How to Optimize Your EHR Functions

A fully integrated electronic health record (EHR) system can offer convenience for medical practices and providers. However, according to a new survey from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and Navigant, up to 56 percent of the 107 CFOs who responded to the survey find that using revenue cycle-related EHR functions is a major challenge. These respondents said that the challenges were equal to or even outweighed the benefits of a fully integrated EHR.

Some healthcare executives are having a difficult time seeing a fast return-on-investment due to the complexity of EHR technology. However, if used correctly, EHR systems can enhance your practice by streamlining administrative processes and providing you with optics into your practice's financial health. Administrative staff benefits from features such as automatic appointment reminders and online payment portals, freeing up their time to assist with other tasks.

Though it’s challenging, EHR optimization is listed as a top strategy for revenue cycle management improvement. Third-party billing companies, such as Datapro can provide the support that physicians and facilities need to implement these strategies without losing time or money.

How Datapro Can Help with EHR Optimization

Among respondents, smaller facility-based leaders saw more challenges with the EHR systems than larger medical groups. This is typically because smaller facilities do not have the bandwidth or time to dedicate to proper staff training and integration.

Outsourcing your medical billing can free up your staff’s time so they can better focus on the new processes that are involved with implementing EHRs. Datapro acts as an extension of our clients' teams by providing practical, hands on training and answering questions in real time. While we also handle billing and collections, your team can get comfortable with new appointment scheduling and charting procedures within the EHR.

Improve Revenue Integrity with Datapro

Revenue integrity relies on following the right regulations and coding practices for each different payor. It means coding for the right services and charging an appropriate amount for each service, given your demographics. Datapro offers training in proper EHR coding, new compliance regulations, and provides tips to avoid common errors.

Unfortunately, payors change coding regulations and payment processes frequently. These changes happen quickly and with little notice, making it difficult for your staff to keep up. As an outside billing company, Datapro has access to more data than your single billing department, giving us the opportunity to spot trends and changes in reimbursement fast. Our relationships with a wide range of payors help us understand how to carefully navigate each one to their specific preferences.

Datapro can be your partner in using technology to improve revenue cycle management. Contact us today to learn more about our services.