Pediatric healthcare is a critical aspect of the overall healthcare system, yet it has often been underserved by traditional healthcare technology solutions. Develo, a pioneering pediatric software company, aims to bridge this gap by providing an end-to-end solution tailored specifically for independent pediatric practices. This article delves into Develo’s innovative approach, the pressing needs of pediatricians, success stories, and the vision ahead.
Pediatric Care: A Growing Need
Children make up about one-third of the population in the United States, which means there are around 73 million kids under the age of 18. This large number highlights the important need for specialized care that only pediatricians can provide.
Pediatricians deal with unique challenges because children’s bodies and health needs are different from adults. One major task is managing growth and development milestones. Pediatricians track how children grow and develop over time, using tools like growth charts to ensure they are progressing normally. If there are any concerns, they can spot them early and take action.
Another key responsibility is giving age-specific vaccines. These vaccines are crucial for preventing serious illnesses in children. Pediatricians follow a vaccination schedule that is designed for different stages of a child’s growth, making sure kids get their shots on time.
Pediatricians also handle various childhood illnesses such as asthma, allergies, infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes. Treating children can be challenging because they might not be able to explain their symptoms well. Pediatricians need to be skilled at understanding and diagnosing these conditions while considering how an illness can affect a child’s overall growth and well-being.
Beyond the Basics: What Pediatricians Really Need
Pediatricians require software that is customized to their specific workflows and the unique needs of their patients. Traditional Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems are often designed with general healthcare in mind and fail to address the particular requirements of pediatric care. For instance, pediatricians need specialized tools to track growth and development milestones, manage vaccinations, and handle a wide range of childhood illnesses. According to a 2020 survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 75% of pediatricians reported that their EMR systems lacked pediatric-specific features, such as growth charts, vaccination schedules, and age-specific illness protocols. This lack of specialized functionality led to inefficiencies and potential errors.Customization ensures that the software fits seamlessly into their daily routines, improving accuracy and efficiency in managing the health of young patients.
Integration is another critical need for pediatric practices. Pediatricians must work with various healthcare systems, including lab systems for test results, pharmacies for prescriptions, and platforms for managing family health records. Seamless integration with these systems is essential for efficient and effective patient care. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that lack of integration in EMR systems led to a 30% increase in time spent on administrative tasks and a 20% increase in the risk of errors. Properly integrated software helps pediatricians access all necessary information quickly and accurately, ensuring timely and coordinated care for their patients.
User experience is also a key factor in the effectiveness of pediatric software. Pediatric practices benefit greatly from software that is intuitive and easy to use. When the software is user-friendly, it enhances the overall patient care experience rather than complicating it. Features like automated clinical documentation and scheduling can save significant time and reduce administrative burdens. For example, automated clinical documentation can cut the time spent on charting by up to 75%, according to a report by Health Affairs. This time-saving allows pediatricians to dedicate more attention to their patients. A well-designed user experience means that pediatricians can work more efficiently, reduce burnout, and provide higher-quality care. According to the American Medical Association, practices using intuitive software saw a 20% increase in patient satisfaction and a 15% decrease in clinician burnout.
Current Solutions: A Mixed Bag
Many current Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems are primarily designed with adult healthcare in mind, often lacking features that are critical to pediatric care. This creates a significant gap in the market, as these generic systems fail to address the unique needs of pediatricians. For instance, typical EMR systems may not offer tools for tracking growth charts, managing age-specific vaccinations, or handling the nuances of pediatric illnesses. According to a report by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), 65% of pediatricians find that their EMR systems do not adequately support pediatric-specific functionalities .
There are several companies attempting to address these gaps, but challenges remain. Open-source solutions like OpenMRS provide a flexible framework that can be customized to meet specific needs, but they require significant technical expertise and resources to implement effectively . This makes them less accessible to smaller pediatric practices that may not have the necessary technical support.
Venture-backed companies such as Elation Health and Athenahealth have started to introduce pediatric-specific modules within their broader EMR systems. These solutions aim to better support the unique needs of pediatricians, offering features like growth chart tracking and age-specific vaccination management. However, these features are often in the early stages of development and may not fully address all the requirements of pediatric practices.
On the other hand, companies like SimplePractice and Practice Fusion, which often cater to smaller practices, offer user-friendly EMR solutions but may lack the depth of pediatric-specific features needed for comprehensive care . These systems are designed to be broad and versatile, potentially missing the specialized tools required for pediatric healthcare.
The demand for innovation in pediatric healthcare technology is clear. There is a growing need for tech-driven solutions that cater specifically to the pediatric market, addressing both clinical and operational challenges. For example, according to Rock Health, venture funding for pediatric health tech saw a 30% increase in 2023, reflecting the growing recognition of this unmet need . Pediatricians require software that supports their specialized workflows, integrates seamlessly with other healthcare systems, and enhances the user experience.
The High Stakes of Outdated Technology
In the healthcare industry, a shift towards value-based care models is underway, holding practices financially accountable for the quality of care they provide. This transition can lead to a significant collections risk of over 3%, determined by documented quality measures performance. Pediatric practices, in particular, confront challenges in managing these financial risks due to limited resources and support. To mitigate these risks, effective EMR solutions such as Develo can intervene. These solutions enhance data management and quality tracking, providing pediatric practices with the tools they need to thrive in a value-based care environment.
The regulatory landscape for healthcare is evolving, with new requirements for interoperability and adolescent confidentiality. The 21st Century Cures Act, for example, mandates improved access to electronic health information while ensuring privacy and security. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in arduous documentation processes and poor records access, negatively impacting practice efficiency and patient care. Develo’s FHIR-native architecture (Fast Healthcare Interoperability resources) and family-centered data management help practices stay compliant while maintaining high standards of care.
There is a growing trend towards the consumerization of healthcare, particularly among younger patients and their families. Pediatric practices need to earn loyalty and improve patient engagement to drive better care outcomes. This is challenging in an environment where patients and parents expect seamless, digital-first experiences. Develo addresses this by offering a consumer-first approach, integrating features like automated family engagement, digital intake, and user-friendly interfaces that enhance patient satisfaction and loyalty.
The Develo Difference: Leadership
Dr. Aaron Sin and Han Ke lead Develo, bringing a powerful blend of healthcare and technology expertise to the company. Aaron, a recent father, has an extensive background in healthcare technology and management. His experience includes leading the development of value-based care products at Innovaccer, managing healthcare projects at McKinsey, and implementing the Epic EMR system at LPCH Stanford. Aaron holds an MD from Stanford University and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Yale University.
Han’s expertise lies in full-stack engineering, with a track record of developing financial advice algorithms at Betterment and ad campaign products at Marin Software. He earned his BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto. Together, Aaron and Han offer a deep understanding of both the technical and clinical aspects essential to pediatric practices.
Develo’s Comprehensive Solution
Develo equips pediatric practices with a robust suite of tools designed to optimize operations and elevate patient care. By automating documentation, scheduling, and family outreach, Develo streamlines administrative tasks, allowing for a more efficient workflow. This increased efficiency translates to fewer claim denials, simplified payments, and a more stable cash flow.
Patient satisfaction is also a priority for Develo. The platform offers user-friendly charting features, easy-to-interpret growth charts, and a consumer-centric digital experience that fosters loyalty and engagement.
Develo’s innovative solutions significantly reduce the time spent on visit notes and charge capture. This, coupled with automated patient communication and streamlined scheduling and results review, empowers pediatricians to dedicate their attention to what truly matters: delivering exceptional care to their young patients. Additionally, Develo’s integrated document management system simplifies inbound document handling, further contributing to a comprehensive and efficient pediatric practice.
The Future of Pediatric Care Starts Now
Develo is more than just software; it’s a commitment to the future of pediatric care. By empowering pediatricians with the tools they need, Develo is improving efficiency, enhancing patient experiences, and ultimately, shaping a healthier future for children everywhere.