Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1058309
16 Executive Briefing Sponsored by: I ndianapolis Gastroenterology & Hepatology implemented the gGastro ERW by Modernizing Medicine® Gastroenterology, formerly gMed®, to replace its paper record keeping system in 2016. And now that the practice has gGastro ERW in place, it's never going back. Indy Gastro's CEO Jim Turner and Director of Strategic Programs Jason Shake spoke to Becker's ASC Review about why the practice chose gGastro ERW, plus the rollout and implementation process that followed. Mr. Shake said gGastro ERW complements Indy Gastro's organization-wide efforts to become leaner, drive value and improve the patient experience. "The system helps deliver value-based care; it lends itself to really being able to dig in and help improve efficiency and processes," Mr. Shake said. "It's like a Mastercard commercial. It's priceless. If I can make a patient feel good, what's that worth? If I can get one diagnosis right, I run this place efficiently and see more people and people feel good about the care they receive, I don't know what value I'd put on it. To me that's priceless." From the beginning Prior to selecting gGastro ERW, Indy Gastro received multiple bids from vendors for report writers. The practice considered pricing, technology and interoperability to narrow the list of potential options. For Mr. Turner, Modernizing Medicine Gastroenterology's focus on the specialty is what made the difference. "[The solution fit] very well with our long-term business plan and our model," Mr. Turner said. "We thought the vendor had the focus of the gastroenterology world on their side." After Indy Gastro officially selected the ERW solution, Mr. Shake worked with Modernizing Medicine Gastroenterology to oversee the platform's implementation and integration. Mr. Shake led the implementation for Indy Gastro, complemented by the vendor's training staff. The company sent several representatives to Indianapolis as support for the ERW go-live. Indy Gastro was in the unique position of interfacing gGastro ERW with the practice's EHR system from a different vendor. On the go-live day, Modernizing Medicine Gastroenterology and Indy Gastro worked together to ensure roll out was effortless. "The relationship [we have] is fantastic," Mr. Shake said. "I know who I'm talking to, and they know who they're talking to. It's really fast forwarded this program. There were a lot of logistics [to the implementation], and it was a huge effort made 10 times easier by having the company's staff and the level of knowledge they have coming back our way." Mr. Turner felt the implementation process changed the entire relationship between Indy Gastro and Modernizing Medicine Gastroenterology. "There were some real leaders that stepped up at the company," Mr. Turner said. "They became our partner and not just our vendor." The relationship deepened over time as the company continued to provide the practice support. Mr. Shake now works closely with Modernizing Medicine Gastroenterology's lead support specialist to address any questions that arise during the day-to-day operation of the report writer. "Their whole department, especially our lead support specialist, takes it to heart," Mr. Shake said. "He'd call me at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. at night to work on issues. They work really hard there." Mr. Turner is also impressed by the entire organization. "I can't say enough about these people," Mr. Turner said. "They clearly get it and they understand accountability. They are a proactive team, and not a reactive team." Indy Gastro's invisible partner How the practice found value with gGastro® ERW