Technology and Health Care at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and PT

Over the years, we have made many technological advancements to improve patient care.   Here are a some of the ways technology has been implemented at our offices:

1. Access to EPIC - As the first chiropractic office in the Fox Valley to be granted access to EPIC, we can bow routinely review records, reports, and images prior to seeing a new or existing patient.  This prevents duplication of images, saves staff time with records requests, and improves the efficiency with which care is delivered.
2. Digital X-rays read by Radiology Associates of the Fox Valley - We have also established a relationship with Radiology Associates of the Fox Valley.  Our digital x-rays can be electronically forwarded for pathological review and second opinion evaluation.
3. Implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) - In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, our offices have implemented EHR software that meets all government requirements.  We routinely collect and record information on patient's blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status along with our treatment notes.  If a patient does not have a family physician, we encourage them to develop a relationship with a primary care physician to further manage their health conditions. Our software also allows us to offer electronic health records to our patients.
4. Voice Activated Dictation - Our Appleton office has implemented the use of Dragon Medical voice activated dictation so we can complete patient notes immediately, eliminating delays in communication.  Patient records can be quickly faxed to medical offices to be scanned into the EPIC system for any provider to use.
5. Monthly Email Newsletters - Our E-newsletter lets us communicate with our patients and inform them about different services offered in our clinics.  Topics include recent certifications, new techniques, and free workshops in addition to office news.
6. Social Media - Our offices share information on topics ranging from diet and nutrition to chronic medical conditions.  Check out more articles on this blog, and follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @SchubbeChiro.

Schubbe Resch will continue to implement technology to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health care in the future.  This allows us to collaborate with other physicians and provide better and more efficient treatment to our patients.

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple, inexpensive way to measure body fat.  It relies solely on height and weight for the calculation.  BMI levels correlate with body fat and with future health risks.  Therefore, the CMS recommends practitioners monitor their patient's BMI as part of their EHR (Electronic Health Records).

Factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass can influence the relationship between BMI and body fat.  BMI does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle or bone mass, nor does it provide information about the distribution of fat among individuals.  So here are some considerations to keep in mind when evaluating BMI:

• On average, older adults tend to have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI
• On average, women have greater amounts of total body fat than men with an equivalent BMI
• Muscular individuals or highly trained athletes may have an increased BMI because of their increased muscle mass.

For adults 20 years or older, BMI is classified using standard categories that are the same for all ages and sexes.  The standard categories are as follows:

BMI                                                           Weight Status

Below 18.5                                                  Underweight

18.5-24.9                                                    Normal

25-0-29.9                                                    Overweight

30.0 and above                                            Obese

BMI should be used as an initial screening tool for overweight or obese adults.  Health care providers must also recognize that other factors, such as distribution of fat, genetics, and fitness level will also contribute to an individual's assessment of health risk.

Use this formula to calculate your own BMI:   BMI = Weight (lb) / (Height (in) x Height (in)) x 703

For example:  Someone who is 5'6" (5'6" = 66") and weights 160 lb has a BMI of 25.8
BMI Calculation = 160 / (66 x 66) x 703 = 25.8 <== This person is in the Overweight category.

New Health Care Requirements for Chiropractors

As you hopefully know, Schubbe Resch has provided ethical, efficient and quality care to our patients since our inception in 1984.  Throughout that time we have offered the most “up to date” procedures and practices in chiropractic care.

2012 has brought new “Government Regulated Required Standards”.

Once annually, Doctors of Chiropractic must record and monitor the following with our patients: demographics, height, weight, blood pressure, smoking status, preferred language and race. 

Chiropractors also must monitor all patients’ medications and research if patients have conflicting medication interactions.

Chiropractors must also monitor and research if patients have an allergic reaction to medications.

As Doctors of Chiropractic, we must:

Record office notes with Government Certified Approved Software

Offer a Clinical Summary of every visit

Demonstrate the ability to submit electronic records within 3 business days of your appointment

Demonstrate the ability to protect your electronic records with security appropriate software

Create a patient problem list

Your cooperation with these new requirements is greatly appreciated.  As always, our goal is to provide you with the best health care possible.