5 Reasons Why a One-Size-Fits-All EHR Won’t Fit You

Highlights

• Many healthcare providers are unsatisfied with one-size-fits-all EHR systems, highlighting the need for more specialized solutions.
• Workflow inefficiencies are a common problem with generic EHRs, especially for specialized medical practices like chiropractors.
• Limited reporting features in generic EHRs can prevent data-driven decision-making and limit practice growth.
• Specialized EHR solution ChiroTouch offers targeted features that can improve practice efficiency and patient care.

If you’ve been using a one-size-fits-all EHR for your chiropractic practice, it might be time to consider a new solution. Chiropractic care has specific needs — from specialized treatments to unique billing codes — that many generalized EHR systems simply can’t handle.

Traditionally, the chiropractic industry has been slow to adopt new technology, but the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made EHR adoption necessary.

Since then, practices have been mandated to store patient data electronically. Many practices didn’t take the time to fully investigate their EHR options and settled for a generic EHR that isn’t doing a great job that meets the specialized needs of chiropractic care.

Whether documenting spinal adjustments or crafting long-term wellness plans, your practice deserves a tailored EHR that improves workflow and enhances patient care. A specialized EHR might just be the essential upgrade your chiropractic office needs.

1. Lack of Specialized Features

Implementing an EHR system can be challenging, particularly for specialized medical practices. A 2022 study found that only 47% of physicians at university teaching hospitals were satisfied with EHR-enabled quality of care.When it comes to functionality, just 41% reported that they were satisfied with their EHR system, and for expected external integration, the satisfaction rate plummeted to 21%. These figures indicate a broader trend of dissatisfaction among specialty practitioners such as chiropractors.Chiropractors need specific features like tailored charting templates, SOAP notes capabilities, and specialized billing codes. Generic EHRs often don’t provide these features, leading to documentation inefficiencies and potential errors in patient care.

2. Inefficient Workflow

If you’re in the chiropractic field, you know that your practice has unique workflow needs, from patient check-in to billing.

Using a generic EHR system can lead to inefficiencies that eat into your time and result in errors and lost revenue. Unfortunately, workflow disruptions and decreased time efficiency are frequently reported adverse consequences by EHR end users.

The following is a quick breakdown of how a generic EHR can affect different aspects of a chiropractic practice workflow:

• Patient check-in and out. Standard EHR systems might lack support for recurring appointment scheduling common in chiropractic care.
• Treatment plans. Specialized plans that include specific adjustments and exercises are the norm, but generic EHRs may not offer the flexibility to update these easily.
• Documentation. Your practice needs the capability for fast, detailed SOAP notes and descriptions of specific chiropractic adjustments, which generic EHRs might not support.
• Billing. Chiropractic billing involves specialized codes that may not be readily available in a generic EHR. This can slow the billing and insurance claims process and increase the risk of errors.
• Patient education. Generic EHRs might lack the capacity to store and share educational materials, such as printable pamphlets or email campaigns, crucial for patient care in a chiropractic setting.

A 2021 study indicates that 13% to 20.5% of clinicians use basic EHRs with minimal features not designed explicitly for their practice. While many may want to transition to a more advanced EHR, several factors stop full EHR adoption, including cost, lack of funding, and privacy concerns. However, the study reveals that most clinician resistance stems from worries about how a new EHR will affect routine workflow.

Ultimately, while cost and privacy issues can be barriers with some EHRs, addressing the specific needs of your chiropractic practice through a specialized EHR can positively impact workflow efficiency and patient care.

3. Need to Use Multiple Disconnected Systems

Navigating a labyrinth of disconnected apps and programs is a daily struggle for many chiropractors who haven't yet made the switch to an integrated system. These patchwork solutions might seem functional at first glance, but they come with hidden costs.

Data inconsistency is a frequent issue, as updating patient information in one system doesn't automatically reflect across all platforms.

Each separate system requires its own login, user interface, and set of procedures, effectively fragmenting your workflow. This not only consumes valuable time but also increases the likelihood of errors — inconsistencies in patient care, billing discrepancies, and even compliance issues, potentially putting your practice at risk.

Using multiple, disconnected systems essentially creates a domino effect of complications that can affect every aspect of your practice — from administrative tasks to the quality of patient care. The disjointed experience can become a constant source of stress and inefficiency, holding back your practice from reaching its full potential.

4. Limited Reporting and Analytics

Limited reporting and analytics can be a stumbling block for chiropractors relying on generic EHR systems. You need to track patient outcomes, treatment plans, and how well the business side is doing to make crucial decisions for the growth of your business.

But what if your generic EHR isn’t up to the task?

Lack of reporting and analytics functions can mean manually collecting data and generating reports. This time-consuming practice can eat into the time spent on your patients and building your business.

When generic EHRs fall short of delivering the specific types of reports you need, from payment reports to appointment summaries, it slows down data-driven decision-making. This means you’re in the dark when evaluating your practice’s performance.

You need a chiropractic-specific EHR that offers powerful reporting and analytics features. These specialized systems empower you to dig into your data, better understand the strengths and weaknesses of your practice’s operation, and ultimately, make informed decisions based on accurate data.

5. Training and Usability Issues

Navigating generic EHRs can feel like a puzzle for chiropractors because they’re not built with the unique demands of chiropractic clinics in mind. Implementation often results in longer training periods and a steeper learning curve.

A 2020 scoping review found that nearly 71% of physicians in a survey perceived an increased time spent on documentation during the EHR adoption phase, largely due to usability challenges.

Specialized chiropractic EHR systems like ChiroTouch are engineered for the specific needs of your practice. They offer intuitive interfaces and workflows to reduce your training time and quickly get your team up to speed.

These features support improved productivity and a smoother, more efficient practice. How you use your time directly impacts the profitability of your practice. Opting for a chiropractic-specific EHR can make a difference in your day-to-day operations and lead to optimized revenue.

How ChiroTouch Satisfies the Specialized Needs of Chiropractors

Unlike generic EHR systems, ChiroTouch is designed by chiropractors for chiropractors. ChiroTouch’s chiropractic EHR offers a range of plans and features to optimize your practice. ChiroTouch can meet the needs of your practice with the following features and capabilities:

Specialized Features

ChiroTouch offers features specifically designed for chiropractic practices. These include HIPAA-compliant SOAP notes in 20 seconds and integrated payment processing with credit and debit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay options. ChiroTouch Advanced also offers simplified insurance claims management that achieves up to a 98.06% payer acceptance rate.

Efficient Workflow

ChiroTouch is designed to support the unique workflows of chiropractic practices. With ancillary features like CT InForms and CT MaxClear, it offers seamless patient workflow from check-in to check-out, billing to claims, and scheduling to follow-up.

Comprehensive Reporting

ChiroTouch provides cloud analytics and practice performance reporting, allowing chiropractors to track key metrics and make data-driven decisions. The system provides comprehensive end-of-day (EOD) reports, including an overall summary, appointment report, and transaction report.

Efficient reporting enables easy access to documents in case of an audit.

Ease of Use

ChiroTouch is easy to learn and use. Its in-app guidance provides support when and where you need it, ensuring you and your staff can get up and running efficiently. Users also gain access to an extensive selection of how-to videos, articles, and webinars to help you maximize the benefits of using ChiroTouch for your practice.

Seamless Integration

ChiroTouch is a completely integrated software system offering one seamless, end-to-end experience. It integrates with specialized equipment, practice management software, patient communication tools, billing and insurance claims systems, and reporting and analytics tools.

Regulatory Compliance

ChiroTouch helps chiropractors meet regulatory compliance requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and helping to ensure the practice operates within legal guidelines. ChiroTouch’s SOAP notes and customizable macros speed up and standardize recordkeeping for accurate, CMS-compliant documentation.

Cost-Effectiveness

ChiroTouch offers different plans, including ChiroTouch Core for small and cash-based practices and ChiroTouch Advanced for insurance practices, as well as optional ancillary programs to suit the needs and budgets of all types of practices. This makes ChiroTouch a cost-effective solution for chiropractic practices of all sizes — and you only pay for what you need.

Support Your Chiropractic Practice With ChiroTouch

ChiroTouch’s specialized practice management software addresses the needs and workflows of chiropractic practices, from streamlined patient management to in-depth reporting.

Tired of wasting time with repetitive tasks and workarounds to get your software to meet your needs? With a focus on ease of use, compliance, and efficient workflows, switching to a chiropractic-specific EHR can transform your business.

You can count on ChiroTouch to provide a tailored solution for your practice.