Case Studies

Dermatology and Aesthetic Services

Dermatology and Aesthetic Services Reduces Costs and Improves Customer Satisfaction Using workflowEHR™

The Company

Joyce Lender M.D. Inc. Dermatology and Aesthetic Services (DAS) is a dermatology and dermatologic surgery practice located in Elyria, Ohio. In addition to offering general dermatology services, DAS offers several other specialty services, including facial treatments, chemical peels, and Botox® treatments. The practice was opened in 2006 by Dr. Joyce Lender, who has more than 20 years of experience in the field.

The Business Critical Issue

In 2006, Dr. Lender made the decision to open her own practice and knew that she wanted an EHR system in place from the start. Since the practice was new, an EHR system would need to be launched immediately to avoid ever having to create paper files.

Similar to many providers who are just starting their own private practice, Dr. Lender did not want the hassle of building, retrieving, prepping, and storing paper charts. DAS's specific needs included:

• Eliminate the need for paper charts and the resulting storage space
• Implement an EHR quickly and affordably for the new single-provider practice
• Dermatology template forms for use within the practice
• Ability to schedule appointments and print prescriptions
• HIPAA compliance

The Solution

Dr. Lender and her medical aesthetician, Kim Bishop, thoroughly researched EHR software prior to opening the practice. During their research, the two learned that a trusted colleague of Dr. Lender's was actually in the process of transitioning to workflowEHR from a different EHR system. After seeing a demo, DAS chose workflowEHR and began implementation in the spring of 2006. "Workflow.com's EHR solution was clearly the best choice over the other solutions I examined with Dr. Lender," said Bishop. "The format is great, it is easy to use, and it is a truly customizable program that meets the needs of this practice perfectly."

According to one staff member, "Workflow.com literally built the software exactly the way Dr. Lender wanted it, including building customized dermatology templates. What's more, they continue to make modifications as we need them."

The Results

By implementing workflowEHR, DAS saw positive results in the following areas:

Smooth transition

The solution enabled Dr. Lender to make a smooth transition into her new practice. "workflowEHR is unique since it is a flexible program," Dr. Lender said. "If something needs to be changed or added, the Workflow.com team makes it happen. The support is outstanding!"

Saving money with electronic charts

Prior to implementing workflowEHR, Dr. Lender spent a great deal of money on transcription. Now, everything is done directly through the software in real-time. All of her notes are completed almost immediately and are much more thorough than when she used dictation. Plus, everything is stored in one place in the patient's electronic chart for simple, fast retrieval.

In addition to this cost savings, DAS never had to make an investment in the creation and storage of paper charts, ultimately saving the practice valuable time and money. Another exceptional benefit of using workflowEHR has been that the practice never had to hire a large staff. The practice has always been able to function with a very lean group, which has decreased costs and increased profits.

Improved patient care

Patients' perception of Dr. Lender's practice is one powerful example of the intangible benefits experienced after implementing workflowEHR. As Dr. Lender noted, "My patients often comment on the state-of-the-art technology we are using to serve them. They really feel that, since we are such an innovative practice, we are better healthcare providers. This is truly valuable in building their confidence in what we do."

DAS also stores patient photographs in workflowEHR in order to verify patient identity. When a patient is encountered for the first time, DAS takes a photo of each patient, which is then displayed in the electronic patient chart so patients can be quickly identified each time they come in, improving their quality of care and patient experience.

"After using Workflow.com for more than one year, I am very satisfied," said Dr. Lender. "My notes are complete as I encounter each patient."

Summary of Results:

• Eased transition into the new practice
• All charts are available electronically, with patient information available immediately
• Customized templates allowed Dr. Lender to start her new practice with all the necessary tools in place
• No investment was required to create and store paper charts
• Increased profits resulting from reduced staff needs
• Patient identification is enhanced with digital photos saved in patient charts
• No transcription costs
• Improved patient safety by helping practitioners make better care decisions with quick access to full patient records
• Patients' perception of the quality of care they receive is very positive
• Improved HIPAA compliance

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