WebPT, Inc.

WebPT is the leading web-based Physical Therapy EMR and documentation system that's easy to use, affordable and great for PTs.

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Benefits of Electronic PT Home Exercise Programs

As a physical therapist, you know the importance of constantly educating your patients about their current exercise program. In many cases, it may be important to supply them with exercises they can do from home. Currently, physical therapists are typing and printing out PT home exercise programs for their patients. However, in today’s digital age, it is much easier to switch to paperless take-home information.

Let’s take a look at a few key benefits of using electronic PT home exercise programs.

Go Paperless. Go Green: By switching to an electronic means of supplying information – perhaps email – you’ll be doing more to protect the environment. Paperless information helps your clinic not waste those precious resources. This also means you’ll be saving more on paper, folders, ink, etc.

More Channels of Communication: With the use of the internet, you and your patients will now have access to so many more channels, like video, photos and how-to videos. You’ll be able to reach them via e-mail, too. This also makes the doctor/patient communication easier. If they know they’ll be receiving information via email, they may be more inclined to email you with questions and advice.

Accessibility: Many people today have access to internet either at home, or straight form their mobile phones and tablets. That means you can send videos, photos or any other type of media when patients are on the go. Perhaps they’re staying with a family member or friend who doesn’t live nearby, they’ll be able to gain practice material straight from their device of choice. This also helps for safety reasons. If they are out and experience discomfort, they’ll be able to reference their electric exercise program. With just the touch of a link, they can be streaming your PT home exercise program from virtually anywhere. 

Improved Patient Compliance: Studies have actually shown that when incorporating video into an exercise program, there has been an improved overall patient compliance. With online exercise media, you can even create patient profiles and customize and edit instructions. 

Integrate with Other Online Tools: Not only can online exercise programs save paper and increase patient compliance, but can also be beneficial when creating online medical records. For physical therapists who choose to use online exercise tools, there are also web-based practice management software programs. Seamlessly integrating all of your paperwork and patient needs into one online software program could help your whole clinic run more efficiently. 

When it comes to creating online medical records for physical therapists, WebPT believes it’s a necessary step toward success. Taking it a step further and incorporating electronic home exercise programs for patients is just one more way to help your office run more efficiently while taking the step toward a paperless office.

  About The Author As COO for WebPT, Heidi Jannenga is responsible for sales, product management, and customer support. As a co-founder of the company, she has led the vision for the product and all aspects of customer engagement. WebPT has been creating online medical records for physical therapists since 2006. Find out more about the benefits of using PT home exercise programs.

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With spring on the horizon and people everywhere beginning to start their seasonal cleaning regimen, why not implement a quick cleanup within your PT clinic, too? We don’t mean physically organize your office, but instead try to implement new tools or software that could help with the future organization and efficiency of your physical therapy practice management. 

Fortunately, tools like web based physical therapy software can help to keep your physical therapy clinic organized year after year. What better time to begin organizing your office than in spring! 

Let’s dive into a few key features of both non-web based or web based physical therapy software that could help simplify your physical therapy practice management. 

  Automatic Reminders

Setting up an alert system may seem like an obvious answer, but so many offices are still relying on written schedules, calendars and manual updates for all of their office needs. When it comes to simplicity, automatic alerts take the cake! Why not own a program that will send you billing reminders, track referrals, find ‘lost’ patients and even locate any missed notes? 

With less time worrying about billing deadlines and tracking your cancelations or no shows, you’ll have more time to spend with your patients and creating programs to help them succeed. 

  eDocs

Going green with Electronic Medical Records not only helps our planet, but also can help your PT clinic function much more efficiently. Uploading external patient documents directly onto a patient chart can simplify your physical therapy practice management immensely. And, with paperless documentation, you’ll be saving money on printing, fax, storage and paper. 

Everyone within your clinic can be granted access to a series of documents – keeping everyone on the same page at all times. Not only the PTs need to have access to patient schedules and consent forms, the front desk or administrative services should be able to view this same document and not have to worry about searching through folders and stacks of paper. 

With spring on the horizon and people everywhere beginning to start their seasonal cleaning regimen, why not implement a quick cleanup within your PT clinic, too? We don’t mean physically organize your office, but instead try to implement new tools or software that could help with the future organization and efficiency of your physical therapy practice management. 

Fortunately, tools like web based physical therapy software can help to keep your physical therapy clinic organized year after year. What better time to begin organizing your office than in spring! 

Let’s dive into a few key features of both non-web based or web based physical therapy software that could help simplify your physical therapy practice management. 

Automatic Reminders

Setting up an alert system may seem like an obvious answer, but so many offices are still relying on written schedules, calendars and manual updates for all of their office needs. When it comes to simplicity, automatic alerts take the cake! Why not own a program that will send you billing reminders, track referrals, find ‘lost’ patients and even locate any missed notes? 

With less time worrying about billing deadlines and tracking your cancelations or no shows, you’ll have more time to spend with your patients and creating programs to help them succeed. 

eDocs

Going green with Electronic Medical Records not only helps our planet, but also can help your PT clinic function much more efficiently. Uploading external patient documents directly onto a patient chart can simplify your physical therapy practice management immensely. And, with paperless documentation, you’ll be saving money on printing, fax, storage and paper. 

Everyone within your clinic can be granted access to a series of documents – keeping everyone on the same page at all times. Not only the PTs need to have access to patient schedules and consent forms, the front desk or administrative services should be able to view this same document and not have to worry about searching through folders and stacks of paper. 

Implementing web based physical therapy software that includes both automatic alert systems and eDocs into your clinic can help your team work seamlessly and more efficiently. Even better there is no longer a need for an IT staff on duty, and with the use of a laptop or tablet, it can be accessed from anywhere with a connection.

When searching for a company to help your clinic, finding a company that can deliver a PQRS Certified Registrant system can help you earn incentive payments, bettering your clinic in the long run. The best way to assure you get the software that you need is to try demos until you find an easy-to-use system that your whole office is comfortable with. 

What are you most looking for in a practice management software company?

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  Heidi Jannenga is the Chief Operating Officer at WebPT, the leading web-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for physical therapy clinics. WebPT offers a complete suite of tools to streamline patient documentation and clinic operations. We know that the best web based practice management software can you’re your physical therapy practice management work more efficiently. Learn about other advantages to implementing web based physical therapy software.

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Practice Management Software: Core Needs of Your Practice

Managing a highly efficient medical practice takes an efficient system for billing, record archiving, note taking and more. Some of the best EMRs are tailored specific to your practice. Management software programs for physical therapy clinics can help to make the office more efficient, leaving more time and energy for physical therapists to spend with patients. 

With organized charts, records and efficient billing, medical practice management software can help to meet the core needs of your practice and save you time and money to be put to patient needs. Let’s take a closer look at what qualities PTs should look for in their EMR software. 

PT Specific: Look for software that meets the needs of your specific medical field. The functionality of practice management software for physical therapists is different than EMRs for a different type of medical professional. The right practice management software works with you, seamlessly integrated into the way your practice is currently running. 

Ease: Integrate software that is as simple to use for the administrative staff as it is for physical therapists to create a highly efficient office. To ensure you get a good product from which the whole office can benefit, try out demos from various companies. Then, find out if they offer a training class to get all staff members on the same page. 

Web-based: Web-based practice management software can run anywhere with internet access – making it very accessible. Because this practice management software does not require servers, disk installation or upgrades, there is no need to hire another layer of staff to manage the program. Also, security backups can be handled automatically; therefore, there is no need to hire an IT staff. 

Accessibility: Web-based software is your best bet when looking for a program that is highly accessible. It’s important to find medical practice management software that runs securely on any network, due to the patient privacy needs. Some software programs can also run on an iPhone or iPad, creating a more efficient way for PTs to make house calls. Instead of having to retype or rewrite notes at the office, notes can be taken on the spot and automatically added into the system.

Profitability: Seamless integration of practice management software tends to be very profitable for PT clinics. For one, there are fewer resources wasted on paper charts and time is more efficiently managed. Physical therapists are able to spend more time helping patients and less time worrying about copying notes with legible handwriting for monthly billing.

When it comes to running your medical practice more efficiently, online practice management software can help meet the core needs and objectives of your office. Paperless billing is more legible, and with constant accessibility, your physical therapists will be able to spend more time with patients and less time taking tedious hand-written notes. 

    About The Author

Tom Brauch is the Director of Marketing at WebPT, the leading web-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for physical therapy clinics. WebPT offers a complete suite of tools to streamline patient documentation and clinic operations. We know that the practice management software can help you run your office more efficiently. Learn more about improving your medical practice management. 

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Physical Therapy Practice Management: 5-Step Brand Development

Now more than ever, having a brand identity is essential to any company. With so many different brands selling similar products and services, there needs to be a reason why consumers would choose one company over another. Often times, that comes down to what your brand stands for and how you can connect with your customers on a more emotional level. Part of physical therapy practice management is discovering what your brand should stand for and developing a strategy to help portray that brand to consumers.

When creating or re-discovering what your brand should be about, you need to analyze your company as a whole. Developing a brand strategy takes time and practice, and to get started, we’ve outlined 5 steps to help you get your brand back on track.

1. Evaluate Your Mission

It’s hard to deliver a message and portray an image to your customers if you don’t fully understand what you want to say. Before you start branding your company based on what it is currently, or what you think it is, sit down and analyze your current mission and your goals for the future. Do you have just a standard mission statement that’s saying something like, “Our mission is to provide the best physical therapy practice management”? If so, how is that any different from other companies? A large part of branding is thinking about what separates your PT clinic from all others. That brings us to our next step: decide what sets you apart.

2. Determine Your Strengths

In any business, there will be competition, and physical therapy is no exception. As consumers are becoming more and more tech savvy in the digital age, you have to figure out what makes your service stand out from all the rest. Are you great with adult patients? Do you provide great information on your website? Determine what is specific to your company and play on that through branding.

3. Develop a Strategy

Now that you’ve determined what sets your brand apart from the rest, you need to spread the word. However you decide to market your new image, it needs to be the same across all channels. Your ads need to say the same thing as your displaying through physical therapy blogs and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). A physical therapy blog is a great way to push out content about your services as well as hit on your emotional benefit on a daily, or weekly basis. Also, it gives those tech-savvy consumers a chance to see what you offer as they’re searching the web for the perfect clinic.

When consumers come in contact with your ads, do they immediately feel the emotional benefit you’re trying to convey? Ultimately, that is your goal.

About The Author Tom Brauch is the Director of Marketing at WebPT, the leading web-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for physical therapy clinics. WebPT offers a complete suite of tools to streamline patient documentation and clinic operations. When developing a brand for your PT clinic, a physical therapy blog can help you create a voice and connect with your patients on a more emotional level. Find out other ways that you can improve your physical therapy practice management.

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Top 5 Benefits of Web Based Practice Management Software

Software programs that can be accessed easily are making physical therapy clinics everywhere run more efficiently. How? By providing physical therapists (PT) and clinical staff with tools to help with documentation, scheduling and management needs, less time is wasted on rewrites, paper documentation. This means that more time can be put towards helping PTs provide the best patient care possible.

Online practice management software is changing the way PT clinics function. Among other advantages of true web-based software, there’s no need for servers or IT staff, access can be reached anywhere with an Internet connection and it is a progressive step toward a more digitally savvy future – and like it or not, that’s where our culture is heading. Let’s take a deeper look into the top 5 benefits of web based practice management software.

1.    Only Internet connection is required

One of the top advantages of online practice management software is that it only requires a browser and an Internet connection. Think about online banking, Google Search or social media. If you use these tools, you already know the power and convenience of online software. Now relate that level convenience to your work life and consider how much more efficiently your clinic could run.

2.    No more frequent IT calls

Web based practice management software not only helps the office run more efficiently, but it’s a cost-efficient option as well. With online tools, there’s no longer a need for an IT staff to manage any hardware. There are no CDs that need to be installed or upgraded – leaving your doctors or physical therapists to spend more time helping patients.

3.    Enjoy secure access

Find software companies that can offer you secure access to your files – especially in the physical therapy industry. With all of the patient information that will on the web, it’s important to make sure each PT has his or her own specific login. The good news is, these software companies are available and can provide you with online practice management software that is completely secure, leaving you worry-free.

4.    It’s mobile

Because web based practice management software can be used anywhere with an Internet connection, it has the potential to be used straight from a mobile phone or tablet. Having the added advantage of working from an iPad or other type of tablet allows PTs to easily carry their work with them on house calls or conveniently around the clinic.

5.    A step toward a digitally connected future

As our culture is becoming more digitally driven, continuously seeking more efficient ways of working is a must.  As the years progress, it is probable that your clinic or practice will grow and evolve. Many online software programs may be able to adapt to changes, allowing your Internet technology to be used to its full potential with web based software programs.

About The Author Tom Brauch is the Director of Marketing at WebPT (LINK: http://www.webpt.com/), the leading web-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for physical therapy clinics. WebPT offers a complete suite of tools to streamline patient documentation and clinic operations. Online practice management software can be convenient and easy to use. Find mobile- and tablet-friendly web-based practice management software that can help deliver more personal patient care.

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What is a PT blog & how can it help?

A blog is an online form of media that allows companies, business or any person express an expertise over a subject. Blogs have been becoming more and more popular over the years and consumers are turning to them for information and advice over a vast array of different subjects and products. Although this may not seem like the typical platform for medical practitioners, a physical therapy blog can help your company as well as your patients more than you might think. Here is a little information you may not have known about blogging.

Adds Value

A PT blog will help by bringing an added value to your business. Right now, you can help your patients during the hours you are in the office. You can even help them by providing take-home tips and exercises. However, with a physical therapy blog, you can take things a step further and provide information long after clinic hours are over. Within your writing, you may not be able to provide the tools to help one specific patient, but you will be able to provide more general information that can help.

Do you ever work with kids or teens? A blog can help educate working parents who are too busy to sit in during every session. Instead, they’ll be able to find information over how to prevent injuries and what exactly those injuries mean through the use of a blog with informational content.

Demonstrates Expertise

Not only are you able to help your patients by providing relevant medical information through the use of a PT blog, but in doing so you are creating loyal customers. You will be associating your clinic and your brand with physical therapy. This will place you top of mind for your patients and may induce more recommendations to their friends and families. Because there are so many different brands and options for physical therapy related practices and services, it is important to become that go-to support for the knowledge and advice that your patients seek.

How can you get started on your physical therapy blog?

A good way to start is by thinking about content that would be helpful for your patients. Whether that is injury-related topics, methods of preventing future injuries or basic lessons on human anatomy, start by picking a few topics that you believe would benefit your patients. Don’t just create a PT blog subject out of thin air. Instead, really think of the topics that will best benefit your clinic, your patients and possibly their family members.

Once you have a few topics, post your blogs on a regular basis, respond to comments, either with a blog post covering the topic or a quick response, and be creative.

About The Author: Tom Brauch is the Director of Marketing at WebPT, the leading web-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for physical therapy clinics. WebPT offers a complete suite of tools to streamline patient documentation and clinic operations. We believe that a PT blog, paired with a good EMR software program, can be a great way to improve your business and be more helpful to your clients. We update our physical therapy blog on a regular basis to help our clients find the best EMR software for their business.

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How Blogging Can Help Your PT Clinic

In today’s world, having an online presence can be more beneficial than you may think. With everyone constantly connecting with one another, a blog is the perfect platform for physical therapists to promote their business, as well as give out helpful information to prospective clients. Here are some ways you can enhance patient’s experiences by utilizing a PT blog.

How a blog with help you grow?

Of course you won’t be able to address specific patients individually for every problem, but a supplemental informative overview with ways to perfect your form during exercises and helpful tips on how to avoid injuries could be beneficial. You could be your client’s go-to resource for information when they are unsure of next steps.

These types of physical therapy blogs will help you add value to your practice. You are already giving them the care and training they need to get stronger, but with a PT blog you will be able to help them prevent injury and keep a healthy lifestyle even when you aren’t around.

Also, with an informative physical therapy blog, you’ll be able to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as a leader in the industry. You will be more able to build you client’s trust, as they know they are able to turn to your blog for any outside assistance they need. Eventually potential clients will be able to associate your specific brand with top of the line physical therapy. This is a good association to create because of the many PT clinics and informative health websites and blogs that already exist.

Once you become top of mind for consumers, you’ll reap the benefits that come with being a known brand. When friends and family members of your clients and avid readers need assistance with an injury, they will recommend your brand first. Keep in mind that people never forget the truly great brand experiences and in an online platform, word of mouth can spread like wildfire.

Blogging Best Practices:

Stick to a Schedule: Create content regularly. You want your clients and readers to know they can count on you on a regular basis to give them the information they need. Decide how many posts per week or month are achievable and stick with it.

Write for You Audience: Know who you are talking to and tailor your blog posts and language accordingly. You want them to be able to understand what you’re saying, so keep it readable. Too much jargon can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. Also, by allowing your audience to comment, you’ll get feedback and keep a constant conversation. This will also be helpful when choosing topics that are of interest to your readers.

Have Fun: Be creative in your blog posts. You don’t always need to have a list of facts about physical therapy or top tips to prevent injury. Experiment with videos, testimonials and other ways of pushing out content.

About The Author Tom Brauch is the Director of Marketing at WebPT, the leading web-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for physical therapy clinics. WebPT offers a complete suite of tools to streamline patient documentation and clinic operations. Utilizing physical therapy blogs and social media to build trust and create conversation could help your grow your business. When using PT blogs in conjunction with other tools like EMR software and Pads you are well on your way to creating a more efficient clinic.

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Considerations for iPads in PT Clinics

The introduction of the Apple iPad has spurred a technological revolution in the healthcare industry, helping name 2011 “The Year of the Tablet”. Since its beginning, the iPad has made it into the hands of health care professionals everywhere, improving office efficiency.

When considering the implementation of a mobile device, such as the iPad into physical therapy practice management, it’s important to plan in advance. A current statistic suggests that EMR implementation often fails due to a lack of planning or the fear of new technology. However, with a little self-education and preparation, there is nothing to fear.

If you are ready to take that next step into better mobility and more efficient office practices, there are a few things to consider first.

Assess EMR Software

It is common to run into problems with new technology when using older software. Unfortunately, most EMR software is older or Windows-based. This type of software may not always work on an iPad. To work around this issue, consider switching to web-based EMR software. Online practice management software is compatible with the iPad and only requires a Wi-Fi or any other type of connection to the Internet. If your current software states that it is compatible with mobile or tablet-sized devices, test it first before making a purchase.

Work With Technology

When developing a physical therapy practice management plan that involves the implementation of an iPad, take a second to really think about the technology you are working with. An iPad is fragile and has a lower battery life compared to your desktop computer. Mobile technology isn’t meant to replace your office computer, but to use in conjunction with or as secondary hardware. Also, the current iPad cannot be hooked up to a printer, fax machine, scanner or camera.

Typing on an iPad or other mobile device is also much different than typing on a keyboard. For less notes, the keypad is sufficient. However, for documenting medical history or corresponding with a physician, it may be much more difficult. Exterior hardware, like a portable docking station, can be purchased to eliminate the problem.

Mobility is Key

Mobility is a key benefit to downloading online practice management software to an iPad or other mobile device. This is one of the best features that mobile technology can add to a clinic. If your EMR is able to have multiple screens open at once, filling out a patient’s exercise flowsheet on an iPad is simple. This will not only save time, but it will also allow PTs and patients to work together, creating a more personal environment for patient’s to get a better understanding of goals and expectations. With an iPad, the patient will be able to easily type in any useful information, simplifying the process of paperwork.

Technology and healthcare should be able to work hand in hand to improve the patient experience and create a more efficient clinical environment.