Since introducing the AXON Patient Engagement System last year, EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems Inc. has continued to gear its clinical software solutions toward two main demographics: clinicians (plus their administrative staff) and patients.
Two users from the clinical and administrative side are sharing their real-world experiences incorporating the AXON Patient Engagement System and other EyeMD EMR services into their respective practices—and how they’ve proved to be game-changers for clinic workflows.
But first things first: What is EyeMD EMR?
The clinical software solutions company specializes in designing systems for eyecare professionals (ECPs) with the purpose of not only improving quality of care but also boosting patient satisfaction.
As a bonus: Earlier this year, EyeMD EMR received a 2024 Best in KLAS Award for Ophthalmology EMR from KLAS Research.
- The significance: These awards recognize healthcare technology companies that “consistently demonstrate excellence in meeting the needs of healthcare providers” and evaluate products based on feedback from healthcare professionals (HCPs).
- In other words: Recipients of the awards are based on real-world experience and outcomes.
Now to its product offerings …
The company offers a suite of software solutions for clinical practices:
- AXON Patient Engagement
- Practice Management (PM)
- Integrated into all EMR solutions; enables real-time tracking of claims, optimized payment collections, appointment waitlisting, recalls and reminders, etc.
- EMR for Ophthalmology
- See the next section!
- Hybrid Technology
- Featuring edge and fog computing for real-time performance
- Image Management
- Built-in, high-resolution imaging immediately accessible and displayed in real-time—without the need for VPNs or remote desktop
- Optical Software
- Streamline processes with built-in lab order management; integrates to EMR/PM, barcoding, labeling, and receipt printing
And what do these solutions provide?
It’s important to note: Though currently exclusive to ophthalmology, these solutions are designed for clinical practices of all sizes—and can be used individually or in tandem.
A few key advantages EyeMD EMR offers in its ophthalmology-targeted system include:
- Real-time customization
- Clinical verbiage, treatment plans, letter templates, and workflows
- Streamlined workflows
- Intuitive interface with smart features
- 24/7 support
- Dedicated and personalized eyecare-specific assistance available with emergency assistance
Tell me: How do these services compare to other systems?
Sunday Kumar, practice administrator at Kumar Eye Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, spoke with Glance President Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO, on the impact of using EyeMD EMR’s services for her practice.
A key example of this: After years of struggling with outsourcing billing, her practice switched to EyeMD EMR for its integrated billing services (via AbillifEye, EyeMD's own RCM service)—as well as for its PM services.
- Quick rundown on AbillifEye: Originally launched with EyeMD EMR in 1998 (when the company was medical billing and information technology (IT)-focused), this billing service was revived and rebranded as AbillifEye +2 years ago on the company’s RCM side.
Now back to its real-world use.
Similarly, Rishi Kumar, MD, also of the Kumar Eye Institute, noted that EyeMD EMR’s billing services have managed everything from charge capture, payment recording, denials, and other aspects—all seamlessly integrating into the practice’s electronic health record (EHR).
“There's a lot less waste of time because they know our coding and our specialists, and the guesswork is taken out of it,” Kumar said. “And you can see that because our claims go out on time faster—and with fewer errors.”
That number wouldn’t be possible on a practice level, Kumar noted.
“Of course, it’s not perfect—but I’d say it’s 99% perfect,” she said. “From getting everything out quickly to being efficient, it’s really proven to be true. And we see that each month when we pull our reports.”
And has this benefited patients?
It really has, according to Kumar. The biggest benefit, she noted, is the speed in which their claims are sent off, and they, in turn, receive a bill.
“It’s so quick, it’s almost real-time,” she said. “With companies we’ve worked with in the past—and even internally—you can’t always get claims out as fast as you’d like.”
Now let’s zero in on Axon.
Initially soft launched during the 2023 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting—and most recently showcased at the 2024 annual meeting in October—this third-generation patient engagement system is designed as a complete system that enables clinicians to digitally interact with their patients outside of the clinical setting.
The intended result: Improved efficiency for clinical practices as well as advanced quality of care for patients.
And that other clinical-based user experience you mentioned earlier?
To give you a rundown on just how unique and groundbreaking AXON is, early adopter Mahdi Basha, DO, MSMEd, FACS, a LASIK and cataract surgeon at the Fraser Eye Center in Fraser, Michigan, also spoke with Dr. Garlich on what makes the system unique from others.
Nice! So tell me: How does it work?
AXON uses clinical insights to drive patient communication automation.
Case in point: The system incorporates a patient's clinical data and captured images to develop workflow efficiencies for clinical practice—all while also enabling patients to review their own clinical information and be aware of options at their disposal.
Give me specifics.
The system features a tiered solution consisting of three components:
- Connect: practice-to-patient messaging system
- Customized workflows dependent on practice needs
- Appointment reminders
- Medication adherence and compliance
- Generates patient feedback for more positive outcomes
- Marketing options
- Identify and prequalify patients for clinical promos/specials (ie: LASIK)
- Captured: digital intake and consent module
- Remote intake (via connect component)
- Generates discrete QR code
- Collects insurance and medical intake information, enabling patients to review and digitally sign consent (ie: a patient’s insertion of “high blood pressure” would translate to “hypertension.”)
- Generates discrete QR code
- Note: Based on practice preferences, the system reconciles and translates patient-input information into medical terminology
- Remote intake (via connect component)
- Converse: two-way chat for direct patient messaging
- HIPAA-compliant
- Automated message routing via practice-specific workflows and parameters, funneled through the front office
- Indirect or direct involvement of physician, depending on practice preferences
Go on …
EyeMD EMR CEO Abidel Marin previously noted that AXON “delivers on all five goals set by the HITECH Act.”
To note: Passed in 2009, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act seeks to promote the adoption of technology in healthcare as well as improve the security and privacy of patient health information.
Talk more about that clinical practice impact.
Dr. Basha noted that, for his practice, patient intake is a major time consumer.
“It's very redundant and slow, and it's of no benefit to anybody—patient or administrative staff,” he said.
Enter in AXON: The system streamlines patient intake by allowing patients to input their demographic and medical history, digital consent forms, and other pre-check-in tasks prior to arriving for their clinical visit.
“It makes everybody's life easier because you know exactly what the patient wants,” Dr. Basha said. “And oftentimes, when we do the intake form in the office, patients feel rushed because you're giving them 10 minutes, and then they’re being called in, and they’re not ready.”
By using AXON: “This gives the patient time to do things at their own pace.”
And in terms of workflow efficiencies?
Dr. Basha noted that, in most clinical practices, patient intake forms are completely different from an EMR’s actual workflow system.
“This brings the two together, so what the patient is being asked in the form is a 1:1 match to the EMR,” he said.
As a bonus: Customization options are available for clinicians to ensure this matchup is exact.
Now I have to ask: Why should ECPs consider switching to this EMR?
“Switching systems is a nightmare,” Dr. Basha said.
However, compared to other platforms that typically look to monetize their systems and generate maximum profit, he noted that EyeMD EMR considers the provider. “It has a completely different feel than with other platforms, where you can tell you’re just a number,” Dr. Basha said. “And that’s what attracted our practice to EyeMD EMR.”
For example: He noted that the company routinely asks for user feedback on their platforms and are available to discuss with ECPs how to enhance the offerings.
- “They’re putting the doctor first and then figuring out how to make money off of it,” Dr. Basha said.
And from the administrative side?
Outside of the AXON system, Kumar shared her own insight based on the 2 years of experience her practice has had using EyeMD EMR’s services.
Alright, you’ve piqued my interest in this … how can I get started in learning more?
Contact the company—or schedule a demo here.