How Telemedicine Is Transforming Pre-Op Clearance: A Closer Look with MyPreOp and Burlingame Orthopedics

Modern healthcare is evolving at a rapid pace, and nowhere is this more evident than in the pre-operative assessment process. Traditional in-person evaluations can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and prone to last-minute cancellations. Enter MyPreOp: a game-changer that streamlines pre-op clearance, improves patient satisfaction, and reduces administrative burden on providers. In this post, we explore how telemedicine expedites pre-surgical assessments, highlighting MyPreOp’s innovative approach and its partnership with Burlingame Orthopedics in Burlingame, CA.

Burlingame Orthopedics provides expert orthopedic care with a personal touch to the Bay Area. Their team of board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specializes in sports medicine, joint replacement, spine surgery, and fracture care, and offers cutting-edge treatments like Quadriceps ACL reconstruction, BEAR ACL repair, PRP injections, and viscosupplementation. With in-office X-rays, same-day and next-day appointments, and a commitment to both non-surgical and surgical solutions, they ensure that patients receive timely, comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to their needs. 

The partnership between Burlingame Orthopedics and MyPreOp reflects a shared dedication to remaining at the forefront of modern medicine.

The Challenges of Traditional Pre-Op Assessments

Surgical teams and patients alike are all too familiar with the pitfalls of conventional pre-operative workflows:

1. Multiple In-Person Visits Patients often juggle appointments for history reviews, medication reconciliations, and necessary lab tests, sometimes at different locations. For those with mobility challenges, limited transportation, or tight work schedules, these visits can pose significant barriers.

2. Scheduling Bottlenecks High demand for in-patient clinic time slots means patients may wait weeks for an appointment. As surgical dates approach, any backlog in pre-op evaluations increases the risk of last-minute cancellations.

3. Inconsistent Documentation Handwritten notes, disparate electronic health record (EHR) entries, and fragmented communication between specialists can lead to incomplete information, jeopardizing patient safety and potentially delaying surgery.

4. Patient Anxiety Navigating an unfamiliar clinical environment, managing fasting instructions, and worrying about test results can heighten pre-surgical stress. Patients appreciate clear guidance and convenience during this critical period.

   
   

MyPreOp: A Streamlined Alternative

MyPreOp offers a paradigm shift by moving much of the pre-op evaluation into the virtual realm. Here’s how it accelerates and enhances the process:

1. Virtual Consultations Anytime, Anywhere Patients connect with a qualified healthcare provider via secure video link, eliminating the need for travel. Whether from home, work, or a remote location, they receive comprehensive medical evaluations tailored to their surgical needs.

2. Integrated Device Kits MyPreOp’s device box, which includes essentials such as a blood pressure cuff,  digital stethoscope, and 12-lead EKG, is shipped directly to patients’ homes. This enables providers to gather accurate vital signs in real time during the video visit.

3. Centralized Digital Workflows All patient data, medical history, current medications, allergies, prior surgeries, and device-collected vitals, is captured and stored in a unified, HIPAA-compliant platform. Surgeons and their teams can review standardized reports, reducing the risk of miscommunication.

4. Evidence-Based Decision Support MyPreOp’s platform incorporates the latest guidelines and risk-stratification algorithms. If additional testing or specialty referrals are indicated, our system flags these automatically, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Our physicians stay up-to-date on all of the most recent guidelines for medical clearances.

5. Reduced No-Show Rates and Cancellations By offering greater flexibility, telemedicine appointments see markedly lower no-show rates. And because evaluations occur earlier in the timeline, any required interventions or optimizations can be addressed well before the operating room date.

How MyPreOp’s Virtual Pre-Op Evaluations Work

1. Patient Onboarding Once a surgery is scheduled, the patient receives an automated invitation to MyPreOp’s secure portal. They provide demographic information, upload their medical history, and select a convenient telemedicine appointment slot.

2. Device Box Delivery MyPreOp ships its device box ahead of the consultation.  While MyPreOp ships nationwide, for patients of Burlingame Orthopedics and other Bay Area partners, we have a distribution hub in San Francisco. Detailed instructions ensure effortless setup, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

3. Live Tele-Evaluation During the scheduled call, an MD reviews the patient’s history, walks through the device measurements, and discusses any concerns. This real-time interaction mimics the depth of an in-clinic visit.

4. Customized Care Plan Based on the evaluation findings, the physician develops a tailored plan to optimize the patient’s health pre- and post-operatively. Recommendations may include medication adjustments, additional lab work, or referrals to cardiology, pulmonology, or other specialties.

5. Seamless Handoff to Surgical Team Upon completion, a concise yet comprehensive report, complete with vital trends and risk assessments, is transmitted directly to Burlingame Orthopedics. Surgeons receive clear guidance, minimizing uncertainty.

   
   

Spotlight on Burlingame Orthopedics

Burlingame Orthopedics, a leading practice in the heart of the Bay Area, has embraced MyPreOp’s telemedicine solution to elevate their pre-operative care. Here’s what makes this collaboration stand out:

• Local Convenience, Global Standards Patients of Burlingame Orthopedics benefit from device box shipment within the Bay Area, receiving their kits soon after scheduling. This rapid turnaround ensures no delays in pre-op evaluation.

• Volume and Impact To date, MyPreOp has “cleared” numerous patients of Burlingame Orthopedics through virtual pre-op assessments—helping the practice maintain an exceptional surgical throughput while keeping cancellation rates below 1%.

• Enhanced Patient Feedback In post-visit surveys, 100% of Burlingame Orthopedics’ patients who responded reported high satisfaction with the MyPreOp experience, citing ease of use, reduced travel time, and clear communication as top benefits.

The Benefits: Patients and Providers Win

For Patients

• Time Savings: No need to take half-days off work or arrange childcare—appointments occur from the comfort of home.

• Reduced Stress: Familiar surroundings and clear, one-on-one attention with a clinician help alleviate anxiety.

• Transparency: Patients , stay informed at every step.

For Providers

• Efficiency Gains: Clinicians can conduct back-to-back virtual appointments without room turnovers, increasing daily capacity.

• Quality Assurance: Standardized digital templates ensure consistency and compliance with best practices. Typed H&Ps ensure ease of comprehension.

• Lower Costs: Reduced need for physical office space and ancillary staffing during pre-op evaluations translates into operational savings. This translates to reduced pricing for your cash-pay patients, increasing patient satisfaction.

Addressing Common Concerns

1. “Is Telemedicine as Thorough as In-Person Visits?” Absolutely. MyPreOp clinicians are trained specifically in virtual assessments, and the device kit ensures objective vital signs are captured accurately.

2. “What About Patients with Limited Tech Literacy?” The MyPreOp team provides step-by-step guidance, and the portal’s intuitive interface is designed for maximum simplicity. Technical support is just a call away.

3. “How Do Labs and Imaging Fit In?” If additional tests are needed, MyPreOp coordinates with local labs and imaging centers of the patient’s choice. Referral orders and requisitions are sent electronically. Home phlebotomy options available. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pre-Op Care

Telemedicine is rapidly becoming the standard for pre-operative evaluations. As more practices recognize its value, we can expect:

• Broader Insurance Adoption: Reimbursement policies cover virtual pre-op assessments at parity with in-person visits.

• Expanded Device Capabilities: Remote monitoring tools—like wearable EKG belts and digital stethoscopes—will further enrich virtual exams.

• AI-Driven Risk Profiling: Advanced analytics will identify high-risk patients earlier, triggering tailored intervention pathways.

MyPreOp is committed to staying at the forefront of these advances. By continuously updating our evidence-based protocols and expanding partnerships like the one with Burlingame Orthopedics, we aim to make pre-operative care safer, more efficient, and more patient-centric than ever before.

Conclusion

MyPreOp isn’t just a convenience, it’s a catalyst for higher-quality, more accessible pre-operative care. Through virtual consultations, direct-to-home device kits, and digital integrations, MyPreOp empowers both patients and providers to navigate the pre-surgical journey with confidence and ease. Our work with Burlingame Orthopedics in the Bay Area exemplifies how a forward-thinking practice can leverage telemedicine to clear hundreds of patients quickly, reduce cancellations, and enhance the overall surgical experience.

Are you ready to transform your pre-op process? Visit mypreop.org to learn more or schedule a demo today!