Latest Tips on Implementing EMR System for a Physical Therapy Practice Shared by Licensed Physical Therapist
Denville, NJ (PRWEB) July 17, 2013 -- “Implementation of an EMR system can easily fail without proper planning and foresight. Establishing a step-by-step process provides staff with ample time to learn the software and discover any problem areas before they become a liability,” Chhoda said.
• Flexibility – Any physical therapy management software must allow for customization and future growth. Systems that are developed and created with specifications that are too rigid can prove costly and will be unsuited to the needs of individual practices.
• Software – Choosing a generic physical therapy software program should not be the best choice. Prefer a system that is specific to a physical therapy practice. It will contain the types of records and documentation with which practice owners and staff are familiar, thereby reducing learning time. An occupational therapy software program should be intuitive for individuals to use and not leave them afloat in a sea of unnecessary steps.
• Education – Provide staff with adequate time to familiarize themselves with the system and its capabilities and set realistic goals for completion. EMR system represents a major change in office procedures and workflow. Staff will forget approximately 20 percent of what they’ve learned even just right after extensive training. Continued use is the most effective way to become proficient.
• Management – An EMR can guide users in documentation, but there’s no substitute for having knowledgeable technicians to lead staff through the system and how to use it.
• Integration – Learning a new system is a continuous process. Create standards and goals for staff and hold regular meetings to pinpoint any problems and incorporate new procedures. Physical therapy software systems encompass everything from documentation and billing to scheduling abilities. An EMR system represents a different way of accomplishing the same tasks, but it will take time for everyone to become proficient.
These new tips for implementing an electronic medical records system provides practice owners with essential guidelines that will facilitate the process. It will reduce and can even eliminate many of the problems therapists cite when they begin using an EMR. A physical therapy documentation system is a profound step forward for any practice and with Chhoda’s tips, practices will soon be more efficient, productive and profitable.
Chhoda’s office can be reached by phone at 201-535-4475. For more information, visit the website at http://www.emrnews.com.
About Nitin Chhoda
Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and an entrepreneur. He is the author of "Physical Therapy Marketing For The New Economy" and “Marketing for Physical Therapy Clinics” and is a prolific speaker, writer and creator of products and systems to streamline medical billing and coding, electronic medical records, health care practice management and marketing to increase referrals. He has been featured in numerous industry magazines, major radio and broadcast media, and is the founder of Referral Ignition training systems and the annual Private Practice Summit. Chhoda speaks extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Asia. He is also the creator of the Therapy Newsletter and Clinical Contact, both web-based services to help private practices improve communication with patients, delivery better quality of care and boost patient retention.
Nitin Chhoda, EMR News, http://www.nitin360.com, 201-535-4475, [email protected]
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