With the new year well under way, it's time to evaluate how well you're keeping up with your New Year's resolutions. And for many people, overall improvement on personal health is a popular resolution. So if you're already working on trimming the fat in your personal life, you might as well consider how you can trim the fat from a business standpoint as well.

When it comes to your optical software there are probably a few things that you wish your system could do better. So take a minute, and think about what fat you could trim from your optical software to make your practice more efficient.

New Year's Resolutions for Your Optical Software

Get Rid of all of the Paper

If you're looking to cut some fat from your optical software, the first place you can start is by moving your patient records to the computer. If you have tons of paper files taking up precious space in your office, get organized and move them to your computer by using an EHR software. EHR systems allow you to store all of your patient files online, and they'll help make life easier in your office.

And better yet, getting an EHR system that is 2014 certified for Meaningful Use will allow you to participate in the Meaningful Use Incentive Program. You might as well participate and start getting some money back because come 2015 ODs who aren't participating in the program will be penalized.

Spend Less Time on the Phone

There are a couple of features of a practice management and EHR solution that will help you save time from being on the phone. For starters, some systems come with a tool specifically designed to send out patient reminders. These tools can send out appointment reminders to your patients freeing up your staff from making these calls each day!

Another way to spend less time on the phone is by having a patient portal. Patient portals provide a secure online avenue of communication between the doctor and the patient. It gives you and your patients access to medical history, lab results, questionnaires, educational materials, and treatment instructions. Access to all of this is going to decrease the amount of phone calls from patients asking you questions.

Ditch the Hardware

When it comes to technology and your practice management system, you have a few options. Some systems are built on client-server software, and others are built in the cloud. With client-server systems you'll have to manage your own servers in your office, on top of worrying about security and upgrades. With cloud-based systems, servers in your office are a thing of the past. And security and upgrades are all handled by the vendor, so that's one more thing off of your plate!

Get Rid of all of the Clicks

An important part of any optical software is how well it fits in with your workflow. We've heard time and again that it takes too many clicks to carry your patients through their exam. With an intuitive workflow that guides you through scheduling, diagnosis, treatment, coding, and billing along with clincial decision support you'll have the ability to walk your patients quickly through their appointments. And what's more important than getting your patients in and out of the door quickly?

Want to learn more about an optical software that could help your practice become more efficient this year?