Posted By Dayna Riddle On May 31, 2022
How EHRs Reduce Medical Costs for Providers
Implementing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system may seem like another to-do on a long list, however, an EHR is critical to reduce medical costs for providers. It will also save you time and limit errors and miscommunication that can come from a paper record system or even an electronic system that isn’t the right fit for you.
Save Client and Provider’s time
One study found that the average client’s release time is around four hours earlier in hospitals that utilized an EHR effectively. This same principle can work in your practice too. When clients get treated faster, you can spend time helping even more clients. Saved time is directly translated into reduced costs for you as providers. You can use those funds instead to hire new employees, invest in new programs, or develop your facilities.
Additionally, your employees can focus on doing the jobs they were trained to do, instead of taking hours to do mundane tasks like filing paperwork. These tasks are easily done by a computer and will leave your clinicians and providers with more time to communicate with patients and focus on higher-level projects.
You no longer need to spend time squinting, trying to read what a colleague scribbles on a handwritten chart when the information is clearly typed and organized on a computer. Employees can also complete tasks more quickly and aren’t slowed down by a paper trail.
And if you are already using an EHR but find it is not the best fit for your workflow, or you feel you do not have the support you need, switching to a reliable EHR solution can resolve time issues and lead to reduced costs. With a truly interoperable system, you skip redundant tasks typing the same client information in multiple places. You can also more quickly get help desk support and move on to keep your focus where it should be– on your clients.
Limit error and miscommunication
The implementation of an EHR reduces costs as it removes the possibility of losing files or paperwork that could have happened with a paper system, or an EHR that is not interoperable with your other tools and interfaces. Records are sent to other clinics or insurance agencies via the cloud, as opposed to the chance of getting lost in the mail or sent through fax. EHRs support great communication between your clinic and others, as client information can be sent anywhere. They may also have tools such as lab test requests and messaging widgets to communicate with clients and other clinicians.
Some EHRs may be able to keep track of your clients’ full medical history via documentation tools like the golden thread to keep your client data moving seamlessly from appointment to billing. These methods reduce costs by not only limiting time spent recording and finding clients’ data but also providing background information and missing clues that you may need to treat a client. Precision and clarity are important in preventing errors and communicating with your clients.
Cybersecurity and Client Protection
Software that houses thousands of clients’ data must be protected, and your EHR system can be designed to do so. Frequent backups are key to preventing lost information, as well as storing data off-site and in the cloud, which will reduce costs for providers. It’s crucial to choose an EHR certified by reputable accrediting agencies to prevent cybersecurity attacks, which can lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars lost in patient care and information.
HIPAA violations are not as likely when software is protected through passwords and well-informed staff. These violations can cost thousands of dollars in fines. An EHR that does its job builds trust with your clients, leading to referrals and more frequent visits.
When thinking about adopting an EHR solution in your organization, remember that a trustworthy EHR will reduce your costs and assist you in helping as many clients as possible.
About Patagonia Health, Inc.
Patagonia Health is a living Electronic Health Record (EHR) software designed to meet the complex needs and desired health outcomes of Public Health and Behavioral Health organizations. Our federally certified, easy-to-learn platform includes integrated practice management and billing software so you get one end-to-end solution. Employee-owned and organically grown, our mission is to support your business with software and service that allows you to provide your patients with the care they deserve. If you’d like more information about our solutions, contact us today.