Today on ChiroHub we will be reviewing one of the many electronic health record systems available. The system is call Charm EHR. Many chiropractic clinics have switched over from paper to electronic records in the last 5-10 years. In fact, insurance companies in some states have penalized clinics that can't bill electronically. So, it has become more necessary for chiropractic clinics to explore the world of electronic health records. We believe the jury is still out regarding how much the systems actually enhance patient care and communication between clinics and doctors, especially in a solo clinic setting. Most of the systems used by DC’s are chiropractic specific, but we have chosen to explore a system that is fully customizable and allows for a multidisciplinary clinic, as well as inventory management for supplements and medical supplies.

COST (9/10) - While this system is not free, no decent system worth your time is free. The only ones that are tend to buy and sell user information patient demographics to large corporations. That being said, we think the cost for Charm EHR is very reasonable. Charm EHR charges based on the number of encounters, so it is very cost-effective for new clinics, or solo practitioners. Last time we checked, the charge is about $.50 per patient encounter. We felt this was a reasonable and fair fee for the system, and it allows you to grow with the system.

User-Friendliness (6/10) - Charm EHR definitely requires a lot more navigation and clicking of the mouse than most systems. Even though you are able to completely customize your templates, we found that there is an enormous amount of mouse clicking required. Some simple steps require even two or three clicks, so there is definitely some redundancy. One of the disadvantages of Charm for a chiropractic clinic is that the flexibility requires time and effort, and there are no streamlined steps typical chiropractic therapies and procedures like subluxations and physiotherapy modalities.

Accessibility (7.5/10) - We love that Charm EHR is web-based. While there is not an Android or iOS app for the system, it does work fairly well on tablets and smart phones. We found that the website works fairly well on mobile devices, with the exception of the calendar.   Even when you zoom in on a calendar, clicking to make an appointment on a mobile device will almost always put the appointment in the wrong slot, so we really had to be careful about scheduling patients using mobile devices.

Support (6/10) - Support for Charm EHR is really hit and miss. The phone support is very limited, and there is no quality online chat. We did get some help via email, but even that was intermittent. As for new features and bug fixes, those are also rather slow to be implemented. We have been bugging them for 6+ mos to improve their reporting/billing section of the Practice Management portion (see complaints below), but we have seen only minor changes.

Features (7/10) - Charm does pretty well in terms of features, but it is lacking a few major ones. We really like the text messaging system for patients, and we found that we got really good feedback from patients about it – just make sure to always put their number in the “mobile” phone section in demographics. One of our complaints about features is that they don’t have different colors for various appointment types. That means if you have a massage, new patient, existing patient, x-ray appt, etc…, you can’t tell without clicking on the name of the patient. The nice thing about the calendar itself is that you can switch between day/week/month views, and you can drag the duration of an appointment. It would be nice to be able to drag the entire appointment without having to hit “reschedule”, but we understand the limits of web browsers in that case.

Reporting/Financials (4/10) – This section is where Charm really falls behind the pack. Our biggest frustrations come from the reports/financials/billing area of the Practice Management portion of the software. Your Office Manager or Biller will suffer multiple concussions from banging his/her head against the wall in frustration with the billing portion. To start, there is NO LEDGER in this system. That means you have to click line by line at the invoices, and scroll through various tabs to see insurance vs payments at time of service vs supplements, etc…  Click on these screenshots for a better view.

CHARM EHR Screenshots

Compare the cumbersome billing function of Charm (pictured above) with the ledger system in most EHR's, and you will see the potential frustration.  Here is a much cleaner version of a ledger from Future Health EHR:

Of all the EHR systems we’ve tried, this one had the most cumbersome billing/reporting section. For those really interested in customized and accurate reports, we recommend Kareo EHR.   We have made Charm aware of this problem, but have only seen minor improvements to the system in our year of use. For some small clinics this may be an inconsequential consideration, but those trying to optimize clinic performance and productivity might find this to be a deal breaker.

Qualifies for Federal EHR reimbursement: Yes.

ICD-10 Ready? TBD

FINAL ChiroHub SCORE: 6.5/10

	We have completed another video review of an exciting therapy known as Frequency Specific Microcurrent  (FSM).  This treatment system and device open up a lot of new doors for chiropractors.  Imagine being able to treat nerve pain like shingles in just 2-3 days!  We were so impressed with this system that we have given it the official ChiroHub seal of approval.
Please check out our YouTube video and see why we think Frequency Specific Microcurrent is such a great tool for your practice.  We show a LIVE demo of the product along with a thorough analysis of what you want to know before you buy.

In summary, here are some of the pros and cons of using Frequency Specific Microcurrent in your practice:

PROS

-It is proven to increase ATP production, decrease pain, and target specific tissues

-Providing FSM in your practice sets you apart from the competition

-Get diagnostic clues about what is going on with the patient

-Receive referrals from the medical community for an evidence-based therapy

-Increase passive income in your practice

-Excellent support and training

-Great professional community

-Active online forum to ask questions

CONS

-If you are a busy (high volume) clinic, then you will find the Precision care too time intensive.  You will need to have the custom care, which will limit your flexibility, but will still do a great job on the specific conditions you are targeting.

-Some of the device features are a bit cumbersome, but no deal breakers. 

-We would like to see a back-lit display on the next model for use in darker rooms or med-spa setting.

For more info, please visit the Frequency Specific Microcurrent Website.

ChiroHub is pleased to announce the release of its latest product review video of the NuBax Trio.  Take a look!

We are always looking to find the latest innovations in natural and alternative medicine to help chiropractors staying on the cutting edge, and to learn more about what therapies they can use to increase their clinical outcomes.  ChiroHub.com is excited to be able to provide you a review on a recently upgraded PEMF style device.  Though not like traditional PEMF devices on the market that are digital output, this unique instrument is a dynamic range of frequencies that run according to each individual patient.

There are no expensive training sessions, no heavy drain on your staff, and most importantly - it can help improve your patient outomes.  As we all know, if you get people better, they are much more likely to refer friends and family.  Please watch our YouTube video of the EFS 200 chiropractic product review to see why we awarded Energetic Fitness System the official ChiroHub Seal of Approval!

New to the world of PEMF?  Read our informative article -  What is PEMF Therapy?

What are patients saying about the EFS 200 Pro?

Gene Bazan, Suffering from Post Polio Syndrome

“I tried numerous electro-magnetic devices, light and sound devices, and others. With one exception, I could detect no improvement in energy levels, muscle use, pain and fatigue reduction, or brain fog …The one exception was the Energetic Fitness System. My wife received one in the university lab where she tested alternative healing devices. I began using it in the summer of 2006, daily for a half hour. After three weeks, I found myself one morning having climbed a flight of stairs in our house without the usual muscle pain and fatigue attending each step! …I continue using the EFS daily…”

 John Welch - former Photon Genie user

As you know, I had a Photon Genie when I bought the EFS. After I got to using the EFS a bit I realized that I had no need for the Genie. I ended up selling the Genie for $1500 because I had no use for it. Btw, I felt like I had gotten a $1500 rebate on the EFS Pro!

Sherri Wright , After 6 years of health issues diagnosed as Fibromyalgia, Stress/Depression, High blood pressure & IBS

“The more I’m able to use the EFS the better I feel which is why I am getting one so I can use it on a daily basis or as necessary. I recommend the EFS to anybody who wants to improve their energy, speed up recovery & to basically boost their overall health & immune system. I’m able to know what it feels like to have a “GREAT” day again! Friends & Family have been amazed.”

Milorad Cavic - 2009 World Champion Gold Medalist, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist, 3 time Olympian

“Using the EFS machine before and during my breaks at competitions has also helped revitalize not only my body, but also my mind. In competitive swimming, athletes tend to feel run down after one or two races, and coming off the EFS machine after my races has raised the alertness of my body and confidence in racing all over again, just better!”