Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly moved from a futuristic buzzword to a practical reality — and the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) industry is taking notice.
New research reveals that 80% of O&P practice leaders are interested in using AI and machine learning (ML) to streamline operations, improve documentation, and enhance patient workflows. In an environment where shrinking margins, workforce shortages, and rising patient expectations are daily pressures, practices that adopt AI will have a powerful advantage.
Why 71% of O&P Practices Are Dissatisfied with Their Systems — And What Smart Leaders Are Investing In Next The world of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) is evolving rapidly. Yet while 90% of O&P practices have adopted some form of practice management software, a surprising 71% report being less than fully satisfied with their current systems. As challenges around profitability, staffing, and operational efficiency intensify, leaders are realizing that outdated technology may be holding them back. A new, independent research study commissioned by Nymbl Systems highlights exactly where nearly 100 O&P practice leaders are struggling, and more importantly, where they are investing to future-proof their businesses. If you're relying on aging software or piecemeal solutions, it's time to rethink your technology strategy — or risk getting left behind. Let's explore the trends reshaping O&P practice management and what investments are critical for 2025 and beyond. The Big Challenges Facing O&P Practices in 2025 According to a survey, Trends in Practice Management Technology [hyperlink this report], the top challenges keeping executives up at night include: Shrinking Profit Margins (37%) Workforce Shortages (28%) Managing a Growing Patient and Referral Base (19%) These aren't temporary hurdles. Leaders expect these challenges to persist over the next 3–5 years, putting added pressure on practices to work smarter, faster, and more profitably. Yet despite adopting practice management systems, most practices aren't seeing the full benefits. Rigid workflows, poor customer support, and lack of innovation were cited as top reasons for dissatisfaction. Many O&P software systems simply haven't kept up with the realities of running a modern practice. If your current O&P software isn't actively helping you boost margins, automate workflows, and retain staff, it's not just a minor inconvenience — it's a competitive disadvantage. Where Smart Leaders Are Investing Next Faced with persistent operational challenges, O&P leaders are directing their investments into three core areas: 1. Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Transformation Managing the revenue cycle is getting harder, not easier. Despite this, 70% of O&P practices are still handling all RCM functions in-house. Meanwhile, other healthcare sectors have embraced outsourcing to specialized RCM partners, leading to faster payments, fewer denials, and reduced overhead costs. Forward-thinking O&P leaders are now: Seeking RCM technologies that integrates pre-submission scrubbing, real-time eligibility checks, and denial management. Exploring partial or full outsourcing models to lighten the administrative burden. Prioritizing systems that provide transparency into claims status and cash flow. Takeaway: Practices that modernize their RCM processes will get paid faster, reduce audit risks, and free up staff to focus on patient care. 2. Smarter Compliance and Documentation Compliance is a moving target. CMS and private insurers constantly update regulations, making manual documentation risky and inefficient. New AI-powered documentation tools are changing the game by: Capturing and formatting clinical notes automatically. Reducing human error. Helping practices create clean claims faster. Takeaway: Practices that embrace AI tools will protect revenue streams, speed up billing cycles, and minimize compliance risks. 3. Inventory and Purchasing Efficiency Managing inventory used to be a back-office task. Today, poor inventory management can cost practices valuable time and money. Practices are now investing in O&P software that: Automates purchasing. Integrates vendor ordering directly into their practice management systems. Provides real-time inventory visibility. Takeaway: Streamlining inventory means less waste, fewer shortages, and better financial control. Technology Expectations Are Higher Than Ever When asked what they expect from their O&P software partners, practice leaders made it clear: they want more. Top expectations for practice management systems in 2025: Better visibility into business performance (28%) Improved staff productivity (24%) More process automation (20%) Improved clinical resource productivity (15%) And it's not just about features — leaders are demanding cost-effective solutions, responsive customer support, and continuous innovation from their vendors. Takeaway: If your current system isn't delivering on these fronts, you're at risk of falling behind competitors who are already modernizing. The Rise of AI in O&P Practice Management One of the most promising shifts in O&P software is the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). In the survey, a remarkable 80% of O&P leaders expressed interest in using AI to: Automate claims processes. Improve clinical documentation. Streamline patient intake workflows. Modern O&P software platforms are rapidly integrating AI to help practices work smarter, not harder. From ambient clinical documentation to predictive revenue cycle analytics, AI will soon be a "must-have" — not a "nice-to-have." Takeaway: Practices that embrace AI will have a significant edge in operational efficiency, profitability, and patient satisfaction. Are You Ready for the Second Half of 2025? The O&P landscape is shifting. Practices that continue relying on outdated, rigid systems will struggle with growing administrative costs, staff burnout, compliance risks, and slower growth. But those who invest now in modern O&P software — with integrated RCM services, AI-driven documentation, automated inventory management, and better business intelligence — will be ready to thrive. The message from the research is clear: expect more from your technology partners. Want to see the full insights from nearly 100 of your peers? Download the full 2025 Trends in O&P Practice Management Technology Report here [link to report]
What O&P Practice Leaders Should Look for in a Modern Practice Management System In the evolving landscape of Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P), practice leaders are increasingly relying on practice management systems (PMS) to streamline operations. However, recent research indicates that 71% of practice leaders are less than fully satisfied with their current systems, with 32% considering a switch in the near future. Given that 90% of practices currently use a PMS, it’s critical to understand what features drive satisfaction and where current solutions are falling short. Key Characteristics of an Effective O&P Practice Management System 1. Ease of Use & Efficiency Gains 46% of respondents hold financial leadership roles, and 24% are in business leadership—indicating that administrative efficiency is a top concern. Practices that reported satisfaction with their current PMS cited ease of use and efficiency as the top benefits. Nymbl’s intuitive interface and mobile-friendly design streamline daily operations, minimizing training time and enhancing productivity. 2. Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Capabilities 70% of O&P practices still manage revenue cycle functions in-house, whereas other healthcare sectors increasingly outsource these functions. Among the biggest areas for improvement in 2025, revenue cycle management topped the list at 39%. Nymbl offers end-to-end RCM solutions , improving reimbursement rates and reducing administrative workload. 3. Automation & AI Integration 80% of O&P leaders are interested in using AI and machine learning to create efficiencies in claims automation, documentation, and patient intake workflows. AI-driven features like Nymbl’s AI Notes streamline clinical documentation, automatically capturing and formatting notes for review. 4. Reliable Customer Support & Innovation Lack of customer support and outdated workflows were cited as primary reasons for dissatisfaction with current systems. Practices considering a PMS switch prioritize cost-effectiveness, responsive customer support, and ongoing innovation. Nymbl delivers continuous innovation with 10+ product releases annually. The Importance of Choosing the Right Practice Management System Selecting the right PMS is not just a technology decision—it is a strategic business decision that impacts every aspect of an O&P practice. Given that 71% of practice leaders report being less than fully satisfied with their current system, the research makes it clear that many PMS solutions are falling short of industry needs. Practices must consider their long-term growth objectives, operational challenges, and evolving patient expectations when evaluating PMS options. A modern PMS should not only address immediate workflow inefficiencies but also position practices for future success. Leaders who participated in the research study emphasized three core expectations from their PMS: Better insights into business performance (28%) – A robust PMS should provide real-time data visibility and reporting tools to help practice leaders make informed decisions. Improved productivity of administrative staff (24%) – Automating manual tasks and reducing the administrative burden should be a top priority. More automation of business processes (20%) – AI-driven automation can optimize billing, documentation, and patient management workflows. With the O&P industry evolving rapidly, practices must ensure that their PMS can keep pace with technological advancements and regulatory changes. The right PMS should not only solve today’s problems but also equip practices with the tools to thrive in the years ahead. Why Nymbl Stands Out With industry-leading AI features, a customer-first approach, and robust revenue cycle management capabilities, Nymbl addresses the top challenges facing today’s O&P practices. By aligning with an innovative and responsive technology partner, practices can improve efficiency, enhance compliance, and drive profitability. As practices look to the future, the need for a modern, intelligent, and scalable PMS has never been greater. The key to success lies in selecting a system that not only meets current needs but also evolves with the industry—one that enhances productivity, ensures financial stability, and supports superior patient care. See why hundreds of O&P practice leaders have made the switch to Nymbl Systems. Schedule a demo. Want to see the full insights from nearly 100 of your peers? Download the full 2025 Trends in O&P Practice Management Technology Report
