Case Studies
Andrew Cash Practice Profile
Champion Physician: Dr. Andrew Cash
Number of ClinixMD users: 7
Patient visits per month: 600+
Using ClinixMD since January 2003
Cost savings/benefits: Several hundred dollars per month in transcription costsand approximately two nurse and two secretaries’ salaries.
New Practice Needs
Dr. Cash opened his practice in mid-January 2003. He expected a slow ramp-up to a full patient load, but found his needs for EMR almost immediate, as he was quickly seeing approximately 30 patients per day, all of whom needed accurate medical charts. Dr. Cash implemented ClinixMD almost immediately and chose it based on its ease of use and multiple input options. “My friend uses another EMR service and is frustrated because his only option is typing – he feels very limited,” says Dr. Cash. “With ClinixMD I have more options, like dictation, and can even change the system to my liking and input new drugs and therapies based on my needs.”
Time Savings
Dr. Cash says he spends about two minutes extra in the room with each patient while inputting notes in ClinixMD. Those two extra minutes save a lot of time later, as he no longer needs to dictate notes afterwards or review notes following transcription. Additionally, Dr. Cash says that without ClinixMD the time spent locating and updating charts would be much higher. In fact, he estimates he would need double the staff to support him without the system.
Patient Care
“I definitely notice an improvement in my work using ClinixMD – especially with returning patients,” says Dr. Cash. “I input information into ClinixMD while I’m meeting with the patient, and sometimes they’ll even give me feedback or correct my notes on the spot.” Prior to using ClinixMD, Dr. Cash, like most doctors, would dictate notes from his office following the visit. The notes would then be sent to a transcription service and he would not see them again to review until two weeks later. “By that time, it’s very hard to accurately remember exactly what was wrong with the patient – the instant reviewing process enabled by ClinixMD is definitely more precise,” he says.
Patient Response
“My patients are very impressed that I take notes electronically,” says Dr. Cash. “They think it’s very cutting-edge and like being able to interact with the process.” The patients also appreciate the typewritten medication prescriptions, which are clear, accurate and automatically check for harmful drug interactions based on the patient’s existing list of medications.
Technology Transition
Dr. Cash faced some unique challenges in implementing EMR because he is in a limited Internet service area and he specifically wanted to use ClinixMD’s online service. It took quite a bit of work on the company’s side and a positive and determined attitude from Dr. Cash, but the clinic was up and running fairly quickly and has experienced no technical difficulties since.
