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5 Ways to Improve Your Agency’s Home Health Technology
The health care industry sees remarkable advances in technology almost annually. As a home health provider, it’s imperative that your agency stays up-‐to-‐date on these changes to operate more efficiently and provide clients with the best care possible. From software updates to improved medical devices, updating your home health technology ensures that you make the best use of your valuable resources. Benefits of Better Home Health Technology Every organization is different, but the use of technology is one thing all agencies have in common. Whether you’re a home health startup or you’ve been in business for years, new technology gives you the tools you need to be more effective in virtually every department. Its benefits include more accurate accounting, increased employee productivity, and helping you stay compliant with industry regulations, to name just a few—all of which are critical to the future of your business. Let’s take a look at some tips to make sure your agency keeps moving forward:
1. Do an annual assessment: Take stock of your home health technology at least once a year. Are any systems outdated? Have regulations changed? Is there a newer device on the market that can make your agency more productive? Even if funds aren’t available to make
immediate updates, a thorough assessment makes it easier to establish a budget for upgrades the following year.
2. Update for ICD-‐10: Even though CMS has delayed the conversion to ICD-‐10 coding, the deadline is still right around the corner. If you haven’t updated your software system to one that is compatible with ICD-‐10, now is the time to do so. Using the right software helps ensure that your bills are accepted and processed for payment so you can avoid reimbursement delays.
3. Upgrade devices: In-‐house staff and caregivers in the field should have access to the latest medical devices. That includes blood pressure monitoring kits, Protimes monitors, blood glucose monitors, oximeter for blood oxygen, nebulizers, and other devices that improve the quality of client care. Employees who use mobile devices like smartphones and tablets also need the latest software—such as medication reminder apps and online medication information for patients—to do their job more effectively.
4. Review software: Like all of your other home health technology, software should be updated annually. Your software vendor should help you stay up-‐to-‐date on the latest releases and make sure your current software is compliant with any applicable regulations. The company should also be able to provide training to make sure you’re taking advantage of any new features that can help you save time and money. If your vendor is unresponsive to bug fixes or product updates, it might be time to evaluate other providers.
5. Engage a consultant: With home health technology evolving so rapidly, it can be difficult to know what’s best for your agency. A home health consultant can assess your unique needs and goals, and then provide recommendations to maximize your technology investments. He or she can also assist with software selection and help you choose which mobile medical devices to use in the field.
Remember that there isn’t a one-‐size-‐fits-‐all technology solution. You may find that you’re spending too much on unnecessary software, or not using a system that can dramatically boost productivity. A home health consultant can perform a comprehensive organizational assessment to uncover these issues, and then create a strategic plan to help your agency evolve as fast as your technology. For more information about home health technology or to learn more about improving your systems, schedule an appointment at www.KenyonHCC.com with Kenyon HomeCare Consulting today.
