Leveraging Technology to Bridge the Gap Between Pedorthists and Orthopedic Manufacturers

Our customer is a stealth company founded by a practitioner (Pedorthist) to improve the workflows between practitioners and orthopedic footwear manufacturers. The product specializes in obtaining and transmitting fit and modification measurements of shoes and other foot appliances that can help prevent or alleviate foot pain.

For our client, the traditional methods of capturing foot data for orthopedic footwear presented a multitude of challenges:

• Error-prone and Laborious: Plaster casts and manual measurements were inaccurate, requiring high practitioner skill and prone to human error. The process was also time-consuming, leading to increased costs and longer wait times for patients.
• Limited Design Options: Traditional methods restricted the design flexibility of footwear manufacturers, hindering their ability to create customized solutions for unique patient needs.
• Fragile and Inconvenient: Plaster casts were susceptible to breakage during shipping, causing delays and frustration. Additionally, relying on physical casts limited the choice of suppliers, as geographically distant options became impractical.
• Compliance Concerns: Existing digital solutions lack HIPAA compliance, raising security risks and privacy concerns during file transmission and storage. This, coupled with the absence of a digital storage system, made retrieving past data cumbersome and retakes challenging.

Coditas partnered with the client to develop a groundbreaking solution that addressed the specific challenges of the industry:

• Mobile 3D Scanning: The Coditas team worked with the client to build a user-friendly 3D scanning application specifically for iPhone and iPad. This application allows for capturing accurate and detailed 3D scans of patients' body parts, eliminating the need for cumbersome and error-prone traditional methods.
• Enhanced Team Communication: The platform also offers features for secure communication and collaboration between the Provider and Supplier as the Order moves through the different stages until the final item is delivered.
• Secure and Compliant Data Management: The scanned video file is then transferred and stored in the cloud in a HIPAA-compliant manner. While the Provider has access to the patient data, the manufacturer can only view and download the scanned image. This ensures the highest level of security and privacy for patient data while also offering convenient accessibility for authorized personnel.
• Data Transfer Efficiency: The platform prioritizes seamless data transfer to the cloud. It allows for a more streamlined, secure, and accessible workflow for all parties involved.
• Marketplace Integration: Coditas went beyond the initial scope to develop a marketplace feature that connects Providers with a network of qualified manufacturers, expanding their options and potentially increasing efficiency.
• Beyond Footwear: Recognizing the platform's potential, the Client further extended the 3D scanning functionality to encompass other body parts, which allows for broader application and future growth opportunities within the medical and non-medical field.
• Payment integration: The platform allows for international transactions, allowing all the parties to have a secure environment for payment collection.

The Coditas-developed solution delivered significant benefits for the client and its users:

• Enhanced Security and Compliance: HIPAA compliance established a unique selling proposition (USP) for the platform, differentiating it from non-compliant competitors.
• Increased Flexibility and Convenience: 3D scanning empowered clinicians with greater flexibility in capturing patient impressions. Scans could be taken in various settings, such as wards, fitting rooms, or even within the community, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
• Improved Quality Control: The real-time upload and review feature empowered senior clinicians to promptly review scans and request re-captures as necessary. This ensured high-quality data capture and minimized the risk of errors or delays.
• Reduced Storage Needs and Enhanced Accuracy: 3D scanning technology eliminated the need for physical plaster storage and enabled exact duplication of prescriptions, ensuring consistent and accurate results.
• Efficient File Management: The platform's file management system facilitated easy searching and retrieval of patient data, improving workflow efficiency and accessibility.