Why Configurability Fuels Increased Productivity

December 20, 2016

Category: News

In light of constantly-advancing technologies and shifting paradigms and practices, healthcare organizations need to anticipate changes and be prepared to optimize revenue cycles and care delivery during times of transition.  When processes have to be designed within the parameters of limited software capabilities, they will likely be repetitive and inefficient.  Providing flexible software systems maximizes productivity.  Three key components indicate that a software system can enhance staff performance.

• It supports multi-system integration.  High-quality software either eliminates the need for certain processing systems or allows them to work well together, reducing the number of tasks that have to be performed by staff and streamlining processes to make them more efficient.
• It provides real-time business metrics.  Configurable software allows you to access data from multiple channels without conducting complicated searches.  Thus, providers and administrators are able to generate comprehensive real-time reports so they can quickly make decisions or adjust processes.  
• It evolves with your practice.  While older software systems are soon outgrown, highly adaptable systems are scalable and can support growth and flexibility.

Practical Implications

You might be wondering what this looks like on a practical level for your practice as your administrators manage day-to-day operations.  Configurable software is user-friendly, which not only empowers employees to engage with it, but also includes components that allow patients to to be involved in their care in ways that improve front-end processes.

• Claims Management.  New software allows staff to edit claims, submit them in real-time, and track their status, minimizing denials and re-submissions.  Adaptable software enables providers to choose the desired clearinghouse to which claim print image files can be uploaded.
• Scheduling Appointments.  New software makes it remarkably easy for staff to schedule hundreds of appointments a day and easily make changes when patients cancel or reschedule.  Flexible options allow for variations in booking schedules.  Some systems even offer color-coding for different physicians or locations within the same network.
• System Integration.  Different applications can be easily integrated to save time and labor.  Especially beneficial are systems that allow staff to manage billing and EHRs from the same platform.  Codes can be transcribed from medical records to billing statements and claim forms, allowing staff to multitask simultaneously.
• Generating Reports.  The most highly-developed software options allow you to customize reports on quality of care, finances, and other relevant information.  Data is available in one place and administrators can select only the material that is useful.  Staff should be able to choose from among different options, for example, selecting date ranges or isolating data for specific payers.
• Ease-of-Use.  High-quality software should allow staff to accomplish tasks through logically-ordered processes and keyboard shortcuts.  It should not require a series of complicated steps or multiple searches.
• Access.  A key characteristic of configurable software is the ability to customize settings for different users.  Staff in various departments or positions should be able to personalize user preferences to access the data they need.  Your software system should also be able to accommodate the number of users in your practice.  
• Patient-friendly.  Software systems for healthcare providers should have options through which patients can access their health records through portals without administrative assistance.  Patients can also receive automated alerts and reminders about prescription refills or upcoming appointments, eliminating the need for employees to contact them directly.  Staff don't have to spend time and resources mailing statements and manually updating accounts when patients have the ability to view statements electronically and make payments through multiple channels.

Software that offers flexibility and convenience not only fuels current productivity and efficiency, but is highly adaptable to meet the needs of your practice or organization in the future.

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