Case Study - Hays Orthopaedic Clinic, PA

Treating patients at Hays Orthopaedic Clinic, PA (HOC) became increasingly time- and labor-intensive as a result of its continued reliance on a paper-based medical record system. Existing documentation methods were not adequately supporting the clinic's evaluation and management (E&M) coding. Plus, Hays faced potential audit concerns and needed to improve days in A/R.

What's more, HOC experienced delays in its communications with referral physicians and colleagues—especially while waiting for transcription information. "It was frequently over two weeks before a patient encounter was documented and placed in the chart—even with two full transcriptionists on staff and transcription services outsourced to two additional transcriptionists. This frustrated referral physicians and patients because it delayed insurance authorization and the delivery of care. Therefore, we knew we needed to accelerate the turn-around time for communications," explains Brad Rea, Practice Administrator and practicing Physician Assistant at HOC.

To address these growing challenges and concerns, Hays began researching technology solutions that could help improve overall efficiencies through better documentation.