Software Provides All-In-One Practice Management Solution

A comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) and practice management system designed for podiatry practices can provide flexibility and strong support for today’s busy providers.

Podiatry Advantage™ offers a single solution for office workflow, including EHR, practice management, e-prescribing and patient engagement, according to the manufacturer Compulink. The company says the system also features adaptive learning technology, meaning it has the flexibility to cater to individual practice styles.

Steven Vines, DPM, has been using EHR systems since 1998. His decision to go with Podiatry Advantage was based on several factors, including the ease at which the program could be modified as well as the company’s longevity and viability in the market.

“The support system was [also] paramount in my decision making,” says Dr. Vines, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Vines cites the challenges associated with transitioning to an electronic practice management system.

“Anyone who thinks it’s easy does not understand the mechanics and changes that are needed. The advantages of transitioning to Compulink were the company’s training and technical support. This is one of the easiest transitions I’ve ever had and [I] appreciate the ability to contact support and get my questions and issues resolved instantly. This is a major issue that is often underappreciated by new users,” says Dr. Vines, who is in private practice in California.

For Carla Emery, DPM, MPH, PA, Podiatry Advantage was appealing due in part to the comprehensive nature of the product as well as the fact that the system is user-friendly.

“This software is capable of so many facets that can be used and modified in a custom style,” says the Austin, Texas-based Dr. Emery, a Diplomate of the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgeons in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. “I think it’s [also] important to have a program that is aware of all the legalities that should be included in dictation and recordkeeping.”

Podiatry Advantage is certified for meaningful use, notes the manufacturer. The software auto-checks for compliance, including history of present illness (HPI) attestation, and provides automated Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)/evaluation and management (E&M) recommendations and postings.

“Podiatry Advantage was my first and [is my] last practice management software,” says Terry Boykoff, DPM. “I have been using their software for almost 20 years now, well before it was necessary to have EHR or electronic billing.”

Like Dr. Vines, Dr. Boykoff cites Compulink’s support team as one of the product’s key advantages. “Downtime over the past 20 years from [errors or glitches] has been zero,” says Dr. Boykoff, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and owner of the Santa Monica Podiatry Group, Inc. in Santa Monica, Calif. He adds that the company “keeps up with what is needed software-wise as requirements change and grow.”

When it comes to EHR solutions, Dr. Vines points out that there are pros and cons associated with all software programs, and Podiatry Advantage is no exception.

“The difference is that Compulink listens to your issues and responds accordingly,” says Dr. Vines. “Updates occur often — within a two-week period instead of every six months or once a year as most EMRs do. The fact that they strive to improve the program constantly and listen to your input is a stellar quality. I cannot emphasize how important this is when one migrates to a program or initiates a new program.”

Ms. Garthwait is a freelance writer who lives in Downingtown, Pa.