In today’s healthcare landscape, maintaining physician satisfaction amid staff shortages and overwhelming patient intake is one of the most pressing challenges.
With increased demands on time and resources, clinicians often battle burnout, unable to focus on what matters most: patient care. Dr. John Martin, a vascular surgeon with over 30 years of experience and Chief Medical Officer of Butterfly Network, discusses how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is transforming workflows, improving care delivery, and restoring joy to clinical practice—all while delivering strong clinical and financial ROI for health systems.
Q: Why is POCUS transformative for healthcare, especially today?
Dr. Martin: POCUS isn’t just about the image—it’s a new clinical workflow that powers real-time assessment. It gives clinicians back their time. Traditional workflows involve multiple steps: ordering scans, waiting for availability, and reviewing results. These delays frustrate physicians and patients alike. POCUS enables bedside imaging that informs decisions immediately.
In an era of staff shortages and high patient intake, this efficiency allows physicians to connect with patients and deliver timely care. The new workflow—"history, physical, image, and make an informed decision"—not only improves care but also alleviates systemic pressures, giving providers control over their timelines.
Q: What makes the Butterfly iQ3 stand out in the POCUS market?
Dr. Martin: Butterfly iQ3 is revolutionary in its intuitiveness and seamless integration into clinical practice. This pocket-sized device connects to a smartphone or tablet and uses a single probe for whole-body imaging. Its portability allows clinicians to perform scans just about anywhere—from emergency departments to primary care offices, or even in the field.
Paired with our Compass™ enterprise workflow software, iQ3 not only supports accurate diagnostics but also streamlines documentation, billing, and compliance. Administrative inefficiencies are a significant burden on physicians, and eliminating these headaches helps them focus on patients. Plus, the seamless billing process ensures an easy and compliant way to capture charges for exams.
Q: How are health systems leveraging Butterfly devices to improve operations and workflows?
Dr. Martin: The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) exemplifies how health systems can benefit from Butterfly’s devices and Compass software. The institution’s widespread implementation has expanded imaging access, improved workflow efficiency, and maximized revenue opportunities.
A recent case study highlights the clinical and economic benefits URMC is experiencing using POCUS, showing improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and reduced costs. The data includes:
- Nearly 50,000 scanning sessions completed
- Over 175,000 images generated
- More than 15,500 finalized reports produced
- 74% increase in scanning sessions in 2023
- 147% rise in studies uploaded from Butterfly devices
- 1,782% increase in images uploaded from non-Butterfly devices
Q: What clinical improvements enhance physician and patient experiences?
Dr. Martin: Bedside diagnostics improve care delivery and strengthen physician-patient relationships. URMC reports use of POCUS has been beneficial in earlier detection of conditions like cholecystitis, bladder masses, and thyroid nodules during routine visits. These early detections expedite care and reduce emergency department visits.
Immediate imaging also builds trust with patients. Instead of ordering tests and following up days later, physicians can explain and show findings in real-time. By reducing time spent navigating traditional imaging referrals, POCUS can help clinicians see more patients while maintaining high-quality care… all the while, fostering connection, trust, and understanding. Personally, I find the ability to connect meaningfully with patients incredibly satisfying.
Q: How does POCUS address financial sustainability while maintaining the care experience?
Dr. Martin: POCUS offers a dual benefit—improved patient care and financial value. Many health systems are unknowingly losing revenue from unrecorded or unreimbursed scans. By integrating Butterfly’s POCUS solution with Compass, URMC achieved a 116% increase in ultrasound charge capture within two years. Streamlining administrative tasks also alleviates a significant source of physician dissatisfaction, allowing them to focus on care delivery. This enhances both professional fulfillment and patient experiences.
Q: What lessons can hospital leadership take from URMC’s success with POCUS?
Dr. Martin: URMC’s implementation offers three key takeaways:
- Systematic Deployment Drives Results
Coordinated adoption across departments with standardized training and centralized data management leads to better outcomes. Consistency reduces the learning curve and creates a seamless workflow, which is critical for satisfaction. - Data Powers Success
Real-time tracking via Compass software allows health systems to monitor usage, billing, and compliance. This data improves quality assurance and empowers physicians by showing the tangible impact of their work. - Scalable POCUS Enhances Care, Business, and Well-Being
Wide-scale deployment can reduce emergency visits, improve diagnostic accuracy, and increase charge capture. Meaning health systems can simultaneously improve care, drive revenue, and support their workforce.
Q: How does POCUS fit into the future of healthcare and provider satisfaction?
Dr. Martin: POCUS is redefining healthcare by making diagnostic imaging more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. Medical students are increasingly trained on POCUS, and clinicians are buying affordable devices for personal use, making this technology integral to modern practice.
For hospital leaders, investing in enterprise ultrasound programs like Butterfly’s isn’t just about improving care—it’s about supporting their teams. Equipping clinicians with tools that save time and improve care delivery boosts satisfaction and retention. When providers thrive, patients do too.
To learn more about URMC’s implementation results, visit: www.butterflynetwork.com/urmc-value
John Martin, M.D., Vascular Surgeon, Chief Medical Officer, Butterfly Network, Inc.