STL Orthopedics
The Client
Established in 1979, STL Orthopedics, formerly Jones & Sciortino Orthopedics, is a group of orthopedic surgeons on the campus of St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Led by Robert A. Sciortino, M.D., the practice specializes in disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
The Situation
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), “EHR Incentive Programs provide financial incentives for the ‘meaningful use’ of certified EHR technology to improve patient care.” Practices are striving to meet these requirements and take advantage of the incentives available – which can add up to substantial dollars.
It is crucial for practices to understand the requirements, implement a certified EHR system and establish the processes necessary to
ensure Meaningful Use requirements are met. Practices are turning to knowledgeable partners to help with the implementation, training and support needed to successfully attest for Meaningful Use.
The Client's Need
STL Orthopedics had been operating the practice utilizing a Practice Management (PM) system and computers that were acquired and
implemented in the mid 1980s. An attempt to leverage the outdated system to do ePrescribing in 2010 was unsuccessful due to errors in the claims, which resulted in the physicians missing the ten ePrescription requirement by only one patient, and a loss of a percentage of their Medicare payments. They knew they needed a successful solution that would help offset the costs, but also a partner who would guide the entire team (including those who weren’t so tech-savvy) through the implementation.
How Ero Helped
Ero Health provided a complete solution for eClinicalWorks® implementation, process management support, and training services. Prior to implementation, an Ero Health support representative set up the system for the internal project lead, and began assisting immediately
with key items such as establishing core processes, CPT and ICD-9 codes. Ero Health led the practice through a test phase of the implementation which allowed them to gain confidence that they could be ready and successful for their go-live date.
Ero Health training and support has helped with the success of the implementation. Ero Health was with STL Orthopedics for nearly two weeks, including the initial training for the staff and doctors, as well as the first several days after the official launch to support all as they were beginning to use eClinicalWorks® in the real course of their daily activities.
The Results
With Ero Health’s support, STL Orthopedics was able to quickly integrate eClinicalWorks® into their practice. The system has been embraced by the staff and doctors, who have found that they can set up reporting templates, and stay on top of billings and collections. In addition, the transition to electronic records has reduced expenditures on office supplies and made access to information much easier.
The most important result, however, involves the practice’s Meaningful Use attestation. Since the eClinicalWorks® implementation with Ero Health, the practice has successfully attested, and received their full Medicare EHR incentives.
