One-on-one with Steve Hixson, president and CEO of Auto-DOC Inc

To increase profitability and quality of care, chiropractors should consider using electronic documentation. For chiropractors unfamiliar with the latest in documentation technology, Chiropractic Products asks Steve Hixson, president and CEO of Auto-DOC Inc, Atascadero, Calif, for advice.

Q: What is the biggest hurdle the documentation software industry faces when DCs are resistant to change?
A: The biggest hurdle is overcoming the comfort zone factor because most people are resistant to change. However, once the benefits of electronic documentation are realized, the effort required in learning the computer application is nominal.

Q: What are a few pros and cons of personal digital assistants (PDAs)?
A: Being able to access and input information anywhere is the obvious benefit of a PDA. The ability to decrease liability by capturing patient findings at the point of care is a necessity. Using PDAs makes this process accurate and quick. However, it should be used in the correct manner. For example, if you replace your computer with only a PDA, the limitations will be apparent—less power, less memory, and limited battery life. A PDA should be used as an extension of your PC, not in lieu of it. Make sure that you synchronize the PDA with the PC regularly. Realizing the capabilities and limitations of your PDA will help you get the most from it.

Q: What advice do you have for DCs planning to purchase a documentation software program?
A: Three key elements to look for are: 1) simplicity—a program must be easy to use for the doctor and staff; 2) speed of input at the point of care; and 3) customization capabilities—the ability to create tests, verbiage, and templates specific to your style.

Q: How can having electronic documentation increase the profitability of DC practices?
A: Time is money. Unfortunately, too many chiropractors spend almost as much time doing paperwork as treating patients. Eliminating the paper trail significantly decreases man-hours. The decrease in liability resulting from accurate legible documentation increases the stability of the practice. However, providing better documentation in less time will increase the profitability of any DC practice.

Q: Tell us about Auto-DOC’s commitment to the chiropractic profession.
A: Auto-DOC has been committed for more than 7 years to bringing advanced technology and software to chiropractors. We were the first company in the chiropractic industry to provide documentation software for PDAs. Our experience and knowledge have helped thousands of DCs alleviate the burden of documentation while increasing profitability. We have and will continue to focus only on the chiropractic profession.

Q: What do you see for the future of the chiropractic profession?
A: Chiropractic as an alternative health care treatment has never been respected more than it is today. Despite criticism, the positive results of chiropractic are undeniable. We have all seen chiropractic care restore the quality of life in many people. The body is a miracle, and when properly aligned, the ability to heal itself is undisputable. For these reasons, chiropractic will gain more and more acceptance as any truth does throughout time.