In 2018, a top priority for Healthcare CIO’s was EHR optimization projects. An EHRIntelligence.com article concluded that 71% of respondents agreed with a shift in focus from EHR implementation and deployment to optimization. Though most EHR optimization projects have historically been department-specific and clinical in nature, there is evidence from the small survey sample of 40, that revenue cycle efforts need focused attention. 73% of the respondents indicated that the large number of competing priorities, both internal and external, posed the biggest challenge.
An often overlooked category of optimization is centered around operational processes that can be tailored independent of health IT systems. While most providers agree that optimization of EHR and financial systems is required over time to meet regulatory and internal expectations, the financial benefits of changing basic processes and procedures is not the focus. For providers to truly maximize their technology investment in EHR systems, optimization efforts across both systems and processes must be considered a top priority. Are you ready to take control?
Revisit your initial understanding and expectations of your EHR’s full capabilities.
Distribute a targeted EHR user feedback survey and summarize major themes and high priority items.
Review research from KLAS Arch Collaborative regarding physician satisfaction.
Consider using nursing informaticists to drive your optimization. Be strategic and place them at the frontline to effectively triage issues, make recommendations, and lead partnerships between providers, super users, and IT analysts across departments.
These steps will help you to collect candid feedback from your EHR users, which can be compared against industry benchmarks and leading practices, providing a baseline for future optimization efforts.
Review helpdesk reports to identify daily pain points from specific user groups in the various departments.
Talk to a sampling of providers and other end users – they know the workarounds, gaps, and complaints.
Review policies and procedures to confirm alignment with departmental and organizational goals.
Review back-office reports to identify areas for revenue cycle improvement.
Are you promoting system interoperability? Does your EHR vendor participate in networks working to standardize data across health data exchange platforms?
A review of a Stanford Medicine survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, reveals that although American physicians see the value in EHR’s, additional focus should be placed on:
Are you ready to engage in process and system optimization efforts?
While you consider your future needs, also read our revenue cycle blogs entitled:
“Denials: Stop Correcting the Problem and Fix the Issue”, to learn the many forms of claim denials, the reasons we need proactive denials management, and how to break the denial cycle by using a comprehensive denials prevention strategy.
“You Are Not Alone - The DNFB Challenge” to understand the common reasons that accounts are held in DNFB status, 6 steps to reduce DNFB’s, and how your back office can help as you streamline your process.
Engage ROI to help you prioritize and get on track!
ROI Healthcare is rated as a Best in KLAS for Partial IT Outsourcing and can provide the optimization experts you need to improve your organizational effectiveness and technology. With over 20+ years of clinical and financial expertise, we can demonstrate how proven strategies can streamline both clinical and financial processes and increase your bottom line.