What should we expect from ECG data management solutions?
This is the most common question that we face when we speak to organizations about ECG data management systems. It is understandable to get this question from organizations that still use paper-based management systems. However, organizations that have made the conversion to electronic management also ask this question because they want to be sure that they are receiving all of the benefits that are available from electronic management.
I like to classify the benefits into five categories, the 2Ps and the 3Cs.
This article will discuss the 2Ps, Productivity and Profitability. The 3Cs are the focus of a separate article.
Productivity
You should expect a dramatic reduction in your test processing cycle and must speedier resolution of problems due to:
- The elimination or automation of low-value, non-clinical tasks, such as transmitting information from one person to another;
- The elimination of redundant data entry by “remembering” previously-used information or by automatically transferring it from one system to another
- Putting information at the fingertips of those who need them
Most data management systems focus on increasing productivity for those who access data after the test is performed, such as the Cardiologist who interprets the test. However, a sophisticated ECG data management solution will also enhance the ability of the ECG device software to standardize and streamline workflow during the process of acquiring the test.
Profitability
There are some obvious savings by converting to electronic management of ECG tests:
- reduced consumption of printing supplies;
- reduced costs associated with physical document storage
Your ECG management solution should, not only reduce costs, but generate more revenues for you by:
- capturing all billable services (One of our clients experienced a 15% increase in revenues, based on the fact that its data management system ensured that no test “slipped through the cracks”);
- ensuring the validity of the insurance number that is presented by the patient;
- reducing the rejection of tests by insurers due to submission of incomplete or inaccurate information.
For busy organizations, the most significant financial benefit may be that productivity gains translate into seeing more patients and performing more billable services each day.
