In the end, hardware must meet the needs of three parties: clinicians, administrators, and patients. It is helpful to allow patients to use touch-screen technology to input their personal data. You can provide either stationary desktop computers in your reception room or give patients mobile devices such as tablet PCs to collect their data. Because many practices lack the space in their reception room to offer all patients access to desktop PCs, the mobile option is a popular choice. For your practice's clinical and administrative staff, a combination of desktop, laptop, and tablet options may be required, based on the mobility needs of the individuals inputting data. The most important consideration? Make sure you purchase your equipment from a trusted vendor.

Audio/Video Solutions

Audio and video technology has come a long way in helping chiropractors become more productive in educating their patients and communicating their services to perspective new patients. For the benefit of their patients, many practices are incorporating audio and video solutions into their practice. From patient education kiosks to distributed audio and video throughout the office, these devices can deliver targeted information and valuable education to your patients.

The use of multimedia and interactive video communication is certainly impacting how chiropractors communicate with their patients. This has been due to an improvement both in internet speeds and better encoding/compression of audio and video. Many practices are helping their patients learn by delivering video messages via LCD monitors mounted in strategic locations throughout the practice. These audio and video systems provide benefits to both patients and providers. Patients better understand their conditions and recommended treatment and are more compliant. Providers save time, increase efficiency, market their practice, and improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Communication Solutions

Reliable, scalable and effective communications solutions are critical to any successful practice.

Recently, some practices have been considering Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for their telephone system. With VoIP, calls are routed through your computer, allowing them to be conducted without long distance charges no matter where in the world you are calling. VoIP can be an excellent tool for communication and a great way of reducing phone costs. But it's not right for every practice, so you'll want to look carefully at whether it's something that you want to invest in now. Things you'll want to consider include the amount currently being spent on calls, the cost of setting up and maintaining a VoIP system, and the potential drawbacks of using VoIP.

Before determining that VoIP is right for your practice, you should take into consideration two major VoIP drawbacks. First, there are problems with maintaining an Internet-based system that don't occur with a standard landline. Inevitably, you'll have software difficulties and Internet outages that will prevent VoIP calls. The bigger issue is that VoIP increases your network demands. Your broadband connection needs to have enough bandwidth to maintain call quality. If this is a concern, you should look into Ethernet and frame relay networks to improve quality of your service.

Your Technological Toolbox

Using technology effectively is like using any tool correctly. You don't use a sledgehammer to drive a small nail and your practice may not need the latest software or computers. It's a balancing act. Don't lag behind, using old or outdated technology that hampers productivity. On the other hand, don't become so enamored with technology that you waste money on the latest and greatest toy when you don't need it. The goal is to make technology advances work for you, not against you. Making the right choices when it comes to technology will simplify your practice and your life rather than complicate it.

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Dr. Mark Sanna, a 1987 graduate of New York Chiropractic College, is a member of the ACA Governor's Advisory Board and a member of the President's Circle of NYCC and Parker College of Chiropractic. He is the president and CEO of Breakthrough Coaching (www.mybreakthrough.com).