4 Benefits of Implementing an EHR

Implementing an EHR refers to integrating a software-based component or services into a chiropractor’s workflow. That involves setting up steps for planning and carrying out the software integration.

This guide describes how to implement an EHR from scratch, what it’s like switching to a new EHR from an old one, and why chiropractors need to know this information.

How to Implement an EHR from Scratch

When looking at the process from this perspective, chiropractors need to take a phased approach when implementing an EHR from scratch.

Appoint a team

This step involves sourcing, appointing, and organizing a team of individuals responsible for handling the EHR selection.

Gather requirements

During this step, the team that you appoint is responsible for determining which features and functions the EHR must include.

Research vendors and requests-for-proposal submissions

Here, your team researches the best EHR vendors and submits requests for proposals (RFPs). These enable the prospective vendors to outline what features and solutions are available.

Evaluate

Once the RFPs come in, it’s time for evaluations. That involves creating a shortlist of vendors with the features and benefits that your practice needs. For example, with ChiroSpring, those features could include:

• Online scheduling
• Appointment reminders
• Online intake
• SOAP notes
• Billing
• Integrated payments

Request demos

During this phase, vendors will offer product demonstrations. These could include a video demonstration or scheduling a demo with a specialist.

Select a vendor

Once your team selects a vendor, the next step is contract negotiation. After that, it’s time for the actual EHR implementation.

Go live: Planning and preparation

This last step involves your team and the vendor working together regarding software planning and deployment. This step also includes setting up staff training.

How to Switch to a New EHR

If you’re unhappy with your current setup, here are a few steps to follow for switching to a new EHR solution.

Choose an EHR that’s capable of growing with your practice

Transitioning to a new EHR means selecting one that meets your current needs and has features that you’ll need in the future. It also means working with a trusted vendor that can help you determine what you’ll need as your practice grows.

Research the data transfer and mitigation process

Transferring the data that you already have must be seamless when transitioning to a new EHR. Speak to vendors on your shortlist to determine what measures must occur beforehand to mitigate data transfer issues.

Identify long-term maintenance and support

Maintenance and support are critical when switching to a new EHR. You want to ensure that you have the support that you need if an issue occurs. Regarding maintenance, choosing a cloud-based solution like ChiroSpring means data backs up automatically every twenty-four hours, and you’ll always have the latest version.

Create an implementation timeline

Implementation takes time, including ensuring that your staff has adequate training. For example, when slow times are in your practice’s schedule, that’s the optimal time for staff training and transition. Ideally, creating an implementation timeline includes reviewing your records and pinpointing when things slow down to ensure the best timeframe for switching.

What Are the Benefits of EHR Implementation?

The answer to this question involves looking at a solution’s software benefits. For example, ChiroSpring’s software has online scheduling, appointment reminders, SOAP notes, streamlined billing processes, and integrated payment solutions.

Four key benefits of implementing an EHR are as follows.

1. Cloud-based software

In addition to backing data up and pushing software updates automatically, cloud-based software can enable office chiropractors to run multiple practices from a single location.

2. Increased revenue and maximized ROI

Billing and payment tools streamline payment processes, reduce insurance claim rejection rates, and help speed up insurance reimbursements without delayed claims. That enables practices to scale to larger patient bases more easily, which in turn, maximizes ROI.

3. Streamlined processes

Since there’s no need to enter data more than once, you can reduce back-office tasks, streamline billing processes, and reduce the workforce. Improving efficiency and productivity is an excellent way of reducing your practice’s non-clinical labor costs.

4. Paperless freedom

Enjoying paperless freedom means practices are spending less time filling out and filing forms. Chiropractors and staff don’t have to worry about retrieving files, potentially losing files, or having cluttered offices.

The Benefits of Implementing an EHR

Understanding the benefits of implementing an EHR involves looking at the situation from more than one perspective: are you starting from scratch or switching to a new one? Identifying those differences can help you understand the benefits of EHR implementation.

ChiroSpring is an all-in-one practice management and EHR system built specifically for chiropractors to help them regain face-time with patients, spend less time on back-office tasks, maintain a limited staff, and save operational costs.

To see how ChiroSpring can help you simplify how you manage your practice, reach out to one of our specialists today!