5 ways interoperability can benefit you

Remember the childhood game “telephone”? Someone whispers a message to the person next to them. That person repeats what they heard to the next person, and so on. By the time the message gets to the last person, the message is all mixed up.

Thankfully, advances in healthcare technology keep communication between providers accurate and reliable. Interoperability plays a major role.

Put simply, interoperability is the secure exchange of health information between multiple users. It started with the switch from paper to electronic health records over a decade ago. But digital health records alone don’t ease communication between providers. Interoperability is crucial to the future of HMEs, pharmacies, and home infusion providers.

Instead of falling behind, here are five compelling reasons to get onboard with interoperability.

1. Enhance relationships with referral sources. The majority of post-acute referral sources communicate secure patient data electronically. These referral sources are going to choose a provider that’s easy to connect to. They want a product that can seamlessly send and receive patient data. Having the technology that allows your agency to do this will set you apart from the competition.

   Beyond ease of use, tasks that were once tedious can now be done with a click. This includes electronic referrals, e-Signatures, prescriptions, documentation, and real-time patient data.

2. Create more efficient operations. You always want to see a return on investment with technology in your organization. With interoperability, the return is clear. Sending and receiving data electronically means fewer documents, easy access to patient records, less time communicating with providers, and immediate access to information.

   This increased visibility can result in more thorough documentation, greater likelihood of approved claims, and fuller reimbursements. By minimizing wasted time and paper, you increase time with patients and raise profitability.

3. Boost productivity. A more efficient system allows your staff to spend less time performing tedious tasks and more time being productive with patients, providers, and referral sources. While some fear technology will replace jobs, it can actually enhance many roles. Technology allows front-office workers and patient-facing staff to focus on patient care and accurate documentation.
4. Improve the patient experience. All these benefits come together to create a better patient experience. More efficient processes allow for more time with patients. Improved communication means data gets shared quickly and accurately. Trusted providers stay connected and provide better care.
5. Prepare for the inevitable. Technology is here to stay. Not only will it to enhance your business, it will keep you connected to other providers. You can differentiate your business by adopting this technology now and serve as an industry leader as you move toward a more connected future.

Ready to take your first steps into interoperability? Discover how Brightree’s ePrescribe integrations and GoScripts product streamline the referral process efficiently and accurately.