If you are using, or about to switch to an EMR system, simplicity and portability are essential requirements.

Nitin Chhoda emphasizes the importance of flexibility in your EMR so that it can be used on any device (laptop, PC, iPad, Android device) with an internet connection

EMRConsumers demand portability in the products they purchase to accommodate a mobile lifestyle, and physical therapists should expect the same convenience in their electronic medical records.

EMRs Should Be Flexible

An EMR that doesn’t offer flexibility and portability is even worse than being chained to a bulky computer and using old-fashioned paper records.

An EMR for physical therapy practices is designed to propel clinicians into the 21st century. That includes the ability to customize as needed and take the system wherever it may be required.

Customization is a key element of an EMR. Physical therapy clinics have their own particular documentation needs and requirements, and an EMR should reflect that.

It should be easy to create custom documents that fit into the clinic’s normal workflow, along with other environments that includes billing and coding, patient communications, and registration. Like a one-size-fits-all garment, a general EMR may work for some clinicians, but it will lack critical features and disrupt the productivity and efficiency of every department.

HIPAA Compliant

Maintaining HIPAA compliance can also be a problem. Some clinicians have encountered difficulty with phrasing that prompts the system to produce unwanted results and is counter intuitive to providing care.

Charting a patient’s care, treatment and results shouldn’t require a call to tech support, and many EMR vendors that claim the ability for complete customization have a very strange idea of what customization entails.

EMR customization should reflect the way patients are seen and the way therapists practice their profession. It should import, export, store, save and organize data in standard document formats.

EMR solutionPortability is key when implementing an integrated EMR system and it should be compatible with tablet technology, allowing clinicians to take advantage of a wide range of revenue opportunities.

EMR Transition

An EMR should transition easily from the exam room to the billing department with equal ease.

Therapists provide a wide array of occupational, therapeutic, sensory and sports related services.

There is also a wealth of additional opportunities available to enterprising practice owners in the form of corporate wellness programs, senior citizen facilities, in-home care and even spas.

A portable EMR can be accessed from any location where an Internet connection exists, allowing clinicians to take their tablet on the road to a wide range of far flung venues.

Most patients think in terms of rehabilitation when physical therapy is mentioned, but the importance of therapeutic massage is gaining traction with clients. Spas and health clubs are just some of the businesses that are contracting with professional therapists to offer those services to their clients.

Portability is Always Important

A portable EMR system provides the means to capitalize on those opportunities with complete evaluations, documentation, insurance information and billing from any location.

Therapists provide essential services to assist their patients maintain or regain mobility, end pain and enhance quality of life. A portable and customizable EMR allows clinicians to accomplish those goals through increased efficiency and productivity.

An integrated EMR system will play a growing role in how therapists practice their profession, deliver services and interact with patients. It’s essential that a clinic’s EMR provide the ability to grow with the practice, while allowing clinicians to take advantage of the many income opportunities available.