There are times when copy and paste can be a godsend, and given the complexity of some chiropractic EHR software, it can be all too tempting to employ this tool to save a bit of time on your documentation. However, government officials and health care have recently spoken out about this practice due to the potential for error it entails.

"Seventy-four to 90 percent of physicians use the copy/paste function in their EHRs, and between 20 to 78 percent of physician notes are copied text, according to a September AHIMA report," writes Healthcare IT News. 

The problem? Firstly, copying and pasting — particularly from one patient to another — can lead to improper documentation of an individual's actual conditions and the procedures he or she underwent. Keep in mind that although increased connectivity is one of the greatest boons of chiropractic EHR, it also means that the digitized documents you alter will be accessed by other physicians, insurance companies, hospitals and more. With that in mind, a simple instance of copy and paste can have widespread ramifications for a patient's care down the line, and the expenses they may be held accountable for.

"Using the functionality appropriately is key, and just as important is educating staff, conducting internal audits and actively crafting effective policies," the source states.

The point of this piece isn't to alarm you, but rather to ensure that you resist the urge to take advantage of technological shortcuts and instead devote the same diligence to record keeping that you practiced with paper and pen. It's true that the best chiropractic EHR can save you time on administrative tasks, but this efficiency should never be prioritized over thoroughness.