Electronic Health Records (EHR) software is currently an extremely hot topic among chiropractors and nearly all other healthcare professionals. Particularly, the incentives and penalties established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for timely adoption of EHR has many DCs scrambling to find a software system that will bring their practice into compliance with the mandate. Some are undoubtedly looking to cash in on the promise of up to $44,000 in financial rewards for early adoption, while others are simply trying to avoid being penalized down the road.

The sense of urgency and the complex nature of the ARRA's requirements, however, have caused many doctors to make hasty decisions regarding the type of software to invest in.  In some cases, the rush to buy has led to them to purchase inadequate systems that not only fail to provide the benefits of true EHR, but will also fail to fulfill the requirements of the stimulus act. 

Due diligence

As with any other major investment a DC makes to improve their practice, the purchase of an EHR system should be undertaken with patience and due diligence in terms of researching exactly what products will best serve their practice and their patients. After all, the ARRA is not designed to force all doctors to purchase exorbitantly expensive technology or suffer the consequences; rather, it's meant to truly enhance our nation's healthcare system by making it more advanced, efficient, and safe.