Integrating IT Systems Strengthens the Revenue Cycle

CHICAGO, March 4, 2009—Implementing and integrating IT components helps organizations achieve a high level of efficiency and consistency that improves the revenue cycle. However, reaching that level can be difficult for healthcare professionals because the revenue cycle often spans numerous departments, requiring multiple systems and coordination that can become very complicated and inefficient, according to an article published in the March issue of the Journal of AHIMA.

IT implementation can be the building block for a stronger revenue cycle because data use is enhanced by incorporating specific IT components at each stage of the cycle. This article presents three key functions in the revenue cycle—document imaging, verifying data’s accuracy, and creating a centralized denial management database—and examples that illustrate how IT improves each function by making data more accurate and accessible, thereby ensuring smooth workflow throughout the process.

Integrating IT Systems Strengthens the Revenue Cycle also explains two challenges associated with IT integration: cost and security. A cost-benefit analysis can help organizations determine whether IT integration has enough long-term worth. Since IT integration allows widespread access to data, being cognizant of security risks and taking appropriate measures to protect personal patient health information should be a top priority.

Read the complete article in the March issue of the Journal of AHIMA or online at journal.ahima.org. 

About AHIMA

The American Health Information Management Association is America’s leading professional society whose mission is to “improve healthcare by advancing best practices and standards for health information management and [serve as] the trusted source for education, research and professional credentialing.” AHIMA represents more than 53,000 specially educated HIM professionals who serve healthcare and the public by managing, analyzing and utilizing data vital for health system management. www.ahima.org