MidWest Eye Centers is an Ophthalmology group with 27 doctors and 19 locations across both Ohio and Kentucky, including two ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) offering laser eye surgery. MidWest Eye Centers regularly invests in cutting-edge technology, and their team has been directly involved in the testing and development of many proven laser eye surgery techniques. This has made it possible for them to perform more than 60,000 vision correction procedures since 1974.
Their practices and ASCs were in desperate need of a solution to replace their paper charting. In an effort to streamline operations and reduce costs, the lead decision makers at MidWest Eye Centers sought out an electronic ASC solution with the ability to communicate with clinical notes from their EHR. Leading this search was Deborah Bray, RN, CNOR, Operations Director and ASC Surgery Coordinator for MidWest Eye Centers. “We investigated several other systems. All of them were extremely cost prohibitive compared to the Nextech solution,” said Deborah Bray.
Deborah Bray
RN, CNOR, Operations Director and ASC Surgery Coordinator for MidWest Eye Centers
The doctors at MidWest Eye Centers also experienced none of the growing pains that are sometimes expected upon the implementation of a new system. “On the very first day we went live, I had no idea the staff was even training on a new system,” added Dr. Christopher Devine of MidWest Eye Centers. “The whole experience was flawless. It did not affect my day at all, and I found that pleasantly surprising. There was no slowdown, as far as I could tell.”
In considering whether to make the switch from paper, there was some initial apprehension and concern regarding whether their staff would have difficulty with adoption of the new system. However, these fears were quickly laid to rest during training and implementation.
“I was surprised at how easily my staff was able to give up paper,” Said Bray. “I worried some of the more mature members of our team might have difficulty, since they were so used to handling physical charts. However, they all completed onboarding with the new system and love it.”
The doctors at MidWest Eye Centers also experienced none of the growing pains that are sometimes expected upon the implementation of a new system. “On the very first day we went live, I had no idea the staff was even training on a new system,” added Dr. Christopher Devine of MidWest Eye Centers. “The whole experience was flawless. It did not affect my day at all, and I found that pleasantly surprising. There was no slowdown, as far as I could tell.”
Since implementation, the team at MidWest Eye Centers has experienced workflow improvements at both ASCs. “My staff all say this new ASC system is incredibly easy to use,” reported Bray.
“I love that it automatically transfers information from the clinic notes and populates it into the ASC chart—problem list, meds, and everything else you need is already in there,” she continued. “This was so disorganized when we had paper. We no longer have to constantly call offices back or play phone tag just to clarify information or fill in the blanks. We send them the questions, and they send us the answers.”
“I would definitely recommend this system to other practices,” Bray concluded. “If you commit to the process of training and implementation, it really will save your practice time and money.”
As the providers and staff of MidWest Eye Centers move toward a new paperless future with the EHR and the integrated ASC solution, Nextech will continue to serve their short- and long-term needs for EHR, ASC and beyond.