1. 1. Workflow Optimization

 
One of DOGE’s practices is conducting comprehensive reviews of how day-to-day operations unfold. By mapping workflows step-by-step, the organization identifies unnecessary tasks and builds leaner systems. Orthopedic practices could greatly benefit from this same approach.

For example, taking stock of how patient scheduling works—from the moment a call comes in until the point of consultation—can reveal inefficiencies like duplicative data entry or appointment mismatches. Switching to centralized scheduling systems or adopting automated tools can streamline this process, enabling quicker responses and reducing the workload on staff.

Additionally, practices can analyze post-surgical procedures. Are there repeat steps in documentation? Could communication with insurance providers be faster? Simplifying each process means more team time spent focusing on patient care rather than operational headaches.

1. 2. Standardizing Care Practices

DOGE places significant emphasis on consistency. Whether it’s ensuring everyone adheres to clear regulations or implementing standard templates for government contracts, standardization minimizes confusion and creates predictable outcomes. Orthopedic practices can adopt this concept to promote better patient care.

For instance, standardizing pre-operative and post-operative protocols ensures every physician in the practice follows evidence-based guidelines, regardless of their specific location or role. Such uniformity prevents variability in outcomes, boosts patient satisfaction, and helps practices maintain a high standard of care.

Consider introducing shared digital tools for tracking patient progress. By aligning all physicians’ reporting methods, practices can reduce discrepancies in follow-ups. Not only does this improve clinical oversight, but it also highlights areas where additional training or intervention may be needed.

1. 3. Cutting Redundancies to Boost Output

Another hallmark of DOGE’s program is eliminating redundancies to reduce costs and improve outcomes. This is particularly relevant to orthopedic practices, where administrative redundancies can cause hiccups.

Take billing as an example. Often, practices unknowingly duplicate tasks across multiple teams or rely on outdated systems to handle claims and coding, leading to errors or delays. A straightforward solution could involve transitioning to an integrated revenue cycle management platform. When all financial processes—from claims submission to collections—are streamlined into one system, practices save time, decrease errors, and improve cash flow.