Revamping ASC Processes: HST’s Impact on Quad City’s Efficiency and Patient Interaction
Quad City ASC experienced a transformation in communication and employee satisfaction.
This ASC that specializes in orthopedic & pain management has been able to achieve:
- Streamlined daily operations
- An enhancement in communication and job satisfaction amongst staff
- A greater than 20% reduction in paper usage
# of Centers: 1
# of ORs: 2
Featured Solutions: Surgery Center Management, Electronic Charting, Patient Estimates, Scheduling & Care Communication
Solutions in Use: Surgery Center Management, Electronic Charting, Patient Estimates, Scheduling & Care Communication
State(s): IL
Customer Type: ASC
Specialties: Orthopedic & Pain Management
The Challenge
Prior to implementing HST, Quad City Ambulatory Surgery Center was grappling with a myriad of challenges. The software in use at the time, Vision by SIS, was proving to be less than optimal. This was primarily due to its limited user licenses and the necessity for repeated tasks. These deficiencies were causing inefficiencies that were felt across the entire center.
Simultaneously, the center was wrestling with issues arising from paper charting. Time was being squandered, miscommunication was rife, and the charts were often incomplete. These problems were not only frustrating for the staff but also had potential implications for patient care and satisfaction.
The desire to enhance communication, pare down costs, and make the transition from laborious paper charting to a more efficient system was felt acutely. The need for a comprehensive solution that could address scheduling, charting, practice management, and patient communication became increasingly clear.
The Solution
In response to the challenges faced, Quad City ASC made the decision to implement an array of HST products. These included HST’s surgery center management, electronic charting, patient estimates, and HST’s scheduling & care communication. The choice of these products was driven by the comprehensive package that HST offered, which aligned with Quad City’s specific needs. Quad City found it to be most efficient to launch them all at once, given they all integrate and make for a comprehensive, robust solution.
A major objective was to enhance communication with patients and their families. This was achieved through the introduction of text and surgery boards displayed in the lobby, facilitated by HST’s scheduling & care communication. A transition was also made from paper charting to HST’s electronic charting. This move was expected to bring about significant operational improvements and did not fall short.
Ease of use was a critical factor in the decision to adopt HST’s products. The ability to quickly implement changes and the provision of excellent customer service further solidified HST as the chosen provider. Additionally, the potential for constantly new and evolving features, such as integrating HST’s patient texting & pre-assessments into HST’s electronic charting, and handling post-op follow-up via text messaging, added to the appeal of HST’s offerings.
In summary, the solution provided by HST brought about notable improvements in Quad City’s day-to-day operations. Paper consumption was reduced and chart completeness increased. Furthermore, the implementation of HST’s products contributed towards achieving Quad City’s goals of reducing AR days and enhancing patient satisfaction.
HST was the obvious choice – it seemed to be the whole package. The communication is so much better already between our physicians and patients, and even the families.
Kelly Cubbage
Nurse & Team Lead, Quad City ASC
The Results
The application of HST at Quad City resulted in a remarkable transformation in their operational effectiveness. A streamlining of daily operations was observed, along with an enhancement in communication. A significant reduction in paper consumption and office supplies usage, by at least 20%, was also noted.
It was acknowledged by the staff that the simplicity of HST products was highly beneficial. The ability to effect rapid changes was particularly appreciated, contributing significantly to the smooth functioning of the center.
Noteworthy outcomes included a decrease in accounts receivable (AR) days and an improvement in chart completion. These developments led to an increase in revenue and considerable cost savings. In particular, the process of anesthesia billing was streamlined, leading to further time savings.
An improvement in patient satisfaction was another positive result of the implementation of HST products. Text messages for communication and surveys were introduced, which were received enthusiastically by patients.
An unexpected outcome was the increase in job satisfaction among staff members. HST products not only simplified their work but also put necessary tools and information at their fingertips, contributing to a more satisfying work environment.
In conclusion, the implementation of HST products resulted in a multitude of benefits for Quad City, ranging from operational efficiency and cost savings to improved patient satisfaction and increased staff morale.
We’ve also noticed a significant increase in job satisfaction amongst staff. They now have the tools to do their job in the way they want to do. They feel current and confident and that’s important.
Kelly Cubbage
Nurse & Team Lead, Quad City ASC
The Future
Future considerations include the potential integration of HST’s patient texting & pre-assessments into Quad City’s HST product suite, promising further streamlining of administrative tasks. Transitioning from post-op phone calls to text messages is another planned upgrade aimed at improving patient engagement.
HST’s focus on ASCs and their understanding of the unique needs and challenges of such centers were highly valued. This expertise played a significant role in the successful implementation of HST products.