Chiropractic Adjustments

So many chiropractors find themselves ensnared in software that never seems to change or advance. They really don’t have any incentive to continue to develop the product to match your changing needs once a software organization has made that initial sale. That’s a negative 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 aimed 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 upgrades? Maybe you have a software system that has a new version every year and it’s simply to fix problems and add minor improvements. Those modifications might even create problems with the current way you use the system and you may even decide not to update. There are many reasons why a company creates updates: 

1. To entice you to pay for upgrades

2. To solve problems

3. To add enhancements

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

 The hallmark of good software is one that is constantly evolving, providing 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 meet those expectations, someone else down the street will. 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 fantastic. 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 scared to change or disrupt the office. What are your options for making that change and what should you do? 

Locate a company that will provide you with a info 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 records conversion and if they do it is very limited. If a conversion is available ask them in advance what to expect from the conversion. If they haven’t previously converted your system it will require a larger investment in time on their part and your cooperation. Until you receive the final result, you won’t know how much information is going to be converted. 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 offer a conversion.

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      Your current system is so outdated we can’t possibly retrieve any data.

2.      Your current system might be corrupt 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 business 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 data, appointments, charges and insurance records 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 upsetting and losing your staff along with some patients as well. 

Or you can locate a software company that is willing to take the time to look at your records and give you some advice. A world class team will be able to analyze your database and give you feedback regarding the amount of data that can be moved. They should be able to transfer all your records saving you lots of hours of work and thousands of dollars of info entry, in many cases.

Don’t forget there are many options. The type of service you get converting your info and the quality of training you get will certainly show the level of support you can expect in the future.