As we approach the start of October, it’s crucial to shift our focus toward the future—specifically Q4 2023 and 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, setting clear, deliberate goals is vital for success. But what happens when your Electronic Health Records (EHR) system hinders your progress instead of accelerating it? That’s a question we at Symplast explored in a recent conversation with Symplast Senior Practice Analyst Randy Torban and Industry Expert Amy Anderson of BrinsonAnderson Consulting.
Take Advantage of Q4 for Strategic Planning
In a recent conversation with BrinsonAnderson Consulting Co- Founder Amy Anderson, she pointed out that many practices experience a busy season from fall into winter, both surgically and non-surgically. This uptick in activity serves as an invaluable time to analyze what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change. Anderson advises that business owners, particularly doctors, often overlook the importance of this kind of strategic planning because they are focused on the needs of their patients and balancing the demands of running a busy practice. It can be difficult to find the time to think beyond the day-to-day to make more strategic plans.
The Importance of 90-Day Goals
Setting yearly goals is essential for long-term growth and business stability. But it’s not just about casting your eyes twelve months ahead; you also need to break down those objectives into bite-sized, achievable tasks. The last quarter of the year, Q4, is a prime opportunity to assess the year’s performance and set actionable goals for the coming year.
One way to avoid the pitfalls of vague or deferred planning is by setting shorter, 90-day goals. As Anderson puts it, “A year is a long time; we all lose focus.” The solution? Choose three or four highly prioritized objectives you wish to achieve in the next 90 days.
EHR Systems and Your 90-Day Goals
Considering how busy a medical practice can get, even 90 days may seem like a brief period to accomplish something substantial. “Where does your EHR come into play?” Amy questions. If a practice decides to switch EHR systems, she advises making that the primary focus for the quarter. As Anderson puts it, “that would be a 90-day goal in and of itself.” She suggests avoiding the inclusion of other significant changes during this period as it is such a big initiative you do not want to divide your attention.
The Symplast Solution: How We Align with Your Goals
If you’ve ever considered changing your EHR system, you might be wondering if the change could catalyze your other goals. Randy Torban from Symplast adds an insightful perspective, advising that you examine your goals—be it selling more laser treatments, improving scheduling, or bringing on new staff. Then, consider how changing your EHR could become the catalyst for achieving these objectives.
The onboarding process for most EHR systems, including Symplast, usually falls within a 30 to 60-day timeframe. This schedule perfectly aligns with the concept of 90-day goal setting. During this period, Symplast’s US-based dedicated onboarding specialists work with you hand-in-hand to make the process as efficient and painless as possible, allowing you ample time to troubleshoot any issues and train your team effectively. By achieving this 90-day goal, you set your practice up for a strong start in 2024. You’ll be equipped with an EHR system that not only streamlines operations and enhances patient engagement but also facilitates the achievement of your other vital goals.
Conclusion
If there’s ever a time to be deliberate in your planning, it’s now. As we have just started Q4, the focus should be on setting and achieving realistic, yet challenging goals that will propel your practice into a prosperous 2024. An essential factor that could significantly impact these plans is your EHR system. Symplast not only understands this but provides tailored solutions to alleviate your pain points and help you meet your goals.
If your 90-day or 2024 objectives involve taking your practice to the next level, connect with Symplast today to explore our transformative solutions.