How to Get Started with DocScrib for Orthopedics Surgical Notes

Updated on: July 12, 2025

Whether it’s a torn ACL, a complex joint replacement, or a simple fracture follow-up—orthopedic care demands detailed, high-volume documentation. From physical exams to imaging results to post-operative plans, orthopedists are expected to capture every clinical nuance… all while juggling packed schedules.

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But the more you treat, the more you type. That’s where AI medical scribes for orthopedics step in.

Solutions like DocScrib are revolutionizing how orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and physical medicine providers document care—automating tedious tasks so they can focus more on patients and procedures.

Why Orthopedic Documentation Is Especially Complex

Orthopedists don’t just treat—they analyze motion, perform surgery, interpret radiology, and manage rehabilitation timelines. A typical orthopedic note may include:

Range of motion measurements
Imaging interpretations (X-ray, MRI, CT)
Physical exam findings (e.g., Lachman’s test, impingement signs)
Injury mechanism & sports-specific detail
Operative notes and pre/post-op instructions
Complex procedure coding (CPT, ICD-10)

All of this makes orthopedic documentation not only time-consuming—but easy to get wrong if rushed.

Enter AI-Powered Orthopedic Scribes

AI orthopedic scribes like DocScrib are trained on the unique language and workflow of musculoskeletal medicine. Instead of just transcribing audio, they understand and structure notes for maximum clarity, compliance, and speed.

With real-time audio capture, natural language processing (NLP), and customizable templates, orthopedic AI scribes can:

Generate SOAP or surgical notes in minutes
Auto-populate fields like range of motion or strength grading
Sync seamlessly with your EMR (Epic, Athena, Cerner)
Suggest CPT codes based on procedures described

How DocScrib Works for Orthopedic Practices

Clinician begins consultation—the AI listens in via mobile or desktop mic.
DocScrib parses clinical conversation in real time, capturing subjective complaints, objective findings, and procedural planning.
Note is generated using orthopedic-specific templates (H&P, post-op, physical exam, etc.).
Clinician reviews, edits if needed, and signs off.
Documentation is instantly synced to the EMR.

This entire process often takes under 3 minutes.

Benefits of AI Scribes in Orthopedic Workflows

🦴 Faster Physical Exam Documentation

Capture detailed descriptions of joint function, gait, deformities, and test results without typing.

🛠️ Streamlined Operative Notes

AI scribes record surgical plans, intraoperative findings, implants used, and complications—saving hours in post-op documentation.

🕒 Up to 2 Hours Saved Daily

Orthopedists see high patient volumes. AI scribes give them back time between consults and after clinic hours.

🏃‍♂️ Improved Sports Medicine Notes

Detailed mechanism of injury, activity-specific limitations, and return-to-play timelines—all automatically structured.

🔍 Imaging Summary Assistance

Scribes can assist with documentation of X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound interpretations with anatomical specificity.

🔐 HIPAA-Compliant

DocScrib keeps all orthopedic patient data secure with end-to-end encryption and audit-ready records.

DocScrib Orthopedics: Feature Highlights

At DocScrib, we’ve optimized our AI platform for orthopedic use cases:

Range of Motion Fields with automatic grading input
Ortho-Trained NLP for terminology like valgus deformity, osteophytes, or meniscal tear
Procedure-Specific Templates (arthroscopy, fracture reduction, joint injections)
Customizable Follow-Up Notes for rehab plans and physical therapy updates
Outpatient & Surgical Workflow Support
Implant Tracking & Device Notes

Common Orthopedic Use Cases for DocScrib

Clinic Visits: Knee pain, shoulder instability, back issues, or fractures
Pre-Operative Assessments: Consent review, surgical planning
Operative Reports: Arthroscopies, joint replacements, ligament repairs
Post-Op Follow-Ups: Healing status, wound care, mobility tracking
Sports Physicals: Performance metrics, clearances, rehab milestones

Real-World Outcome: AI Scribe in a Busy Ortho Clinic

📍 Case Example: A high-volume orthopedic group in Texas implemented DocScrib across 3 providers.

Results in 30 Days:

18% increase in daily patient throughput
90% reduction in after-hours charting
Fewer coding errors and billing denials
Surgeons noted improved patient interaction due to less screen distraction

💬 “The AI picks up everything—even ROM scores and test findings. It’s like having a trained scribe who never misses a shift.”

DocScrib vs. Traditional Orthopedic Scribes

Feature	Human Scribe	DocScrib AI Scribe
Cost per Month	High (salary/contract)	Affordable SaaS pricing
Ortho Terminology Trained	Maybe	✅ Yes, with NLP tuning
Availability	9–5 or shift-based	✅ 24/7, on-demand
Imaging & Procedure Integration	❌ Manual	✅ Smart extraction
EMR Integration	Manual entry	✅ 1-click sync

FAQs About Orthopedic AI Scribes

Q1. Can AI capture exam details like strength, ROM, and special tests?
Yes. DocScrib is trained to detect and document metrics like 5/5 strength, 130° knee flexion, or positive McMurray’s.

Q2. What about operative documentation?
DocScrib supports intra-op and post-op summaries, including CPT code suggestions and implant logs.

Q3. Does it work with PACS or imaging software?
While DocScrib doesn’t interpret imaging, it can transcribe your verbal interpretation for structured note entry.

Q4. Can I use it in the OR, clinic, and telemedicine?
Yes—DocScrib works across devices and locations, including surgery centers, exam rooms, and virtual visits.