Technology has had a profound effect not just on the way dentists deliver clinical services but also how they manage their practices these days. Computers, mobile devices, innovative applications and Internet-accessible resources have streamlined operations, replacing time-consuming, labor-intensive manual processes.
Knowing this, dentists across the country are embracing new technologies that are making their practices more efficient and productive, and their lives easier.
Here are five areas where technology can make a difference for you as well.
1. Improved operational efficiency – One of the biggest contributions technology makes to our lives overall is to manage repetitive tasks for us. For example, if you are a registered Amazon customer and you login, when you go to checkout most of the information is filled in for you already, saving time and ensuring accuracy. In a dental practice, there are several types of web portals that offer these same advantages. For instance, payer-supplied web portals offer prefilled forms that require only information unique to a certain claim or authorization, so you do not have to repeatedly enter information such as name, address, etc. When you want to check on reimbursement, you can get the answers instantly rather than having to spend half a day on the phone chasing them down. Another example is the American Dental Association’s (ADA) new centralized credentialing database. It enables you to fill in your credentialing information just once and then have it accessed by payers, on-demand, rather than filing individual applications each time you want to join a new network. Greater efficiency in administrative tasks means you have more time to dedicate to patients.
2. Faster authorization of services and reimbursement – It can take anywhere from days to a couple of weeks to fill out request for authorization and claim forms, mail them in and receive approval or reimbursement. And that’s if everything goes according to plan. Technology turns that time into hours. In fact, claims or requests for authorization filed electronically in the morning can often be approved – and reimbursement received – that same day. That not only helps cash flow. It also provides a competitive advantage, since patients can get in and receive their services with you in less time than it takes for others just to receive the authorization. New technologies on the horizon will even enable dentists to file a request for authorization and receive an instant explanation of benefits (EOB) that shows the patient responsibility. As a result, everyone knows the cost up-front and collection can be made before the patient leaves the office. Which, of course, will help dental practices improve cash flow by reducing the amount of follow-up required on unpaid patient bills.
3. Reduced claims errors – Every blank space on a form is an opportunity for error. Enter the wrong patient ID or the wrong code and the entire claim will be rejected, creating extra work and delaying reimbursement. Filing claims on a web portal means basic information is filled in automatically, reducing the chances of a simple typo creating havoc. More importantly, a well-designed portal will prevent a claim from being filed if it detects an error or required information is missing to ensure the claim is filed properly the first time.
4. Improved security – While data security concerns have been making headlines lately, the reality is protected health information (PHI) is much more secure in a well-designed web portal with extensive security protocols than it is in an envelope in the mail, or in a folder in a file cabinet. If proper backup procedures are in place it’s also better-protected against fire, flood, tornadoes and other natural and man-made disasters, ensuring the practice can continue to function as long as the clinical equipment is available.
5. Greater patient satisfaction –Working more efficiently and reducing errors not only helps dental practices improve internal operations and profitability. It also helps drive patient satisfaction. Patients who can get in for services sooner, who understand up-front what procedures will cost, who never have a claim rejected due to errors or missing information, etc. will be happier with their dentists than those who have problems in those areas. Even if the quality of the clinical work is the same. Satisfied patients are return patients, and they are most likely to recommend you to their family and friends, and give you a positive review on social media. Their value cannot be underestimated.
Adopting and embracing new and operational technologies can help you work smarter, faster, and more profitably while reducing your administrative burden. That’s a great trade-off.
John Schaak is President of Scion Dental, a distinguished, world-class dental administration company that is part of the SKYGEN USA family of benefit management companies. Scion Dental is focused on bringing next-generation claims management and technology solutions together for government entities and commercial payers that enable them to improve process efficiencies, achieve compliance, and dramatically reduce the cost of delivering dental benefits. John can be reached at jcschaak@sciondental.com.