When the Affordable Health Care Act goes into effect, electronic data exchange (EDI) will be the standard for submitting billing, communicating with medical facilities, and staying in contact with patients.
In this informative article, electronic medical record (EMR) expert, Nitin Chhoda, explains the basics and how an EMR can be used to accomplish all those tasks.
Reimbursement Claims
Perhaps the most important facet of an EMR for physicians is its ability to let billers submit claims to clearinghouses in real time.
Billers receive confirmation of the claim’s arrival and can track any reimbursement request as it makes its way through the payment system.
The communication is conducted in real time, eliminating long waits and allowing clinicians to collect payments in as little as 10 days.
Another advantage of an EMR is its ability to identify potential problems with claims. Any inconsistencies can be remedied quickly before reimbursement requests are sent. Clean claims are processed quickly and practitioners collect their funds quicker.
Security
Patient information is confidential. Data transmitted electronically through an EMR meets HIPAA’s stringent security requirements.
Communication
Practitioners have the ability to communicate with other physicians, medical facilities, labs and pharmacies. Referrals can be made, medications ordered and tests scheduled right from the office.
Electronic medical records provide enhanced communication with patients to remind them of appointments and any debt they owe. With an integrated EMR, medical providers can post test results in a client’s secure account and communicate with them through mail, phone, email, and text and voice messages.
Patient Care
EDI benefits patients by providing continuity of care. Client records can be accessed by authorized personnel from virtually anywhere in the world through EMR. In the event that an individual is unable to supply needed data, medical providers can access records through EDI to avoid treatment errors, learn about any health issues or allergies, and eliminate redundant testing.
Records are also available in the cloud in the event of a natural disaster
Portability
EMR technology can be employed on laptops and tablets, providing practice owners with new opportunities for revenues. The systems can be accessed anywhere there’s an Internet connection, allowing clinicians to offer services away from the office. Corporate wellness programs, senior centers, home care programs and spas are just some of the opportunities available with a portable system.
Savings
An electronic data exchange system saves practices time and money. There’s no need to maintain a room of file cabinets full of folders filled with paper records.
Patient information is maintained in the cloud for convenience and quick retrieval. Vendors are responsible for maintaining HIPAA compliance and security, and EMR systems can quickly notify other medical providers if there’s ever a security issue.
Before purchasing any EMR, clinicians should conduct sufficient research and examine several systems. All EMRs aren’t the same – practitioners should choose one specifically designed for the type of practice they have.
Selected EMR systems have low monthly fees, 24/7 support from vendors and updates, along functionalities to assist in marketing. Electronic data interchange represents the future of how those in the medical field communicate with clearinghouses, medical facilities and providers to offer a superior level of patient care.
