Injuries and illnesses can cause debilitating pain and reduce mobility. Physical therapists are highly trained professionals who implement treatment plans to ease pain and regain mobility. Physical therapists use exercises, stretches, and equipment to help patients achieve treatment goals.
Over 100 million adults in the United States alone are affected by serious musculoskeletal injuries each year. The demand for physical therapy services will increase over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 18% job growth rate for physical therapists from 2019 to 2029, more than four times the average job growth rate for all occupations. As physical therapists contend with increased service demand, they can improve operational efficiency with data management.
Every company gathers data. Individual specialists may learn pertinent information when talking to patients, colleagues, and suppliers. A physical therapist’s office may receive notifications about changes to insurance policies and what they cover. Companies also receive data through patient records and billing. When a business uses technological processes to gather, process, and confirm data, it can improve operational efficiency.
Google “what is MDM” to learn more about how master data management can benefit your company. MDM software gathers operational, analytical, and governance data in one program. MDM systems offer multiple benefits: data from your health system can be correlated and used for an anomaly detection time series to identify fraudulent claims and reduce the likelihood of insurance fraud. Companies save money because they don’t need multiple systems tracking business data.
MDM programs allow users to input data from their own devices using a mobile app. Tablets, mobile phones, and computers can all be used to supply and access data.
What types of equipment do physical therapists use?
Physical therapists use a wide range of equipment to enable patients to perform specific exercises and activities to help them achieve their therapy goals. For example, a physical therapist may help a stroke patient walk up and down a ramp until they gain enough strength to step up and down independently. Ramps are commonly used with patients who need to regain the ability to use their legs effectively.
Patients may use resistance bands to build muscle strength. Exercise balls can enable patients to perform exercises that strengthen their core muscles. Gym equipment and pools can also be used to promote training and activity.
Physical therapists also use cutting-edge technology. A robotic exoskeleton can provide external support to patients and help them move. Some people with paraplegia, people with spinal cord injuries, and individuals with congenital movement disorders, such as cerebral palsy, can use a robotic exoskeleton to complete exercises, work on gait training, and keep limbs deteriorating due to lack of use.
Physical therapists may use hydrotherapy and electrotherapy when treating patients. Patients can rebuild muscle strength while playing games, making physical therapy more enjoyable and beneficial for some patients. Some physical therapists also use virtual reality programs with patients. Some physical therapists also use virtual reality programs with patients.
How does MDM manage inventory?
An MDM program can determine if your company is low on specific supplies. When all data systems correlate, the MDM program can automatically adjust stock figures for product sales. This allows staff to know how much stock remains in real time.
A physical therapist’s office must keep many supplies in stock. Blank medical charts may be used for notes during patient sessions. Like all medical offices, physical therapists need bathrooms. MDM software can track supply use to ensure that toilet paper, forms, soap, towels, and other supplies are restocked when required.
How does MDM manage operations?
MDM programs can correlate the treatment plans for specific patients to determine what facilities they need to access. An MDM system can choose the time to clean the equipment before it’s needed again and assign tasks to aides to ensure it is prepared. Suppose multiple physical therapists are working from the same location. In that case, the MDM can sign out equipment that will be in use to prevent another therapist from booking an appointment with a patient who needs the same equipment at that time.
MDM programs can also ensure operational compliance by prompting staff to submit paperwork when required, renew licenses, or implement procedures to comply with new guidelines.
