Wisconsin River Orthopedics Saves Time and Streamlines Workflow by Switching to the Intuitive ModMed® Orthopedics Suite

Dr. Todd Duellman Shares How the All-in-One Orthopedic Software Helps Save Him Time and Improves Processes

Wisconsin River Orthopaedic Institute has provided comprehensive orthopedic surgical care for almost 40 years. Their physicians specialize in all areas of orthopedics, including joint replacement, spine and sports medicine.

The group was using a server-based EHR system that was not orthopedic specific and required a tremendous amount of time in customizing it to their needs. They wanted a system that provided mobility and that was tailored to the workflow of an orthopedic surgeon. After research, the practice selected EMA®, the award winning* orthopedic EHR system, and later implemented the orthopedic Practice Management (PM) system from Modernizing Medicine®. Dr. Todd Duellman, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with special interest in anterior hip replacement, discusses how the orthopedic EHR saves him time along with the benefits of having all-in-one orthopedic software.

ORTHOPEDIC SOFTWARE FOR ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS

When we signed up with EMA over six years ago, I loved that it was ready to use right out of the box and could be customized based on individual preferences. It was built by orthopedic surgeons who understand real orthopedic workflows and it’s equipped with thousands of diagnoses. Also, the mobility capability of the sleak native iPad application really stood out.

We participated in onsite training and after six months of using the system we attended MOMENTUM, Modernizing Medicine’s user conference, where we learned invaluable information to help make us more efficient. One of our physicians was on his way to retirement and onboarded smoothly because the orthopedic EHR is so easy to use. Also, Modernizing Medicine continues to provide training and educational materials on new product features and enhancements, so we can easily access a wealth of information as the orthopedic software evolves.

When we learned Practice Management was available, we quickly jumped on board. The orthopedic practice management system is a fantastic meld of scheduling and billing. It has helped make interworking between our departments seamless.

AN ORTHOPEDIC EHR THAT SAVES TIME

I’ve used a few different general EHR systems that were cumbersome and required me to spend hours every evening finishing my notes. EMA has helped save me time because it’s truly orthopedic specific and adapts to my preferences, so I don’t have to waste time going through information that doesn’t pertain to me, or my workflow. The notes are well designed, detailed and easily personalized, and suggested billing codes are built into the system. I can complete a detailed note by the time the patient leaves the exam room, saving me hours of time after clinic.

The cloud-based mobility EMA provides is so convenient. If a patient calls when I’m out of the office, I can access the note from the EMA smartphone app, PocketEMA™, add additional information, initiate and track prior authorizations, and ePrescribe medications, which is a fantastic capability. I haven’t handwritten a prescription for narcotics in months because I’m able to quickly and easily ePrescribe controlled substances right in EMA.

IMPROVED PROCESSES WITH ALL-IN-ONE ORTHOPEDIC SOFTWARE

Prior to implementing Practice Management, we used a separate PM platform that bridged to EMA. We lacked uniformity and consistency by having separate billing and scheduling silos. Now, having user-friendly, all-in-one orthopedic software has helped improve processes and streamline our workflow. I finalize my note before the patient leaves the exam room and the information is accessible to my billing department. There is no more running back and forth chasing a paper trail of missing information.

FOCUS ON THE PATIENT

The all-in-one orthopedic software has also done a great job of simplifying the MIPS submission process for our providers by automatically collecting MIPS data as we document, taking some of the burden off of the provider. In the end, my goal is that the EHR should never interfere with patient engagement and EMA has helped me accomplish that.

Todd J. Duellman, MD

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon