Healthcare: Why Making Document Management Part of Your Interoperability Strategy Makes Sense

The information and data generated by a typical healthcare practice over the course of a year is staggering. And most of it is subject to rigorous HIPPA rules, in addition to the best practices surrounding confidential and financial information.

Consider these facts. The HIT Consultant article, 80 Mind Blowing EMR and Meaningful Use Statistics & Trends, notes the following:

Each patient visit requires approximately 10-13 pieces of paper; and

Thousands of tons of paper are consumed by the healthcare industry each year…

Now, pair those details with the fact that “research shows that nearly $14,000 of productivity is lost per worker per year just trying to find the necessary information.”

These statistics perfectly illustrate why document management is such a critical component of interoperability within today’s healthcare environment. The time is right to develop document management strategies that effectively capture paper-based data and pull it in to electronic workflows that speed operational processes and bolster financial results for improved patient care across the continuum of care.

Here are five reasons why document management must be part of your interoperability strategy:

Reason 1: True document management is about data capture. Better data capture fuels efficiencies and improves patient care. Consider the faxed document that may take 24 hours or more to reach the right provider. With effective document management strategies, that same data can be captured in the EHR and usable within minutes of its receipt.

Reason 2: Effective document management positively impacts market position and physician recruitment. Point-of-entry data capture demonstrates a commitment to using technology to support efficiency and care quality—both crucial aspects of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and other value-based arrangements. Plus, highly credentialed physicians are naturally drawn to progressive, data-empowered organizations.

Reason 3: Accurate data exchange increases staff efficiency. Verifying insurance eligibility by phone or waiting for paper Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements by mail are examples of slow, labor-intensive processes. When this same data is transferred electronically, processes are faster and, in many cases, information is more accurate.

Reason 4: Document management can cut operating expenses. Strategies that bring information into the digital age can eliminate or dramatically reduce expenses for toner, paper and even analog phone lines for fax machines. At the same time, storage expenses to store old files both on- and off-site are reduced.

Reason 5: Data management concentrates on information that’s important to strategic goals. As documents move through the system, a thorough review of workflows often can identify gaps and opportunities. Opportunities might range from enhancing staffing flexibility to accommodate patient volume fluctuations to optimizing the physical location of multi-function devices.

The bottom line: If growing your practice, while maintaining compliance and controlling costs, is on your mind, it’s time to talk with Stratix Systems.

About Stratix Systems

With offices in Reading, Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and Central and Northern New Jersey, Stratix Systems is one of the region’s leading technology solutions partners —with the people, resources and experience to deliver the IT, content/document management and imaging support you need: where, when and how you need it. In fact, very few providers in the region can match the vast array of total business solutions and responsive service available from Stratix Systems. It’s no wonder why we are the partner-of-choice for over 4,500 organizations throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Have a question? Get an answer. Our experienced systems experts would be happy to answer your questions, help you explore your options and develop a customized plan for you. Learn more at www.stratixsystems.com  or call us toll-free 1-800-444-2943.