SPOTLIGHT
How OrthoCarolina Transformed Hand Center Imaging with SMART-C®
SMART-C brings fluoroscopy into the exam room at OrthoCarolina Hand Center, helping physicians make faster decisions, improve patient experience, and reduce workflow delays.
Watch how OrthoCarolina uses SMART-C in the exam room
Organization: OrthoCarolina Hand Center
Location: Charlotte, NC
Setting: High-volume orthopedic hand clinic
Imaging need: ~50% of visits require imaging
Challenge: Imaging workflows introduced delays and required patient movement
OrthoCarolina is one of the largest independent orthopedic practices in the Southeast, with a high-volume Hand Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team includes eight to nine dedicated hand surgeons and treats a wide range of conditions — from acute trauma and congenital differences to arthritis, sports injuries, and complex reconstructions.
Patients range from newborns to over 100 years old, reflecting the breadth and complexity of care delivered daily. Approximately half of all visits require imaging, making speed, accuracy, and workflow efficiency critical to both clinical outcomes and patient experience.
THE CHALLENGE
In a high-volume orthopedic hand clinic, imaging is essential to nearly every stage of care — from diagnosis to treatment decisions.
However, traditional workflows often require sending patients to dedicated x-ray suites, introducing delays, interrupting the patient visit, and limiting the ability to make real-time clinical decisions during the exam.
At OrthoCarolina Hand Center, these inefficiencies created bottlenecks in patient flow and added unnecessary friction to the care experience.
“It’s just me and the patient. No tech, no extra staff. I can image, diagnose, and act immediately.”
— Dr. Christopher Chadderdon
SMART-C® CLINICAL AND OPERATIONAL IMPACT
By bringing imaging directly into the exam room, OrthoCarolina improved workflow efficiency and reduced imaging delays.
Dr. Christopher Chadderdon estimates SMART-C saves 5–15 minutes per patient visit and describes a more connected care experience with his patients.
With SMART-C, physicians can perform imaging independently without relying on dedicated x-ray technicians, leading to expanded clinic hours and improved patient access.
At OrthoCarolina Hand Center, SMART-C supports:
- In-room image capture and review
- Live imaging during injections
- Dynamic assessment of joint motion and stability
- Pediatric imaging with parents present
Initially introduced for after-hours use, SMART-C has become a core part of daily clinical workflow.
10 min
Average time saved per patient visit
EXPANDED
Clinic hours and availability
0-101
Patient age range
ZERO
On-site X-ray techs needed
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Capabilities and workflows may vary based on state regulations and facility protocols.
Follow federal, local, and institutional regulations for X-ray imaging use and radiation safety protection.