Inspiring Innovation: Changing the Game with Dr. Hunter Edwards

"We share a similar mindset when it comes to patient care—our patients come first. That common goal is our driving force,” says Dr. Hunter Edwards at Magnolia Eye Group, an independent practice that’s been in operation since 1990. 

With six locations across Northern Mississippi, Magnolia Eye Group is a family-owned practice where Dr. Edwards works alongside his father and brother. As their business grew, expanding their software capabilities became a priority to keep pace with increasing patient demand. The practice soon decided to upgrade from OfficeMate® to Eyefinity Encompass™. 

“We didn’t want to go back to doing things the inefficient way—working harder, not smarter,” Dr. Edwards explains, “One of the practices we acquired utilized Eyefinity Encompass, and we got a glimpse of how efficient and well-integrated the system was. We then agreed to make the switch to Eyefinity Encompass at all of our practices, and it's been a game changer.” 

Ease of Access 

Eyefinity Encompass is a cloud-based practice management, EHR, patient engagement and analytics platform, redefining how eye care professionals improve their daily workflow and manage health records. 

“With our old system, we had to rely on a physical server. Records were stored at the office and everything scanned stayed there,” says Dr. Edwards. “If a staff member had a question about a patient at another office and you weren't there that day, you had no way of accessing that patient's information.” 

Now, all confidential patient data is stored securely in the cloud, giving the Magnolia Eye Group team the flexibility to access records anytime from any location.   

“Having an onsite server meant risking downtime or data loss if something went wrong,” said Dr. Edwards. “A cloud-based setup has been a real safety net for us especially since we rotate a lot. A patient might call and say they need a refill on a medication, and they may not know exactly what medication it is. Nonetheless, I’m able to quickly access their information and can refill/prescribe from any office.” 

Anytime, Anywhere Access 

One of the many innovative features of Eyefinity Encompass is the iPad app. Providing efficient EHR capabilities, this tablet-friendly tool allows providers to easily document exams, manage charts, electronically prescribe medication, and retrieve patient information in the palm of their hands, a luxury that Magnolia Eye Group has been utilizing. Depending on the patient, Dr. Edwards estimates that the iPad app saves him at least two to five minutes of charting per patient. 

“Our doctors mainly use the iPad. It keeps patient care and administrative tasks with me wherever I go. I don't have to run to this room to perform an eye exam and then run to another room to enter an email. It's all right there in my hands.” Dr. Edwards explains.  

With the ability to navigate and finalize exams on the iPad (or the browser), while actively engaging with patients, Dr. Edwards has been able to take patient care from a desk-bound process to a dynamic, interactive experience. 

“I enjoy not having to turn my back to the patient to type on a keyboard. I can face them, chat as we talk, and stay fully engaged. Not being tethered to one spot has been great,” said Dr. Edwards. 

Magnolia has set office hours for each of their locations. However, when patient needs to come up outside of working hours, the iPad app enables Dr. Edwards to continuously provide patient care. 

“I ran into a patient after hours who said, ‘Hey, I need a refill on my drops,’ and I just pulled out my phone and refilled it through the iPhone app. It took no time, but it kept me from having to go back to the office and call it in.” 

The Bottom Line

From digital charting to secure access on the go, Eyefinity Encompass has been lending a hand to support every aspect of running Magnolia Eye Group.   

“It's extremely efficient,” says Dr. Edwards, “It's so easy to get charts done and patients coded. I can customize everything to my workflow by setting up protocols.” 

Here are 3 ways Dr. Edwards uses protocols to customize his workflow: 

1. I select my most common diagnosis, create an assessment and plan, and save that to a bank of protocols.  
2. I'm then able to select those protocols, which essentially now are pre-charted/pre-coded, and it inserts that into the patient's exam that day.  
3. If you have something you see more than three times a day, creating a protocol greatly reduces the amount of time charting. A few taps on the screen and then it's off to the races. 
    

Ready to see how Eyefinity Encompass can increase your exam efficiency? Request a demo and a member of our team will be in touch shortly!