facilitate clinic expansion and profitability.