Optimizing and Automating Day-to-Day Workflows

Cascade Outpatient Spine Center streamlined billing, improved chart audits, and enhanced inventory management with HST.

By using HST’s ASC management and electronic charting solutions, they:

Shortened CMS chart auditing time from 3-4 hours to 37 minutes
Reduced outstanding balances
Accurately tracked inventory with automated supply tracking

# of Centers

1

# of ORs

1

Featured Solutions

Electronic Charting

Solutions in Use

Billing & Inventory, Scheduling & Care Communication

Specialties

Spine

State(s)

WA

Customer type

ASC

The Challenge

Cascade Outpatient Spine Center, a privately-owned ASC in Bellingham, Washington, specializes in outpatient spine surgeries and pain management procedures. Operating since 2016 with one OR and handling nearly 2,000 cases annually, they faced challenges when they knew they had to adopt a new EHR. They knew they wanted to find a solution that would eliminate manual processes for billing, inventory tracking, and reporting and also allow them to fully customize their charts. The need for cost-effective, streamlined operations became critical to keep their workflows as simple as possible and improve financial visibility.

The Solution

Since adopting HST, Cascade has experienced exciting improvements. Their billing process is now automated, providing real-time visibility into accounts receivable, reducing errors, and improving cash flow. The operations manager can instantly identify unpaid claims, track AR over 90 days, and focus on resolving outstanding balances—replacing previously manual, inconsistent processes.

During a surprise CMS survey, chart audits, once a cumbersome task, were completed in 37 minutes instead of 3-4 hours, with the surveyor praising it as the best charting system they’d seen in the state.

Nurses use the task manager feature to self-audit, catching errors before formal reviews, which has significantly improved documentation accuracy and compliance. Additionally, inventory management has become precise, with real-time tracking that reduces the need for manual counts. Automated supply deductions, tied directly to patient charts, ensure accurate stock levels, which has been invaluable during supply shortages. Cascade maintains a three-month inventory buffer with confidence, knowing exactly what supplies are on hand at any given moment.

What normally takes 3 to 4 hours for a chart audit process was completed in just 37 minutes. The CMS surveyor even called it the best charting system they’ve ever seen in the state.

Hannah Martinez, Clinical Director

The Results

Looking ahead, Cascade plans to expand by adding another OR, leveraging HST’s capabilities to support growth. They are also preparing to integrate their clinic’s charting system with HST to eliminate manual data entry and enhance information flow. As the center scales, they intend to adopt more HST features, like surgery boards, to improve communication with patient families. With HST as a strategic partner, Cascade is well-positioned to continue optimizing efficiency, improving patient care, and supporting future expansion.

HST has transformed our operations. We can now identify AR over 90 days instantly, manage inventory with precision, and have peace of mind during accreditation surveys, knowing our charts are complete and accurate.

Hannah Martinez, Clinical Director

The Future

Looking ahead, the Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery plans to continue expanding its use of HST capabilities, participating in new betas and advancing automation across workflows.

Leadership also plans to refine specialty-specific workflows, including more complex surgical templates, while remaining closely engaged with HST’s product roadmap. With strong internal ownership and a trusted technology partner, the organization is positioned to continue optimizing performance while reinforcing physician-owner accountability.