Nitin Chhoda reveals the key factors to consider before adopting and implementing an EMR system in your practice with a simple, easy to follow blueprint.
Adoption of a physical therapy software like EMR shouldn’t be done in haste or therapists may find themselves repenting at leisure and regretting their choice of an EMR.
There are literally hundreds of physical therapy software EMR systems, most of which are designed with hospitals and physicians as the primary users.
Make Your Physical Therapy Software Unique
Physical therapy practices have unique needs and it’s imperative that therapists implement an EMR specifically developed for a physical therapy practice.
Before selecting any physical therapy software for EMR, therapists must first define their individual needs, decide what they want a physical therapy software system to accomplish, and determine how their requirements may change in the future.
Therapists should utilize due diligence and thoroughly research the EMR systems they believe best for their practice.
Checklist for EMR Selection
The following is a checklist of features clinic owners should look for in an EMR for maximum efficiency, enhanced patient care and increased practice profitability.
- Created specifically for physical therapy practices;
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface for therapists and staff;
- Patient portal to schedule appointments, complete forms and request information;
- Ability to create and scan in documents, post test results and submit prescriptions;
- Electronic billing;
- Web-based physical therapy software service for access from any location with an Internet connection;
- Accommodates special privacy protections by patients;
- Create printed copies of records when valid requests are received;
- Communicate and share records with other medical professionals when needed;
- Offers password protected access and encryption of data;
- Ability to include notations and create custom forms;
- Integrates with existing office systems;
- Comprehensive physical therapy software back-up options;
- Meets Meaningful Use objectives;
- 24/7 vendor support, updates, bug fixes, staff training, and recovery tools
How An EMR System Can Affect Your Practice
An EMR changes the way staff conduct daily tasks and they’ll need sufficient time to become familiar with the new system, implement modules gradually, but establish a timetable for integration.
It’s helpful to assemble a team to answer questions and offer assistance when problems arise.
Transitioning to any new physical therapy software system will cause some disruptions and delays. Practice owners will need to exercise patience throughout the process and remember that implementing features gradually allows staff to retain more of what they’re learning.
Schedule Staff Training Wisely
It may seem counterproductive, but many practices can benefit from light scheduling during the initial training phase and closing the practice on the day of installation. Begin having staff use the new physical therapy software system as soon as possible and avoid long periods between training sessions.
The adoption, selection and implementation of an EMR can be accomplished smoothly and efficiently with sufficient preparation.
Everyone learns at a different pace and retains knowledge at varying levels. A physical therapy software like EMR provides greater flexibility within all facets of the practice and clinic owners will soon see an increase in productivity.
