Orthopedic practices face unique challenges in delivering exceptional patient care while managing high patient volumes, varied subspecialties and intricate workflows. Balancing these operational complexities with the need to engage patients effectively can feel overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and tools, orthopedic practices can streamline operations, improve communication and enhance the patient experience.
This blog explores actionable strategies for optimizing orthopedic patient engagement and highlights how platforms like Artera can support clinics in creating meaningful connections with their patients.
The Complex Challenges of Orthopedic Practices
Orthopedic care spans numerous subspecialties, including sports medicine, spine care, pediatric orthopedics and trauma. This diversity leads to common pain points, such as inefficient scheduling systems, incomplete patient data management and disjointed post-visit communications. These inefficiencies strain administrative staff, lead to patient dissatisfaction and negatively impact the bottom line.
For example, manual scheduling practices and lack of automation can result in delayed outreach to patients, underutilized appointment slots and no-shows. Limited coordination between primary care providers (PCPs) and orthopedic clinics often leaves patients unclear about their next steps for care. Combined with high transaction values and complex procedures like surgeries, orthopedic practices must be highly efficient to maintain operational excellence.
Amid all of this, fostering patient engagement is essential—not just to improve patient loyalty, but also to ensure better clinical outcomes through informed and active participation in care plans.
Strategies to Engage Orthopedic Patients Successfully
Here are key strategies orthopedic practices can adopt to improve patient engagement:
1. Streamline Patient Scheduling
Efficient scheduling is fundamental for a seamless patient experience. For orthopedic centers, that means going beyond traditional scheduling systems. Implement intelligent, rules-based platforms that allow patients to self-schedule online or be added to an automated waitlist to which they are then notified of an earlier slot opening. Digital automation ensures patients are updated with reminders and early appointment openings, creating a more dynamic and responsive approach.
Example: Artera’s ScheduleCare optimizes appointment utilization by automating scheduling workflows and freeing up staff from manual processes. Patients can self-schedule with ease, reducing missed appointments and increasing efficiency.
2. Enhance Pre-Visit Prep & Communication
Timely and personalized pre-visit communication fosters trust and reduces confusion about appointment logistics and pre-visit preparation or instructions. Offering communication in multiple formats—such as text messages, emails or phone calls—ensures you meet each patient’s preferences.
By delivering pre-visit instructions, you can ensure patient readiness, keep patients engaged across their entire journey and improve slot utilization. Not only that, but personalized messaging – driven by an AI-powered system – can automatically triage and respond to patient inquiries, so patients feel immediately supported along their journey.
Automated outreach also reduces gaps in care by proactively engaging patients for ortho-specific screenings, pre-visit instructions (e.g., no supplement intake 24-48 hours prior to visit) and satisfaction surveys.
Example: Artera enables orthopedic practices to deploy high-touch communication strategies through automated workflows, ensuring patients get accurate and timely updates throughout their care journeys.
3. Provide Comprehensive Digital Intake Processes
A smooth intake process minimizes patient frustration and saves valuable staff time. Orthopedic clinics should offer digital solutions for pre-visit paperwork, screening forms and insurance verification. Clear upfront cost estimates also help patients feel financially prepared.
By digitizing every pre-visit step, clinics can reduce paperwork bottlenecks, improve accuracy, and shorten wait times at the front desk. Additionally, sending instructions for preparation (e.g., avoiding supplements before surgery) boosts adherence and ensures readiness for procedures.
Example: With tools like Artera Intake and Payments, orthopedic practices can provide customized digital intake forms, real-time eligibility checks and upfront financial transparency, empowering patients before their appointments.
5. Offer Payment Transparency and Automated Billing
Given that orthopedic services often involve costly surgeries and ongoing therapies, financial transparency is critical. Clear, upfront cost communication eliminates conflict and confusion, while automated billing reminders ensure faster payments.
Example: Artera’s payment solutions utilize digital reminders and self-service payment portals, improving financial workflows and reducing manual collection efforts.
6. Reinforce Post-Visit Engagement
Patient engagement doesn’t end when they leave the clinic. Post-visit communication is vital for ensuring adherence to care plans, scheduling follow-up appointments and monitoring recovery progress. Clinics should connect with patients via automated yet personalized follow-up messages, care instructions and feedback surveys to understand patient satisfaction and areas for improvement.
Example: Artera helps orthopedic clinics streamline this with automated post-visit care instructions and conversational messaging, creating a holistic patient experience that extends beyond the initial visit.
Elevating Orthopedic Patient Engagement with Artera
Artera’s integrated solutions are purpose-built to address the complexities of orthopedic care. From digital scheduling and intake to financial transparency and post-visit follow-ups, Artera equips clinics with tools that save staff time, enhance efficiency and boost revenue.
Why Should Orthopedic Practices Choose Artera?
- Optimized Workflows: Automated scheduling, waitlist management and EHR integration reduce manual burdens on staff.
- Improved Communication: AI-powered conversational messaging ensures timely and accurate patient interactions.
- Revenue Recovery: With upfront cost estimates, automated billing and digital payment options, clinics collect revenue faster.
- Enhanced Patient Experience: Tailored workflows, personalized communication and educational outreach drive better engagement and outcomes.
Proven Results with Artera
- 72% increase in patient response rates
- 50% conversion boost through waitlists
- 115+ hours of staff time saved weekly
- $2.1M average recovered annually due to fewer no-shows
When orthopedic practices use platforms like Artera to implement streamlined solutions, they not only improve operational efficiency but also create stronger, longer-lasting connections with their patients.
Transform Your Orthopedic Patient Engagement Today
Prioritizing patient engagement is no longer optional—it’s critical for modern orthopedic practices looking to stay competitive. By adopting innovative tools and strategies, you can create seamless journeys for your patients while driving real results for your practice.
Explore how Artera can help your orthopedic clinic scale its patient engagement efforts. Schedule a demo today and experience the Artera difference.
