WebExercises and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring
Welcome back, Genesis Nation! Today, we’re diving into a game-changing integration that is transforming the landscape of chiropractic care. We have the pleasure of hosting Dr. David Cruz, the mastermind behind Web Exercises, a platform designed to seamlessly integrate exercise prescription with chiropractic care. But that’s not all; we’re also exploring the exciting world of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), a potential game-changer for chiropractors seeking to validate and bill for their services remotely. The Birth of WebExercises: In our conversation with Dr. Cruz, we learned about the genesis of Web Exercises. It all started 15-16 years ago when Dr. Cruz, a self-proclaimed movement geek, recognized the powerful synergy between chiropractic care and exercise. The challenge was to find a way to engage patients beyond the confines of the chiropractic office. Enter Web Exercises – a platform that allows healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to create, send, and remotely monitor personalized exercise programs for their patients. The Integration with Genesis: The beauty of Web Exercises lies in its seamless integration with Genesis chiropractic software. Dr. Cruz demonstrated how chiropractors can effortlessly access and incorporate exercise programs into their patient documentation. With just a few clicks, exercises tailored to a patient’s specific needs and conditions can be added to their profile, ensuring continuity of care beyond the chiropractic office. Creating Tailored Exercise Programs: Dr. Cruz showcased the user-friendly interface of Web Exercises, making it easy for chiropractors to create personalized exercise programs. Whether addressing low back pain, neck issues, or postural concerns, the platform offers an extensive library of exercises searchable by keywords, body regions, equipment, and more. Additionally, pre-built protocols and evidence-based exercise recommendations further streamline the process. The Chiropractic Mirror Image Library: For chiropractors utilizing Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) or those seeking mirror image exercises, Web Exercises offers a specialized library. This feature enables chiropractors to choose exercises that align with CBP principles, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care. Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): Dr. Cruz provided a sneak peek into the evolving landscape of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM). This emerging trend allows healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to bill for creating, sending, and remotely monitoring patients’ musculoskeletal information. While the field is still navigating regulatory nuances, early signs indicate that RTM could become an industry standard, allowing chiropractors to be reimbursed for the valuable services they provide remotely. Conclusion: Our discussion with Dr. Cruz has shed light on the impactful intersection of chiropractic care and exercise prescription. Web Exercises, coupled with the potential of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, opens new doors for chiropractors to enhance patient outcomes and streamline their practices. As we continue to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare, innovations like Web Exercises are paving the way for a future where movement truly matters in holistic patient care. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Genesis Nation!
No-Show Risk Management
When patients miss appointments, they interrupt the flow of patient care, impede clinic productivity, and signal an eroding patient loyalty. The rate of no-shows runs at 30% for the average family practice. A missed appointment amounts to missed billing revenue. Worse, if clinicians are part-time or full-time staff rather than contracted, they sit idle on the company clock, losing money with each passing minute. Finally, a missed appointment could be a symptom of a deserting patient, signaling a potential loss of long-term billing revenue. Most clinics lose an average of 20% of their revenue due to missed appointments. Lost revenue may not be the largest problem caused by no-shows. Other problems span health damage, patient liability risks, reduced accessibility, and impeded resident education. Rigorous no-show management methods using advanced technologies integrate scheduling and billing data, reduce no-show rates, and improve associated revenues by more than 50%. They also mention the comparable improvement of long-term patient loyalty (Hashim et al., 2001). No-Show Impact on the Clinic Figure 1. No-Show Impact (Hayhurst, AthenaHealth) A missed appointment poses five kinds of problems: Health damage – A patient’s health can be damaged due to interrupted continuity of care or a missed opportunity to solve an acute health problem. The doctor also loses an opportunity for a timely review of patient health, treatment progress, etc. Liability risk – A patient who misses an appointment and suffers an injury may have a viable cause for a lawsuit against the practice. To avoid such risk, the doctor must maintain evidence of giving clear directions and making reasonable efforts to ensure the patient’s compliance with the care program, including keeping follow-up appointments. Reduced accessibility – Other patients are postponed and don’t get access to care because of a no-show or canceled appointment. Impedance to medical education – A resident or intern misses an opportunity to learn and improve care skills. Loss of revenue – The clinic cannot make up revenue due to missed appointments. A financial impact arises from wasted resources, such as staff time, equipment, and facility utilization, that were allocated for the no-show patient. No-Show Frequency Distribution No-show rates average about 20%: 10% of clinics have less than 10% no-shows, 42% of clinics have 10%–20%, 34% of clinics have 20%–30%, and 14% of clinics have more than 30% no-shows (Izard, 2005). Further, the top 10 clinics regarding the lowest no-show rates range from 3%–9% for no-shows, while the bottom ten clinics reach 33%–57% (Moore et al. 2001). Common reasons behind No-show Forgetfulness: Patients may simply forget about their appointments due to a busy schedule, lack of reminder systems, or cognitive factors. Transportation issues: Lack of transportation or difficulty accessing reliable transportation can prevent patients from attending appointments. Fear or anxiety: Some patients may experience fear or anxiety related to medical procedures, test results, or hospital settings, leading them to avoid or cancel their appointments. Financial constraints: Financial limitations, such as the inability to afford healthcare services or medications, may result in patients skipping or postponing appointments. Illness or emergencies: Patients may have unexpected illnesses or emergencies that prevent them from attending their scheduled appointments. Lack of awareness or understanding: Patients may not fully comprehend the importance of their appointments or the consequences of missing them, particularly for follow-up care or chronic conditions. Language and cultural barriers: Language barriers or cultural differences can impede effective communication and understanding, leading to missed appointments. Long waiting times: Lengthy wait times at hospitals can discourage patients from attending appointments, particularly if they have competing priorities or other time constraints. Stigma or fear of judgment: Patients with certain medical conditions or mental health issues may experience stigma or fear of judgment, causing them to avoid seeking care or attending appointments. Personal or work-related conflicts: Conflicts arising from personal commitments, work schedules, or other obligations may interfere with appointment attendance (Marbouh et al., 2020). The image below shows common reasons for missed appointments (Saif et al., 2018). According to a study, among all patients, those who never have a no-show appointment have an attrition rate of slightly less than 19 percent. In contrast, almost 32 percent of patients with one or more no-shows do not return to the same practice within 18 months (Hayhurst, AthenaHealth). Three-Phase No-Show Management Strategy An effective no-show management strategy is based on tracking, rescheduling, and follow-up: Tracking Record all no-shows and reconcile them with billing daily. Record no-show reasons and follow-up notes in patient records. Review end-of-day reports daily. Rescheduling in real-time Allow patients to request appointments online using the Internet Overbook and use waiting lists. Fill new openings with walk-ins or patients from the waiting list. Follow-up Activate a sequence of reminder calls/emails to all patients ten days, two days, and one day before their appointments. Place follow-up calls to determine reasons for no-shows and reschedule the patients. Reminder calls for upcoming appointments and follow-up calls on recent no-shows are effective strategies for billing revenue protection because they reduce the number of no-shows and help early identification of incipient patient attrition and other patient-related problems (Hashim et al., 2001). Follow up with warning letters after one no-show. Dismiss patients from the practice after three no-shows. Reminder calls or emails before an appointment remains the most effective method to prevent missed appointments. Additionally, sending reminders via email and allowing patients to confirm online turns an office reminder into a patient’s action item, significantly outperforming the impact of a voice message or postcard. While recognizing the benefits of reminder calls, busy practice owners often neglect or postpone reminder and follow-up calls because of other office management priorities, such as personnel issues or billing. As with any other management initiative, a reminder call strategy must be implemented systematically and consistently to get results. Note that outsourcing reminder calls to calling services and using the Internet reduce the cost of reminders. Therefore, reaching all patients before their appointments makes good business sense. Ways to reduce No-shows Automation of appointment reminders: Implementing automated appointment reminders can significantly reduce
Patient Loyalty
Patient loyalty is essential for the success of healthcare organizations, both in terms of recurring revenue and new patient acquisition. Factors like patient satisfaction, service quality, trust, and effective communication influence patient loyalty. Timely communication, a patient communication portal, and the use of advanced technology, including AI, can enhance the patient experience and foster loyalty. Patient portals offer features like appointment scheduling, secure access to health records, secure messaging, and billing management. AI can personalize patient communication and provide real-time insights, improving patient engagement and adherence.
Redefining Healing: How Technology and Personal Touch Are Shaping the Future of Chiropractic Care
A Modern Approach to Chiropractic Care In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, chiropractic care is not far behind in embracing the winds of change. Integrating technological innovations, automation, and prioritizing patient experience are more than buzzwords; they are shaping the future of chiropractic practice. This transition is not just confined to large healthcare providers; even smaller clinics are adopting these revolutionary methods. From artificial intelligence to personalized patient interactions, the entire landscape of chiropractic care is shifting. Traditional methods are making way for more efficient, patient-centric, and delightful experiences. This article delves into these transformative concepts and explores how they are revolutionizing chiropractic care, aligning it with the needs of modern society. Conversational Booking and AI: Beyond Traditional Scheduling The era of scheduling appointments through tedious phone calls and manual entries is fading. Modern chiropractic practices are turning to AI-powered conversational booking systems that enable patients to schedule their visits seamlessly. Real-time availability pulled from practitioners’ schedules, immediate confirmations, and efficient coordination are the new norms. Patients appreciate the convenience and speed of this approach, often leaving them impressed even before their first visit. For practitioners, this technology not only frees up administrative time but sets the stage for an ongoing relationship that prioritizes individual needs. As a result, the first impression is no longer made in the waiting room; it starts with a smooth and personable booking experience that signals professionalism and care. The Rise of Automation: A Competitive Edge Automation has transcended beyond a mere trend to become a vital part of modern chiropractic care. Implementing automation is not about replacing human touch but enhancing it by removing repetitive tasks. Automation can provide unique and competitive services, offering efficiencies that allow practitioners to focus more on patient care. Clinics that quickly adapt to automation are positioning themselves as industry leaders, differentiating their services in a crowded market. But this advantage may be short-lived as automation becomes the industry standard. Those who act fast will find themselves at the forefront, while late adopters may struggle to keep pace. Integrating automation is more than a strategic move; it’s an imperative adaptation to the technological age. Customer Experience: The Art of Surprise and Delight Chiropractic care has traditionally focused on treatment and recovery, but modern practices understand that the patient experience goes far beyond that. Small shifts in customer service, such as offering a warm greeting, a refreshment, or personal attention, can lead to significant improvements in patient satisfaction. This philosophy of surprising and delighting patients is not new; it has been studied across various industries and adapted to healthcare with great success. By creating a culture of kindness, attention, and connection, clinics are building deeper relationships with their patients. These positive interactions, whether through thoughtful gestures or attentive listening, become stories that patients share, creating a positive reputation in the community. Personal Connection Through Technology: Beyond Text Messages Chiropractors are now leveraging technology to foster personal connections with their patients. Sending a video or selfie from the doctor to a first-time patient is not just a novel idea; it’s a symbol of modern, connected healthcare. It signals that the care provider is accessible, friendly, and engaged, setting the tone for the patient’s experience. This approach reflects a broader shift in healthcare towards patient-centered care that extends beyond clinical interactions. It’s about building trust and connection through technology while retaining the human touch. This blend of technology and personalized interaction elevates the patient experience and offers a fresh perspective on what chiropractic care can be. Collaboration and Community Engagement: A Win-Win Situation Collaboration and community engagement are at the heart of sustainable chiropractic practices. By building partnerships with industry leaders, engaging with community stakeholders, and aligning with local needs, chiropractors can expand their reach and impact. This collaborative approach fosters knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, and community well-being. Active participation in community events, health fairs, and educational seminars enables chiropractors to connect with potential patients and other healthcare providers. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about contributing to the overall wellness of the community. This symbiotic relationship between chiropractors and their community enriches both, building trust, and strengthening connections. A New Era for Chiropractic Care The chiropractic field is entering a new era, one that combines the wisdom of traditional practice with the efficiencies and personal touches made possible by modern technology. The integration of AI-powered conversational booking, the rise of automation, a renewed focus on customer delight, and the spirit of collaboration is paving the way for an industry that’s ready for the future. This transformation underscores a fundamental evolution in chiropractic care, moving from a purely clinical focus to an approach that prioritizes innovation, connection, and the holistic well-being of its patients. It is a model that resonates with the values of modern society and positions chiropractic care as a dynamic and essential part of the healthcare ecosystem.
