Healthcare industry organizations all have unique business and service delivery models, however, each one can benefit from improved productivity and enhanced customer service. The following list briefly describes some of the positive impacts cloud fax has on medical enterprise productivity.
1. Flexible inbound mailbox routing protocol ensures documents don’t lie dormant because a key employee takes a sick day or is diverted to manage other operational tasks. Shared access allows available, authorized staff to access documents throughout their shift or during periods of increased volume. Depending on the workflow pattern, inbound documents may be routed to a single mailbox or routed to multiple boxes with shared or private access. This enables administrators to have greater control over certain types of documents that may need exceptional handling.
2. The learning curve is almost flat, meaning implementation doesn’t require extensive technical foreknowledge or extended training periods to learn the system. Implementation is fast and efficient; meaning there is less disruption in the normal operations or unnecessary shifting of responsibility during training.
3. PDF conversion tools facilitate document notations and modification within a secure environment for clinical and non-clinical application, no need to spend time printing, updating and scanning documents after appropriate alterations.
4. Cloud fax eliminates manual processing challenges, such as equipment failures. Virtual machines never run out of paper or toner in the middle of an invoice printing process or lose documents in the distribution process. In addition to avoiding downtime while repairing or resupplying regular fax equipment, copiers and printers, cloud-fax solutions don’t require reloading chemicals or paper to operate. This means there is no disruption in processing incoming documents and files — even for routine maintenance.
5. Accessing time-sensitive documents, i.e. patient information, test results, etc., is more efficient and faster, enabling providers to share relevant information necessary to reach a diagnosis or initiate treatment quicker. Automation eliminates unnecessary telephone calls that stem from handwritten notes. Faxing is secure and well-organized for both receiving and sending images and text documents with zero distortion due to equipment.
6. Automating distribution, receipt and archiving of patient health records is less labor intensive and more cost effective than paper-based methods. Digital archives are easier to access and index for report generation — whether needed for financial review, patient services or to facilitate research activities.
7. Integrated cloud fax improves medical billing and claims processing, while reducing duplication and human error that may lead to denials or trigger unnecessary audits.
Virtual fax solutions eliminate the need for daily administration. No one has to assume the responsibility for sorting and distributing documents to individuals for review or processing. Another key benefit, although not related directly to productivity, is internal security enhancement. Since automation keeps file away from unauthorized eyes, those who have appropriate clearance only view patient files and sensitive communications. Cloud faxing technology continues to evolve. Today, these solutions enable healthcare industry organizations to take control of their budget and allocate resources more wisely, whether it is in the provider’s office, from a research facility or at a medical supply company.
Author Bio:
As U.S. Chief Operating Officer at Esker, Steve Smith is responsible for all operations in North, South, and Central America. Esker is a global leader in document process automation, helping organizations around the world automate their manual business processes and increase their workflow and productivity.
The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of Becker’s Hospital Review/Becker’s Healthcare. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them.
