Chhoda Shares Important Checklist That Clinicians Should Have When Choosing the Best EMR in Their Practice
Denville, NJ (PRWEB) August 30, 2013 -- "Evaluating your practice and deciding exactly what it is that you want the EMR to accomplish before beginning the selection process is very important. Make sure to form a team that will assess each EMR that is presented. Adopt an EMR that’s specifically designed for a physical therapy practice. Don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all solution. It won’t benefit the practice and you’ll only be setting yourself up for a disaster down the road," said Chhoda.
Chhoda is one of the first in the nation to begin utilizing EMR technology. He said that the process of evaluating an EMR can be exhausting, while actual adoption of the system can be a frightening experience for many. To help practitioners make the transition process as easy as possible, Chhoda’s shares the following pointers and new tips for EMR success.
• Customization. Each clinic has its own unique needs and an EMR should have the ability to create custom documents and templates to accommodate the practice. It should also be able to scan and import paper notes and documents.
• Privacy and Security. HIPAA compliance and security measures are critical to ensure complete patient anonymity and to avoid fines, along with civil and criminal penalties.
• Web-based Manageability. Although physical therapy clinics offer services at the office, they also expanded into other areas that include corporate wellness programs, senior centers and in-home options. A web-based EMR can be implemented on tablet technology and accessed anywhere an Internet connection is available.
• Electronic Physical Therapy Billing. An EMR system offers an extensive array of coding options and the ability to submit reimbursement claims electronically is essential to decrease turnaround times on payments and increase the clinic’s cash flow. Claims can be automated and sent individually or as batch files at specific times.
• Communication. The ability to consult with medical professionals, send prescriptions to pharmacies, contact hospitals and order testing at lab facilities electronically is an invaluable tool for patient protection and expediting treatments.
• Online Teaching. Staff must be taught to use the new technology and online training allows them to learn whenever and wherever it’s convenient for faster implementation.
• Patient Portal. The patient portal in an EMR allows clients to complete health histories, schedule appointments, view test results and request medication refills. Clinics can obtain insurance information for verification and contact patients if there’s a discrepancy before the appointment.
• Customer Support. Clinicians should have access to 24/7 support for their EMR software, automatic updates and backups, and the ability to upgrade as the clinic grows.
The Affordable Health Care Act demands adoption and implementation of an EMR by 2014, as well as meeting meaningful standards. Chhoda’s new checklist helps make the selection and installation of an EMR easier, less frightening and ensure therapists to have the right EMR tools for their practice.
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, +1 (201) 535-4475, [email protected]
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