How In-Office 3D Printing Cut Turnaround Time by 85%

Mountain View Podiatry transformed their practice by implementing the Apex Belt V2 3D printing system, achieving dramatic improvements in patient satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The Challenge

Mountain View Podiatry, a busy practice in Boise, Idaho, was struggling with their traditional orthotic lab workflow. Patients waited 2-3 weeks for custom orthotics, leading to decreased satisfaction and lost follow-up appointments. Lab costs were eating into profits, and the practice had no control over quality or delivery timelines.

The Solution

After consulting with VertexOrthopedic, the practice implemented a complete in-office CADCAM solution including:

• Apex Belt V2 3D printing system for continuous orthotic production
• 3D foot scanning technology for precise digital capture
• OrthoCAD software for streamlined design and modification
• Complete staff training and ongoing technical support

Implementation Process

The implementation took place over 4 weeks with minimal disruption to daily operations:

1. Week 1: Equipment installation and initial staff training
2. Week 2: Pilot program with 10 test patients
3. Week 3: Process refinement and additional training
4. Week 4: Full production launch

Results

Timeline Improvements

• Before: 14-21 days average turnaround
• After: 2-4 hours same-day delivery
• Impact: 85% reduction in wait time

Cost Analysis

• Previous lab cost: $85 per pair
• In-house production cost: $12 per pair (materials + labor)
• Monthly savings: $5,840 for 80 pairs/month
• ROI achieved: 11 months

Patient Experience

• 95% of patients rated the experience as "excellent"
• Same-day delivery increased treatment compliance by 78%
• Ability to make immediate adjustments improved fit satisfaction

Long-Term Impact

Six months after implementation, Mountain View Podiatry reports:

• 30% increase in orthotic-related revenue
• Reduced overhead from eliminated lab shipping costs
• Enhanced reputation as a technology-forward practice
• Improved staff satisfaction from streamlined workflows