Migrating to a new EHR platform can be a daunting and often confusing process. Making such a massive switch requires careful planning to integrate data and ensure that practice workflow and necessary changes are both properly identified. A successful migration hinges on specific and individual analysis and extensive planning. Both need to be regularly updated as the new implementation continues progressing. Some common road blocks seen in such transitions include cost, updating of patient records, drops in efficiency, and patient scheduling. With so many factors at play, it's no wonder that adjusting to a new platform can cause some anxiety. There are many factors to be wary of while switching to or updating your current EHR, but charge capture can help relieve some of the stress by maximizing revenue, reporting patient data in real time, and granting insight into any potential revenue issues.

Charge Capture Ensures Maximization of Revenue

Charge capture works to ensure that all charges recorded are accurate . Throughout the transition to a new EHR, charge capture will make sure that revenue is stable. Additionally, providers are able to reconcile all charges captured vs. charges recorded in the EHR system. Capable charge capture solutions in these circumstances will allow you to resend charges and patient data that might have been missed or overlooked. During an uncertain transitioning period, having the peace-of-mind that revenue isn't dropping due to missed charges can make a world of difference. While migrating to a new EHR system can be costly, as can be seen in the cases of UMass Memorial and MD Anderson in Houston, simply avoiding missing charges can help sustain patient service revenue.

Real-Time Reporting

Patient charges are able to be captured at the point-of-care. Certain charge capture solutions also allow for up-to-date patient reporting, a key factor in an effective migartion. During a switch to a new EHR, patient records, scheduling, and status can become disorganized. Charge capture allows doctors to stay up-to-date with patient data records as well as patient history lists. Regularly distributed reports can help doctors and hospitals work through their case loads in a shorter time frame. Real-time reporting grants quicker access to quality patient data and can go a long way in terms of providing value-based care. For those who pay their providers based on RVUs, there are no major differences other than terminology.

Avoiding Revenue Issues

Real-time reporting directly ties into identifying and resolving any potential revenue issues before they potentially become a much bigger problem. EHR migrations often come with a steep financial cost. Charge capture offers the ability to catch any potential error or financial issues before collections. Having the ability to proactively engage with any potential risks is a major benefit when migrating to a new EHR due to the costly efforts of such an undertaking.

Stability in a Time of Uncertainty

Integrating with a new EHR system requires a bigger-picture approach and vision. Revenue may be lower and costs soaring at the start of the new roll-out due to unavoidable expenses. However, with improving healthcare and patient outcomes being the bottom line, the risk is well worth the reward. Migrating to a new EHR doesn't always make sense, which is why meticulous research should be conducted before making the jump. With charge capture, the opportunity to maintain some financial stability during a potentially rocky transition can help alleviate some of the risks that often come hand-in-hand with a new EHR.