Chart Links reduces redundant data entry by automatically flowing patient and insurance information into other forms within the system after the data is initially entered. Prompts from within the system automatically walk clinicians and administrative staff members through processes. For example, upon patient check-in, a charge ticket is automatically generated. If the charge is for a first treatment session, the system will create a template for a new treatment plan. If the charge is for an evaluation, an evaluation report reminder is created. Evaluation templates can be chosen, or free text can be copied and pasted into the template.

Drop-down menus allow for the quick creation of treatment plans with point-and-click simplicity. Goals are selected from a standard database, yet can be modified. Group therapy treatment plans are created based on a single treatment plan that is applied (and modified if necessary) to all patients in the group. As goals are accomplished, the date appears in the goals table. When a progress or discharge report is needed, all that information is already in the report. The clinician just needs to add the recommendations (usually by selecting key sentences) and then the report can be electronically signed and faxed online. Automated documentation saves a tremendous amount of time and allows Cincinnati Children's to get reports to its customers (physicians, parents, and insurance companies) quickly.

Chart Links allows managers to track the completion of charges and reports so that they are done in a timely manner. Additional reports can track productivity by comparing billed time over the employee’s scheduled work time. Revenue can be monitored in real time, or by date, month, location or individual clinician.

“One unexpected benefit of the system is its impact on our staff. Students rotating through our program are disappointed when they have to leave to work for an employer that does not have this type of profession-driven documentation and workflow system,” Kummer said. “On more than one occasion, staff members who have left our organization – due to a spouse getting relocated for a job, etc. – have moved back to the area to return to their position, partly because they wanted to return to an electronic environment.”

Using Chart Links has enabled Cincinnati Children's Division of Speech Pathology to improve the quality and timeliness of its documentation, increase reimbursement, decrease costs, increase staff satisfaction, and manage all of its support activities (referrals, scheduling, insurance authorizations, etc.) for all locations from a centralized office.

“With Chart Links, we have been able to manage phenomenal growth – growing from four to 11 sites and seeing our clinical staff grow from about 30 to more than 100 clinicians during the past 10-plus years,” Kummer said. “Our electronic workflow system allows us to provide better service, while serving many more patients than would be possible without it!”