5 reasons for document management in 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.