What Are the Benefits of Electronic Forms in Healthcare?
Paper forms have been the standard for providers, but electronic forms in healthcare are taking over. Healthcare institutions are inundated with information and data. These institutions record, analyze, process, update, file, communicate, and secure data. This information is vital to both providers and consumers. Utilizing Electronic Forms in the healthcare industry is a secure, cost-effective way to collect crucial data for your organization. Data from an eForm is automatically introduced into your workflow, simplifying communication and facilitating organization.
Consider the benefits of switching to a paperless solution and using eForms.
Digitizing documents provide a simple and safe way to host an almost unlimited amount of data for healthcare organizations.
Data Accuracy
Poor handwriting can be the downfall for data accuracy at doctor’s offices across the US. Quickly jotting down medical history, family history, insurance information, and more in a stressful scenario can easily lead to compromised data accuracy and allow crucial information to go unnoticed.
Digital solutions reduce the risk of error, delay, or compromise that can accompany the use of paper forms. eForms verify data integrity through tools such as email or phone confirmation and reduce human error with automatic formatting. Customizable electronic forms in healthcare share information accurately and instantly between a patient and provider. An organization utilizing database synchronization will be able to direct and track information, helping management to oversee the information in a workflow.
Accelerated Processes
As previously mentioned, the sharing of information is instant. Doctors can inform patients of test results, give referrals, update prescriptions, and schedule appointments at the click of a button.
The benefits of eForms still go far beyond that. Patient access, clinical department, patient finance, legal, human resources, and accounting all receive these benefits as well. The streamlined workflow between these departments immediately translates to faster results and better customer service.
Read this in-depth case study explaining InStream’s implementation of the document management solution FileBound. See how it helped physicians provide quality care for their patients.
Security
Since the passing of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act of 2000, Eforms are legally binding, ensuring the safety of both the recipient and the user. Patients can use a HIPAA compliant electronic form for admissions, right on their phone.
HIPAA compliance is a key issue that is resolved with the use of digital document management. Your document management system needs to work hand in hand with your existing health information system. InStream’s solution digitizes and incorporates admission packets, chart components, EOBs, and even resumes into existing processes. Better management directly leads to better security.
Reduce Costs
Switching to electronic forms reduced the need for storage spaces and employee time spent archiving and searching for data. eForms are proven to reduced costs for paper, scanning, and printing but also have an immediate ROI.
The sharing of information is instant so doctors can inform patients of test results, give referrals, update prescriptions, and schedule appointments at the click of a button. The benefits of electronic forms in healthcare go far beyond that. Patient access, clinical department, patient finance, legal, human resources, and accounting all receive these benefits as well. The streamlined workflow between these departments immediately translates to faster results and better customer service.
InStream will work with you to determine the best solution for your organization, working within the bounds of your compliance needs. Get started with electronic forms today.
