Physical Therapy Software: The Benefits of EMR in a Physical Therapy Private Practice

Physical Therapy Software: The Benefits of EMR in a Physical Therapy Private Practice

by | Jan 8, 2017 | Electronic Medical Records, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are becoming a commonplace in all private practices. Nitin Chhoda shares the benefits of using EMR, how to find the right one that can save time, improve quality of patient care and help the practice owner live a life of freedom and independence.

physical therapy software documentationMuch has been written about the benefits of physical therapy software automation, but the advantages extend far beyond savings and increased efficiency for private practice owners.

Electronic medical records (EMRs) provide the technology for patients and therapists to connect and manage care no matter where they travel.

Veteran’s hospitals have been using a form of EMR for years to coordinate patient care more effectively and physical therapy practices can now share in the bounty.

The Advantages of EMR

EMRs offer electronic billing options that can make the difference between a practice thriving or simply surviving. Therapists will see a quicker return on reimbursements for greater cash flow with electronic billing, allowing them to manage their clinics with greater physical therapy software accuracy and profitability.

Practice owners can easily ascertain where the bulk of their revenues are originating, allowing them to contract with the best payers.

While the majority of physical therapists won’t see a natural disaster on the scale of raging wildfires, deadly twisters or Hurricane Katrina, all those events amply demonstrate the need for physical therapy software automation. There’s no need to rely on a patient’s traumatized memory to recall injuries, medications and past procedures.

EMRs can be used to access essential health information from anywhere an Internet connection is available. They effectively speak for patients when they’re unable to communicate for themselves.

EMRs provide continuity of physical therapy software service in the event that a therapist retires, moves or dies. Paper records can become lost, misplaced or destroyed, but electronic data provides a permanent record that can be accessed anytime.

More Benefits of EMR Defined

An EMR patient portal gives clients access to their personal health records and test results, allowing physical therapy software clients to take a more active role in their health care.

Therapists that employ an EMR will quickly discover the savings available with physical therapy software automation. They save on paper and folders, space requirements for housing reams of documents, and the time necessary for staff to file them. EMRs can be established to operate from laptops or tablets for maximum efficiency.

Cloud-based EMRs enable multiple healthcare providers to view a patient’s record at the same time for coordination of care. An EMR for physical therapy software can be used for educational purposes to explain procedures and impress upon clients the importance of their treatment and the intricacies of their condition.

Prescriptions and refills can be submitted online, appointments scheduled and forms completed.

Automation Can Save You Time

Physical therapy software automates many of the tasks that can take hours to complete by hand. Therapists can include notes within the EMR, eliminating the need to decipher handwritten notations made on the fly, reducing the possibility of errors, reimbursement denials and paybacks.

physical therapy software EMREMRs integrate easily with existing office systems for communications and marketing, including Clinical Contact and Therapy Newsletter.

Physical therapy automation software streamlines office processes and procedures, allowing practice owners to offer an elevated level of care and access to patients.

The adoption of an integrated tablet-based EMR will make physical therapy practices more efficient and profitable. They open up numerous possibilities for the future, from online diagnostic software to specialized apps.

Physical therapy software automation will facilitate research and collaboration among professionals. EMRs are setting the standard for a new age of patient care and the way medicine is practiced.

Physical Therapy Software: Adoption of an Integrated Tablet-Based EMR in Your Practice

Physical Therapy Software: Adoption of an Integrated Tablet-Based EMR in Your Practice

by | Nov 28, 2016 | Electronic Medical Records, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software

It’s not enough for an EMR to be web-based, it needs to be tablet-based. Although the two terms seem synonymous, Nitin Chhoda explains the important difference between the two, and what it means to your practice.

physical therapy billing softwareAdopting an EMR is beneficial for patients and physical therapists, but simply collecting information without being able to share among medical professionals defeats the spirit and purpose of physical therapy software automation.

The American Physical Therapy Association has set forth a vision that allows therapists to treat clients across multiple health care settings and a tablet-based EMR will help make that goal a reality.

What is a Web-Based EMR?

A web-based physical therapy software EMR enables therapists to document patient visits, add notes and create billing, all in the moment. There’s no need to go back later to enter data or decipher hastily scribbled notations.

Records are secure, yet available to multiple providers at the same time to better coordinate treatment. EMRs can scan, digitize and sort information much faster than staff. Documents, photos, test results and x-rays are easily added to become part of the patient’s permanent health record.

Why Web-Based EMR?

Web-based physical therapy software EMRs allow for real time communication between medical professionals when consultations are required, using traditional email, video, podcasts and Skype. Patient information can be retrieved from any location equipped with an Internet connection, an important feature for the future of physical therapy. It’s an essential function for therapists that provide treatment outside the clinical setting.

A web-based EMR increases access to physical therapy services in venues ranging from home visits and senior centers to spas and corporate wellness programs.

Physical therapy software and practices are evolving in how they deliver services and EMRs will play a key role.

Integrating Web-Based EMR to a Tablet Device

Physical therapy software automation can be deployed from a variety of tablet devices, offering a lightweight and portable solution. Touchscreen interfaces allow therapists to enter data efficiently to reduce errors and reimbursement denials.

Custom forms can be developed to fit the needs of individual clinics. There’s no need for practice owners to install, maintain or host software systems on-site with a web-based system. Authorized users simply log in and access the required data.

Tablet-Based EMR Is Flexible

physical therapy software documentationThe flexibility of tablet-based EMR systems allows therapists to integrate them easily with existing physical therapy software for additional value. They facilitate communications between patients and therapists.

In the office, tablet-based systems enable therapists to utilize photos and videos to help educate patients about their conditions and treatments.

Therapists can access any number of websites for information helpful for patients and make copies of pertinent information for clients to take with them.

Physical Therapy Software: EMR Adoption, Selection and Implementation Checklist

Physical Therapy Software: EMR Adoption, Selection and Implementation Checklist

by | Nov 25, 2016 | Electronic Medical Records, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software

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.

physical therapy software reviewsAdoption 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

physical therapy scheduling softwareHow 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.

Physical Therapy Documentation: Distinctions Between Web-Based Versus Server-Based EMR Systems

Physical Therapy Documentation: Distinctions Between Web-Based Versus Server-Based EMR Systems

by | Nov 2, 2016 | Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Management, Physical Therapy Software

Web-based and server-based EMR systems are the two options in physical therapy documentation software. Nitin Chhoda discussess the advantages and disadvantages of both options and helps you decide which type of EMR is best for you.

physical therapy documentation professionalsThere’s been a lot of confusion and indecision among physical therapists about which type of EMR to implement.

Therapists can choose from a web-based or server-based EMR. Both can be pricy, but practice owners should be aware that there are free EMR physical therapy documentation software programs available.

They’re customizable, created by and for physical therapists, and feature an array of the most highly sought functionalities by clinic owners.

Whether web-based or server-based, physical therapy documentation software purchased from a vendor can be extremely expensive and require exorbitant monthly fees to pay for the vendor’s sophisticated and extensive data center.

Server-Based Versus Web-Based

A server-based system is housed on-site at the clinic. It doesn’t rely upon an Internet connection to access data, but remote access can be limited, necessitating establishment of an expensive WAN network.

A web-based physical therapy documentation system is hosted by a vendor and information can be accessed anywhere in the world where an Internet connection is available.

With a server-based system, therapists have more control of the overall data within the physical therapy documentation system. But with that control comes all the responsibility and cost of updating servers, backing up data, ensuring the security of patient information and remaining in compliance.

The cost of maintaining databases, workstation and networking within the office is also at the discretion of the clinic owner.

A web-based EMR dramatically reduces the cost of set up, maintenance, upgrades and IT support. Physical therapy documentation training is provided and a higher level of security can be achieved.

physical therapy documentation templatesA high-speed Internet connection will be required for both options, but with a server-based EMR, connectivity is confined to the speed of hospitals, labs and other professionals with which the practice is communicating.

Connectivity Interval

Either physical therapy documentation system can be affected by lag and latency during peak “rush hours” online when students arrive home to visit on Facebook and view YouTube videos.

Customization of forms and documents is an essential feature of any EMR and a server-based system can allow for extensive changes and customization of processes to meet the individual needs of a practice.

Many web-based EMRs type of physical therapy documentation aren’t conducive to changes or customization. They can intrude upon and affect the way therapists operate their clinics, making it imperative to implement an EMR specifically designed for physical therapy practices.

Weighing Your Practice Needs Are Very Important

Both server-based and web-based physical therapy documentation systems encompass a variety of features beneficial to a practice. Clinic owners must weigh the advantages of maintaining control over their EMR with shouldering the entire burden of cost and security.

Those who opt for a web-based EMR enjoy training, enhanced security and anywhere access, but speed can be limited during peak usage hours and by the abilities of connected EMRs. Confusion over the type of EMR to deploy has led many clinic owners to hesitate and delay implementing physical therapy documentation software.

EMRs provide the means to increase the efficiency and profitability of any practice with electronic bill submissions and marketing analytics.

Both types of EMRs also support patient portals that assist clients in scheduling appointments, requesting refills, viewing test results, and completing forms, encouraging clients to take a more active role in their healthcare.

Physical Therapy Documentation: Streamlining Patient Check-In with Self-Intake Technology

Physical Therapy Documentation: Streamlining Patient Check-In with Self-Intake Technology

by | Oct 24, 2016 | Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Management

The developer of a cutting-edge ‘self intake’ technology designed for portable devices like the iPad, Nitin Chhoda explains how patient check-in can be simplified and automated. This will make your practice significantly more efficient and profitable.

physical therapy documentation software programsStaff members spend a significant amount of time each day scheduling appointments, ensuring medical forms are completed and checking in clients.

A physical therapy documentation system can automate those functions and others, saving time and freeing staff to perform a variety of other tasks.

Self-Intake Technology

A patient portal is perhaps one of the most important features of an EMR, saving time for staff and offering convenience for clients. Self-intake physical therapy documentation technology allows patients to access essential forms to provide their medical history and insurance information long before they visit the office.

The current trend among medical professionals is to encourage patients to take a more active role in their healthcare and an EMR provides the means to accomplish that.

Clients can schedule an initial visit, ongoing treatments and provide referral information. Patients can complete forms online, save them and update information as needed.

Pre-visit registration allows therapists time to examine the data and become familiar with the patient’s condition before they arrive for an appointment. Modern physical therapy documentation also offers staff the means to validate the client’s insurance and available coverage.

Reviewing Treatments Are Easy

Duplication of tests and procedures can delay essential and even life-threatening treatment. Therapists can easily view other treatments, prescriptions and testing that has been completed to expedite procedures to eliminate pain, increase mobility and assist in relaxation.

When testing is necessary, therapists can post test results that patients can access through the patient physical therapy documentation portal with their password-protected account.

physical therapy documentation schedulingA physical therapy documentation system offers clinic owners multiple ways to consult with other medical professionals the client has seen and confer with them to achieve a premium course of treatment.

Instant Communication

Communication is virtually instantaneous, eliminating long waits while written missives are transported through the postal service as in years past. Multiple healthcare providers can access the information at the same time for an increased level of care.

Patient perception is a key element in any practice and practice owners that utilize an EMR are viewed as progressive and innovative type of physical therapy documentation. Therapists using laptops and tablets are perceived as being those that can provide a superior level of treatment.

That patient perception translates into more clients and an EMR streamlines the entire patient referral and check-in process for existing and new clients.

Increase Productivity

Self-intake technology increases the efficiency and productivity of any size practice. It’s a valuable physical therapy documentation tool that assists therapists in meeting meaningful use requirements.

Clients can easily request prescription refills and pay their bills online from the comfort of home, features that are especially helpful for elderly patients and those with disabilities.

An added benefit of implementing an EMR is the ability to capture email, insurance and referral information. Practice owners can collate the data to ascertain the average age of patients, where referrals are originating, and send email or mobile messages to clients.

That information can be used to conduct marketing and physical therapy documentation campaigns that obtain the maximum results. Patient portals streamline many of the processes that are essential to the office, while ensuring that critical client information is obtained.

Self-intake technology allows patients to take a greater role in their healthcare and provides therapists with the tools to provide a better level of service to more patients. Physical therapy documentation systems offer therapists the means to obtain greater control over their practices for better productivity.

Physical Therapy Documentation: Can an EMR Help Improve Business Metrics and Staff Producivity?

Physical Therapy Documentation: Can an EMR Help Improve Business Metrics and Staff Producivity?

by | Oct 17, 2016 | Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Management

As physical therapy documentation, billing and coding becomes more complicated, it becomes more difficult for the practice to monitor revenue and maintain staff productivity.

Nitin Chhoda explains why an EMR should include ‘business metrics’ and ‘clinical timers’ to measure staff productivity in your practice.

physical therapy documentation softwareIt can be difficult for many physical therapists to identify accurately how their practice is faring financially. They know something is amiss, but locating the source of the deficit can be an elusive goal.

With physical therapy documentation software, therapists can contract with the best payers, identify staff members who are stealing time and determine trends in revenue for effective planning.

Once implemented, EMRs can help therapists conduct an operational analysis of their clinic to locate problems, but it’s critical to document problem areas prior to making the transition to an EMR.

Problems Augmented Through EMR

Existing problems can be amplified and it’s essential for therapists to know what they want the EMR to accomplish for their physical therapy documentation process before making a selection. A thorough operational assessment will tell practice owners if they’re exposing themselves to liabilities or missing opportunities.

An analysis will disclose if fees are adequate for the services provided, the labor costs, the productivity of staff, and whether the practice is advancing or stagnating. Current workflows should be examined to determine which EMR will be the least intrusive, while meeting the physical therapy documentation needs and requirements of the individual practice.

EMRs offer clinic owners with numerous tools that can be used to save money and obtain the most lucrative reimbursements. The productivity and financial viability of the practice can be charted in multiple departments, from patient scheduling to billing and collections.

EMR Physical Therapy Documentation

Physical therapy documentation systems can be used to ascertain where the bulk of referrals and revenue are originating, determine the best payers with which to contract, and ascertain the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

Implementation of an EMR in physical therapy documentation is an investment in the health and profitability of the clinic that can demonstrate up to a 73 percent return on investment within the first 12 months.

Practice owners can utilize physical therapy documentation software to streamline all processes within the clinic, and assist therapists in identifying highly sought patient services. New equipment purchases can be planned and services offered to attract and retain patients.

In the current economy, it’s more important than ever for therapists to keep a tight rein on expenses and control the management of their practices. EMRs offer better patient management and flexibility in coding and billing for an optimally funded clinic.

EMR is a Great Tool

physical therapy documentation examples

In addition to offering a more positive patient experience, therapists can utilize EMR technology of physical therapy documentation to plan and initiate marketing strategies and nurture ongoing relationships with patients.

Detailed information can be obtained on a wide range of physical therapy documentation providers to negotiate contracts that maximize cash flow.

Today’s therapists work with an extensive number of payers, from traditional insurance companies to state and federal organizations. An EMR facilitates locating, enrolling and contracting with the best payers.

An EMR isn’t a magical wand that will miraculously transform a flagging practice into an extravagantly successful business, but it does contain all the components needed to build a thriving practice.

EMRs contain the tools to monitor the productivity of staff, discover the best payers and increase the overall productivity and profitability of clinics. A physical therapy documentation system simplifies the process of enrollment with insurance companies to best fund a thriving clinic.