Yesterday, we shared with you a piece from EHR Intelligence that highlighted the difference between implementation and adoption of chiropractic EHR software. While those two words may seem like they're referring to the same idea, the truth is that the two are completely different practices — "implementation" is merely the installation of chiropractic EHR into a clinic's computer systems, and "adoption" is the actual (and proper) usage of said EHR with few to no interruptions to typical workflow.

As EHR Intelligence noted in a separate article, more than half of doctors and 80 percent of hospitals around the world have thus far been able to implement EHR systems into their recordkeeping practices. But that doesn't mean they have successfully adopted and utilized EHR effectively, if at all. In fact, many of these healthcare organizations have been failing to capitalize on the benefits and streamlined services that EHR is theoretically supposed to provide.

In order to steer clear of this pitfall, here are a few suggestions on how to get your practice to make a successful transition from chiropractic EHR implementation to adoption:

• Clear communication and thorough training: While EHR standards like Meaningful Use and ICD-10 are designed to make your practice's administrative and recordkeeping needs more efficient and accurate, these perks are essentially wasted if you don't know how to actually take advantage of them. Clinics have to ensure their staff is not only being thoroughly trained on how to best use chiropractic EHR software, but also staying apprised of new system upgrades when they're released.
• Make a plan and stick to it: Healthcare is a constantly changing business, which can be doubly complicated by improperly adopted EHR. Make sure to form a plan on how to best optimize and adjust your EHR needs accordingly.

The best chiropractic EHR software can help ensure a smooth jump from implementation to adoption without negative impacts on daily workflow.