Paperless Solutions

So many chiropractors find themselves ensnared in software that never seems to evolve or advance. When a software company makes that initial sale they really don’t have any incentive to continue to develop the product to match your changing needs. That’s a downfall of buying a system verse a lease to own with a support package. Often you’re left to work things out yourself, they’re satisfied to have sold you software. That’s ok if your computer savvy and have all the time in the world but as chiropractors we are trained to correct spinal subluxations not computer and software subluxations. A company that is geared towards customer service will have a brilliant training program and follow up. You should also be provided with ongoing training very much like a lunch and learn program.

 This leads to the next question: How often is your software providing new releases? Maybe you have a software system that has a new version every year and it’s simply to fix problems and add minor improvements. You may decide not to update, those enhancements might even create havoc with the current way you use the system. There are several reasons why a company creates updates: 

1. To entice you to purchase upgrades

2. To solve problems

3. To add enhancements

Make sure you look for a software system that includes all your releases and has a concrete programming schedule. Put simply, they know where they’re going and how to get there.

 The hallmark of efficient software is one that is constantly growing, offering new products and web services to meet the demands of growing companies. We need to change and adapt to new technology if we want to remain viable in this economy. Patients are expecting more and if you don’t provide it someone else down the street will meet those expectations. The software system you are using can make or break the patient’s perception in your office. Do you want to be thought of as old school or new school?

If your current software is meeting your needs and keeping up with all the available web services and advanced features then great. What happens when they’re not keeping up with new technology and you want to advance?

Unfortunately so many office settle for second best simply because their afraid to change or disrupt the office. What should you do and what are your options for making that change? 

Locate a business that will provide you with a data conversion for your current system. Is that possible and do companies provide that type of service? From experience I can tell you that very few organizations provide a data conversion and if they do it is very limited. If a conversion is possible ask them in advance what to expect from the conversion. It will require a larger investment in time on their part and your cooperation if they haven’t previously converted your system. You won’t know how much data is going to be converted until you receive the final result. Since your treading into the unknown ask for previous conversion referrals.

Be prepared to hear one of these four common reasons, if they don’t provide a conversion.

1.      Your current system is so outdated we can’t possibly retrieve any info.

2.      Your current system might be damaged and we don’t want to transfer corrupt data.

3.      Your records base is protected and we can’t access the database

4.      We simply don’t provide database conversions

If the company you’re looking at states any of the four above reasons what is your alternative? If you decide to go with this company you will be required to manually enter all your current patients’ demographic information, appointments, charges and insurance data into the new software. Can you anticipate) the hundreds of hours of work this will create for you and your staff. You risk the chance of frustrating and losing your staff along with some patients as well. 

Or you can find a software company that is prepared to take the time to look at your information and give you some help. A world class team will be able to analyze your database and give you feedback regarding the amount of information that can be transferred. In many cases they should be able to transfer all your information saving you lots of hours of work and thousands of dollars of information entry.

Don’t forget there are many options. The quality of support you receive moving your information and the standard of training you receive will certainly represent the level of support you can expect in the future.