Meet Operations Manager Stephanie Lewton
Learn how one manager helped her growing practice improve provider confidence in documentation, streamline systems and support long-term success
The ModMed® Practice HERO Award recognizes leaders in operations who harness our solutions to help improve their practice. For award winner Stephanie Lewton, that meant simplifying systems, strengthening workflows and supporting her team through change and growth.
Stephanie’s story
When I started at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, I was in scheduling. I moved through nearly every department, including reception, diagnostics, surgery scheduling, and even worked as a medical assistant. I am now the Operations Manager and oversee daily operations. I always believed that I should understand each department and its pain points so that I could improve overall workflows and know each role.
Since I started, our practice has grown significantly. We now have 19 providers, including nine surgeons, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), and nine physician assistants (PAs), serving a large population. Even with this growth, our systems remained the same. We used one platform for our EHR and another for practice management. Working in different systems in different areas of the business often meant that information was only being entered into one system. Since the data did not transfer between systems, it caused communication breakdowns and slowed our operations.
Helping providers feel confident again
Once we discovered ModMed’s all-in-one software, including EMA® and ModMed Practice Management (PM), we knew we needed it for our busy office. For implementation, we decided not to close entirely and instead reduced schedules to 50% capacity. After implementation, some providers felt so good about the intuitive system that they increased their schedules to 75% capacity during the second week. The remainder of the providers scaled up over the first month as they learned the system. This allowed us to maintain patient care while giving our team the time to adapt to the new workflows. Some resisted the idea of changing systems, but everyone was receptive once we introduced ModMed to the staff.
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is how ModMed supports providers with documentation and suggested coding. Before, many providers were undercoding just to be cautious. We had encouraged them to code more accurately, but without built-in tools in our previous system, they did not feel confident doing so. With ModMed, providers have visibility to see everything, document normally and review the coding suggestions based on their documentation. While being reimbursed is a part of it, it is also about helping providers feel supported in how they care for their patients.
Two to one
Before ModMed, our teams worked across multiple platforms, and many processes relied on manual follow-ups. Things would be missed if the documentation was not correctly added in both systems. Moving to the all-in-one system with ModMed, incorporating both EMA® and the PM system, saves us time and reduces errors. Tasks are easier to track, and our teams spend less time double-checking systems and more time focusing on patients. Additionally, we’ve been able to reallocate four FTEs to other needed areas due to the boost in efficiency.
This has also helped with scheduling. Our old system did not enforce templates, which led to providers being overbooked and patients waiting longer. Now, we have better control of the schedule, and can plan more effectively and adjust when needed.
Leading the way
When we transitioned to ModMed, we were also updating other systems and our phone system all at once. It was a lot of change for one practice, and I expected resistance. There was some pushback, but I tried to remain positive. I joined training, answered questions and made sure the team felt supported every step of the way. This helped ease the transition, and even those who were unsure began to see the benefits.
Being named a ModMed HERO Award winner was a surprise! I put a lot of effort and energy into our teams and the practice to have a successful implementation. I was very invested and excited about it because I knew it would benefit and improve our practice.
We might still be early in our journey with ModMed, but the impact is already clear. Our teams are more connected, our providers are working more efficiently, and ultimately, our patients are getting the kind of care and attention they deserve.
The HERO Award celebrates leaders in practice operations, including practice managers, practice administrators, directors of operations, clinical applications managers and CEOs/COOs who have harnessed innovative solutions by ModMed to elevate their practices. The winners of the HERO awards, nominated by their peers, represent the pinnacle of excellence in this field.
Learn more about our ModMed HEROs.
The statements and conclusions contained herein reflect the opinions of Stephanie Lewton and not those of ModMed. ModMed makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of any such information. Results may vary depending on medical practice size, product usage and other variables.
