The American Optometric Association (AOA) has entered into a significant financial partnership with Barti Software, a San Francisco-based company specialising in electronic health records (EHR) tailored for eye care practitioners. This marks Barti as the first EHR to be officially endorsed by AOAExcel, the member-benefit and for-profit subsidiary of the AOA.
Sam Pierce, OD, who serves as both a past president of the AOA and chairman of the board for AOAExcel, highlighted the importance of this partnership by stating, "For the first time, AOAExcel is investing in our profession’s opportunity to thrive and succeed with the latest state-of-the-art EHR." He elaborated on the critical role of an EHR in the daily operations of an eye care practice, referring to it as "a vital part of the heartbeat of the practice." This investment is seen as an opportunity for AOA members to enhance their practices with new technology.
Barti’s EHR system incorporates numerous features that leverage artificial intelligence (AI), designed to streamline processes for eye care providers. One notable feature is the AI scribe that enables real-time charting, which potentially alleviates the burden of documentation. Additionally, the system includes an AI Office Copilot that assists with appointment scheduling via phone, enhancing the user experience for both practitioners and patients.
Moreover, Barti Software integrates a VoIP phone system, enabling eye care providers to manage calls through a unified platform. Patients benefit from the convenience of 24/7 online appointment booking, and the system's revenue cycle management capabilities aim to expedite reimbursement processes by simplifying the submission and tracking of claims.
Colton Calandrella, the cofounder and CEO of Barti Software, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "An EHR should do more than just store data – it should be the command center for the whole business." He noted that the AI functionalities of Barti "give superpowers to providers" by allowing them to concentrate more on patient care rather than the intricacies of documentation.
The partnership is expected to positively influence the operations of eye care providers by providing them access to advanced technological tools. Barti Software is accessible for all eye care professionals, with live demonstrations available on their website. In an added incentive, AOA members who sign up with Barti and are active on the platform for three months will receive a $1500 Visa gift card.
This investment and endorsement from AOAExcel signify a shift towards integrating modern technology within the optometric field, possibly reshaping business practices for eye care providers across the sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services