Ditching the Paper Process for Efficiency

The Challenge

BASS Surgery Center, a multi-specialty center in Walnut Creek, California, has been using HST’s billing and inventory solution for scheduling since its inception in 2016-2017. With four operating rooms, the center does every specialty except for eyes, with a focus on orthopedics. In 2020, their facility started using HST’s billing and inventory solution for revenue cycle management, and in September 2021, they added HST’s electronic charting.

Before using HST Pathways, the center faced several challenges with its paper-based processes. They were using an internet-based scheduling tool that was unreliable and an old financial system that didn’t work well in connecting the clearing house and revenue cycle management pieces.

The paper charting system was also challenging, with many paper charts everywhere, making maintaining audits and compliance rates difficult. The costs of maintaining paper charting and supplies were astronomical, and the center faced a low chart completion rate of only 30%.

The Solution

The center switched to HST’s billing and inventory solution to streamline its operations, provide better continuity of care, and eliminate the need for paper-based processes. They chose HST Pathway’s software for its usability and user-friendliness. The support provided by HST Pathways was also a selling point for the center, as BASS Surgery Center had access to a team that was immediately available to help them through any growing pains.

Previously, when they had to bring in nurses to cover for absences, it was challenging to provide them with the necessary information from physical charts. Their staff nurses had to juggle their patient care responsibilities while trying to train the nurses on the floor, which could have been more efficient.

However, with the implementation of HST’s electronic charting, the process has become much smoother. They have seen first-hand how user-friendly the system is and how it allows nurses to complete tasks chronologically. It provides clear prompts for each step, making it easy for the nurses to quickly follow along and learn the process.

This streamlined training process benefits the registry nurses and relieves the workload of their staff nurses, who no longer have to divide their attention between patient care and training. The reduced training time has improved overall efficiency and allows them to provide seamless care even when temporary staff members are needed.

The Results

Since switching to HST Pathways, the center has seen several positive results. The electronic signature process within HST’s electronic charting has eliminated paper-related complaints and the need for a room full of paper charts. HST’s billing and inventory solution has reduced the time it takes to prep charts and training time for new staff by 50%. The time to transfer patients to the hospital has also been reduced from 20 minutes to 3 minutes.

They now have a dedicated team of administrative personnel who electronically audit and close charts, allowing them to streamline the process and generate chart completion reports. This capability gives them peace of mind and better control over the status of charts. Additionally, they have eliminated the time-consuming manual process of preparing paper packets for transfers. Now, everything flows seamlessly into an electronic transfer block, saving them valuable time and allowing them to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.

Ultimately, the revenue cycle management within HST’s billing and inventory solution has simplified the center’s AR management, and HST’s electronic charting has simplified its processes.

The Future

The center has recently signed a contract with Envi, which interfaces with HST Pathways’ software, to roll out advanced inventory management and eliminate the guesswork of what they have on hand. They are also looking to expand their use of HST’s scheduling & care communication to capture the whole picture prior to the date of service, reduce cancellations, and increase efficiency. Overall, the center recommends HST Pathways’ software for its customer service and usability.