Case Studies

From Online Novice to Master — Ortho Sesame™ Leads to a Technology Conversion

Dr. Paul Yurfest

Atlanta, GA

Dr. Paul Yurfest admits that he views computers to be a necessary evil in his Atlanta orthodontic practice. "We've never considered ourselves computer savvy," he says. "Before we got Ortho Sesame, we did everything manually. We knew it was slower, but we were afraid to venture into uncharted territory, and online communications seemed too new and different." This philosophy is one that many doctors understand well — especially when it comes to new ideas or technology. "Technophobes" aren't born; they're created by the sum of bad technology experiences. Such was the case at Dr. Yurfest's office. In this interview, Dr. Yurfest talks about the concerns he had when he first looked at online communications with patients and colleagues.

"We worried about viruses."

Many doctors worry that by putting their practices online, they risk potential Internet worms or viruses. These are legitimate concerns. But as Dr. Yurfest realized, it's important to manage risk wisely and not let progress pass you by because you're paralyzed by fear. Refusing to use the Internet for fear of viruses is like refusing to drive a car because there's the potential of an accident. Follow the "rules of the road" by purchasing good antivirus software and keeping it updated. One Ortho Sesame feature that Dr. Yurfest and his team found comforting is the fact that all patient emails are routed through Sesame Communications™' secure servers, where tight protections are in place.

"I didn't want my staff surfing the Web or doing personal emails at work."

The idea of giving staff members Internet access at the office makes many doctors pause. We recognize that the Internet can save time on all kinds of office tasks like ordering supplies online. But how to keep staff from wasting time online? Again, it comes down to common sense. Dr. Yurfest, like hundreds of other orthodontists, deters potential Internet abuse by only providing access to trusted staff who need to use the Internet. He's established a clear rule prohibiting personal use of the office's Internet connection.

"What if the system is too burdensome to use?"

For Dr. Yurfest, the deciding issue for purchasing Ortho Sesame was ease of use. He explains, "It was critical that my staff could use the system to communicate with patients. All of us are computer illiterate and our goal was to get information to patients automatically." Everything about Ortho Sesame is automated — the password delivery, digital image uploads, and the posting of Invisalign treatment movies. "The beauty of the system is that it met our goals and involved virtually no extra staff time or special expertise," states Dr. Yurfest.

Yurfest continues: "And it offers a tremendous payoff: we avoided hiring another full-time person by automating reminders, marketing, and answers to patients' questions. And when patients DO miss an appointment, we can confidently charge them, because we know — and they know — that we provided the information. Patients remember the emails — they even feel guilty about breaking appointments!"

"Who will be there for us if something happens?"

What doctor does not have nightmares about the applications on his computer network failing to synch up properly? Or of being left holding the bag when some company doesn't come through with tech support? In the estimation of Dr. Yurfest and his staff, support and customer care is where Sesame Communications excels.

The bottom line, according to Dr. Yurfest, is this: There is never a put-off and any concerns are taken care of immediately without hold or wait time. We've had Ortho Sesame for three years now. During that time, my practice management software, OPMS, changed hands three different times — it was Infocure, then PracticeWorks, and now, Kodak. Throughout these transitions — and OPMS upgrades — Ortho Sesame has worked beautifully!"

From One Self-Admitted "Technophobe" to Another

When Dr. Yurfest was asked what he would suggest to other tech-wary doctors considering a move to online communications, he provided this thoughtful advice: Products that claim to do online communications are not necessarily created equal. Making an impact in your practice all comes down to how much hassle it will be for your staff. Talk to other doctors about the actual results they've seen with one product or another.

"Sesame Communications is a high-tech company that delivers all the goods to-tech people. I recommend Ortho Sesame to my colleagues without hesitation because of the results. If we can master it, anyone can!"

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