Ultimate Guide to Speech Therapy EHR Software

When implementing a speech therapy EMR system, the features and needs of speech therapy practices differ significantly from those of common medical specialties. Speech-language pathologists need to automate tedious routine work, data documentation, accessing clinical information, and coding for reimbursements, among other tasks. Speech Therapy Electronic Health Records (EHR) software helps meet operational needs and boost productivity.

Other than this, speech therapists need some unique features for their practices. They have complex document management needs. Speech therapists also have to follow the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) guidelines.

Each practice has its own needs. Some practices want a full-fledged software system for clinical documentation and support services. Others need practice management features like appointment-making and billing capabilities to streamline administrative and financial tasks.

Main features of Speech Therapy EMR Software

To have a good understanding of how the EMR system works, it is advisable to learn about the different features and functionalities of the software. Before choosing speech therapy electronic medical records software, check if the system has the following key features:

Data documentation

Speech therapists need to record large volumes of data in the EHR software. The software system must have enough storage to manage and handle all the medical data efficiently.

CPT & ICD coding

The speech therapy electronic medical records software should be able to read and reference the set of CPT and ICD codes. Top speech therapy EMR software vendors also offer the feature of selecting favorite codes, which are used very frequently. The coding capability helps practices get paid faster and improve financial accuracy.

SOAP notes templates

The Speech Therapy EHR system platform should include speech therapy-related SOAP note templates to enhance the charting process. For example, swallowing exams, voice exams, cognitive-communication exams, etc.

Custom lists

The Speech Therapy Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system must offer speech therapy-specific lists. These lists are for lab orders, procedure orders, and radiology orders.

PQRS reports

The EMR System must contain preloaded G-codes and modifiers to automate PQRS reports. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can avoid Medicare Part B payment penalties with the Medicare Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) measures.

Electronic scheduling

It is necessary for good speech therapy electronic health records software to offer an electronic patient scheduling feature. Through this capability, patients can easily book appointments online without the hassle of calling the clinic, improving patient satisfaction scores. Patient scheduling helps to improve access to care for patients receiving care for various swallowing disorders and cognitive communication disorders.