Tomorrow’s Orthopedic Practice Software TODAY

What is Orthopedic Software?

At a basic level, orthopedic software electronically stores orthopedic-patient medical information. Ideally, the software not only takes into account the unique needs of orthopedists, it also helps them spend more time with patients. But no matter how modern or feature-filled an electronic medical record (EMR) is, unless it easily integrates with all other software used in the orthopedic practice—everything from imaging devices to billing software—it’s not a good choice.

Tomorrow’s Software Today

Today’s patients expect simple, fast, multi-channel communication with all their providers, along with virtual visits when appropriate. To keep up, orthopedic practices must provide secure text and chat for appointment making, automated appointment reminders, electronic registration, mobile check-in, telehealth connected to EHR, and automated e-billing and statements.

6 Ways Modern EHRs Benefit Orthopedists

1. Simplify coding. EMRs that are difficult to learn, counterintuitive to use, and require multiple steps for simple tasks leads to physician burnout. Orthopedists are especially vulnerable to this phenomenon because of coding complexity and patient volume. They need software that improves efficiency by quickly leading them through the process to enter, for example, a type and location of fracture or a sprain category.
2. Speed up image transfer. Look for an EMR that lets X-rays, MRIs, and other images be easily viewed on a variety of devices, regardless of when and how the image was acquired. “EMR systems fail because…the system doesn’t effectively integrate with the office’s practice management and PACS, or with similar systems operated by entities such as labs and imaging centers,” notes Jonathan Schaffer of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ EMR Project Team.
3. Streamline e-prescribing. Orthopedic patients often require multiple prescriptions, especially those undergoing surgery, so robust e-prescribing is essential. An orthopedic EMR with a strong focus on drug interactions lowers the need for manual mediation reconcilliation and helps patients avoid harmful drug interactions.
4. Strong documentation. Orthopedic patients must often be tracked over long time periods, with progress being reported to employers or insurers for continuation of worker’s comp or disability insurance. Look for an EMR that simplifies this process, letting orthopedists practice medicine rather than fill out insurance forms.
5. Improve practice management. Features like note-taking templates, PQRI reporting functions, clinical decision support, and patient-progress dashboards all help cardiologists create practice-specific workflows that help them spend more time with patients and less on administrative tasks.
6. Improve revenue cycle management (RCM). You may think you need more staff or expertise to solve your A/R issues—the truth is today’s technology can identify and fix lost revene from patient balances and unpaid claims; benchmark your reimbursement rates; and help you understand how to increase patient satisfaction, increase revenue on routine appointments, and reduce no-shows.

What’s the Biggest Mistake Orthopedists Make When Choosing an Office Solution?

No matter how modern or feature-filled a system is, unless it is integrated with all other office software used in the orthopedic clinic, it will not be able to give you the granular data you need for RCM. Put simply, the orthopedic software you select should help providers:

• Provide in-office and remote patient care
• Quickly create superbills
• Easily track revenue to avoid leaks
• Create customized notetaking templates
• Create dashboards to track patient progress
• Easily gather data from devices such as MRIs and EMGs

Lastly, the orthopedic office system should be able to quickly integrate with patient-facing systems such as patient portals and personal electronic medical records.

Sources:

1. Donovan, William. “70% of MDs Stressed by EHRs, Orthopedic Surgeons Hit Worst.” Orthopedics This Week, 18 December 2018. https://ryortho.com/breaking/70-of-m-d-s-stressed-by-ehrs-orthopedic-surgeons-hit-worst/
2. Parker, Anna. “5 Benefits of E-Prescribing for Hospitals and Patients.” EMR Finder, 8 February 2021. https://emrfinder.com/blog/5-benefits-of-e-prescribing-for-hospitals-and-patients/
3. “What is Orthopedic Medical Software? Software Advice, accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/orthopedics-software-comparison/#buyers-guide
4. Mevid, Howard. “Do you Need a New EMR System?” AAOS Now, 1 April 2013. https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2013/apr/managing/managing3/