3 ways EMR systems are driving the future of outpatient physical therapy

Finding an EMR software system that works best for your outpatient physical therapy practice is of the utmost importance. These medical record management systems are doing particularly well in outpatient physical therapists’ offices, for a variety of reasons. This kind of information management software has a direct effect on the future of an outpatient physical therapy practice. Below are the ways in which the future of a practice can be impacted by the implementation of an EMR system, like Agile EMR. 

What is an EMR system?

Electronic medical records, also known as EMRs, are digital copies of medical charts. They contain information used by both clinicians and administrative team members for things like diagnosis and treatment. They’re used in a variety of different health facilities like hospitals, clinics and medical offices. The information in an electronic medical record is stored in a computer through software. 

These medical charts contain the same information that regular paper charts do, including particulars about patients like: 

• Medical history. 
• Official diagnoses.
• Immunization history.
• Medication and other allergies. 
• Injury history.
• Medications the patient is taking. 

Electronic medical records are made to be shared only within a practice, but on occasion they may be sent to necessary offices outside the practice. These records help care providers assess and treat patients in an efficient, organized and accurate manner.

How can an EMR system help outpatient physical therapy providers build a better future for themselves and their patients?

An electronic medical record system is a great resource for several reasons. In an outpatient physical therapy provider’s office, the right EMR system can dramatically enhance quality of care. Here are three reasons that electronic medical record systems capabilities are helping outpatient physical therapy providers build better futures for themselves and for their patients, too.

1. An organized outpatient physical therapy practice — The effects of an organized outpatient physical therapy practice can be tremendously positive. This means no more lost files, coffee spills and inaccurate information to bog down your workplace.

2. Patient information security — Having medical information stored on secure, off-site servers promotes the security of a practice’s patient information. Electronic record management decreases the risk of someone’s confidential information being lost or stolen at an office.

3. Cloud-based access — Cloud-based access means that data and information is stored on off-site servers and is available at any time with a stable connection to Wi-Fi. Cloud-based software makes information storage more compact and small-space friendly. Also, in the event that a practice were to undergo something like a fire that damages the physical building where the practice is located, a cloud-based EMR system would ensure that no patient files would be destroyed.

Why should you use an EMR system?

• Easier scheduling — Patients can receive more immediate care through simplified scheduling. With some kinds of software, patients can make their own appointments through online portals, making scheduling easier for administrative staff and for patients in need of care. 

• Cost-effectiveness — An EMR system can be a cost-effective means of organization for a practice and can minimize unnecessary expenses.

• Coordinated care efforts — Outpatient physical therapy offices will often experience an increase in coordination after incorporating an EMR system into their routine. The administrative staff and physical therapists can synchronize their efforts and documentation much easier this way and ultimately better serve their patients.

• Ease of access — With an electronic system, there is less physical space needed for storing data, and information is easier to search for and retrieve.

• Edge over competitors — Utilizing an EMR can help you gain an edge over your practice’s competitors. An effective electronic record management system can help increase workplace productivity, organization and security.

What can an EMR system do?

• Send out reminder alerts — Some types of electronic medical records can schedule reminder alerts for providers so that they appear during or after an appointment. This feature helps with administrative processes and during outpatient physical therapy sessions.

• Better organize data — An effective EMR system is intended to better organize a practice’s data. When compared side by side with paper data organization, the electronic management system is considerably more efficiently arranged.

• Conduct data analysis for research and patient care — Using an electronic record management software allows health care providers to easily compile and analyze data for research as well as appropriate patient care.

• Prompt for extra information — This software can help enrich a patient’s care chart and incorporate information that a care provider might have forgotten to inquire about during an appointment. 

• Share information with other health care facilities — Most electronic medical record systems allow for providers to send patient charts and data to labs and even specialists for referrals.

• Mobilize information — With a system like this implemented into an outpatient physical therapy practice, if a patient were to be referred to a different practice or if they were to move to another state, their medical records stored in a cloud-based system would follow them.

Why choose Agile EMR software?

Agile EMR is a user-friendly platform for workflow management designed for physical therapists, by physical therapists. Our electronic medical record system is cloud based, which means that records are stored on off-site servers, accessible with Wi-Fi connection at any time. Our software solution is made for enhancing clinical and administrative procedures by helping outpatient physical therapy practices to:

• Manage workflow for clinicians and the administrative team.

• Schedule appointments for patients on the calendar.

• Access customizable templates for documentation.

• Store patients’ health details.

• Maintain treatment logs.

• Record notes in subjective, objective, assessment and plan (SOAP) format.

• Manage referrals.

• Streamline billing.

• Ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Learn more about Agile EMR

Interested in learning more about how Agile EMR’s system capabilities can help outpatient physical therapy providers build a better future for their teams and for their patients? Our foundational electronic medical record software system offers a variety of benefits for health care workers and patients alike. 

In 2021, we were selected as Software Advice’s most recommended medical software of the year. Our software system is a clinician favorite and is supported by over a dozen clinicians, directors and managers. 

Still not convinced? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule a demo to see Agile EMR’s capabilities for yourself.