The Electronic Medical Record System you choose needs to be able to easily integrate into your office?s workflow. For example, if you do physical exams, x-rays, and other tests in different rooms, you need your EMR to automatically migrate all of the patient?s data so that it is accessible from any computer workstation. The days of manually scanning, uploading, and transferring patient data are over. Therefore, we will begin here with the assumption that all patient records will be easily accessible from one user interface, not multiple software programs for different types of records.

The responsibility to wisely choose an EMR does not end with equipment compatibility. You want to make sure that the EMR you choose will make your life easier, not harder. The daily operations of your chiropractic office should not have to adapt to accommodate a rigid, antiquated EMR. It should be the other way around.

Patient records that have positive findings should automatically be flagged for you?re your attention and your EMR should seek to minimize human error by creating a network of checks and balances. For example, if a patient missed their last appointment and you wanted them to repeat x-rays in the interim, your EMR should trigger a combination of audible and visual notifications so that you don?t begin to manipulate them against your prior treatment plan. You should have all the facts before laying hands on your patients, even those you?ve known for a long time. You can do this more safely and consistently by implementing an EMR System that you can trust will alert you to critical developments.

Your new EMR should be easy for office personnel to learn and use. You don?t want to choose something that will be a burden to those who use it the most. Verify that your EMR will seamlessly integrate patient appointments, reminders, and other scheduling details. Special tests such as arterial and venous Doppler ultrasounds often require that your staff spend time sending out reminders and tracking down results prior to their appointment with you. An EMR System that could integrate automatic emails or phone calls one week prior to an appointment would improve efficiency.