How to Improve Revenue Cycle Management Through EHR Integration

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When you think about how to improve revenue cycle management (RCM), you might not consider your electronic health record (EHR) system to be part of the solution. The fact is, tight EHR-RCM integration can contribute significantly to better financial outcomes. On the flip side, disconnected EHR and RCM functions, coupled with a heavy reliance on manual processes, increase the risk of revenue leakage and other suboptimal financial results. 

This article will explore the benefits of EHR and RCM integration, along with key ways to boost RCM performance by tapping into the capabilities of your EHR system. 

Why Your RCM May Need an Upgrade

In reality, RCM encompasses the entire patient journey, from registration to final payment collection. However, many healthcare organizations are not taking advantage of the tools included with industry-leading EHR solutions to elevate their financial management. Consequently, they experience high levels of claim denials, reimbursement delays, missed charges, and unsuccessful patient collections.  

As we’ll discuss, the right EHR solution, when properly integrated with RCM processes, reduces the risk of these issues. But first, let’s answer a basic question… 

What Is EHR Revenue Cycle Management?

Very simply, EHR revenue cycle management means managing financial workflows directly within (i.e., integrated with) your EHR system. A comprehensive EHR solution contains tools such as scheduling, eligibility checks, documentation, and billing that support RCM.

Key Benefits of EHR and RCM Integration

One of the biggest advantages of EHR-RCM integration is that clinical and financial data are housed in one system, preventing discrepancies and enabling cleaner claims. Specific ways this integration can enhance your RCM include:

Minimizing errors between documentation and coding
Automating eligibility and authorization checks
Improving front-end data collection
Accelerating claims submission
Reducing payer denials

Among the bottom line results: faster reimbursement, fewer write-offs, and better visibility of revenue cycle performance.

Practical Tips for Improving RCM

Where should you focus your RCM improvement initiatives? We’ve identified the following tactics as yielding a solid return on your efforts and investments:

Automate front-desk workflows such as eligibility and verification.
Use templates and prompts in the EHR to ensure complete and accurate documentation.
Integrate billing and coding reviews into the clinical workflow.
Monitor and follow up on key performance indicators, including days in accounts receivable, denial rate, and clean claims rate.

Finally, look for RCM tools and platforms that sync with your EHR system; this will maximize your ability to effectively manage your financials.

Choosing the Right EHR and RCM Partner

Choosing the right EHR and RCM solutions extends well beyond technology and integration considerations. Strategy and support matter just as much. This is why your partner can make all the difference in the world. During your vendor selection process, be sure to ask these questions: Can you provide seamless EHR-RCM integration? Do you offer RCM strategy consulting? What can we expect in terms of ongoing support and analytics? 

For rural and community hospitals, TruBridge stands out as a leading provider of integrated EHR and RCM solutions that answer the question of how to improve revenue cycle management in your organization. Our comprehensive approach to EHR and RCM integration, augmented by our acclaimed strategy consulting, ongoing support, and actionable analytics, will empower you to work smarter to achieve your financial goals, from improving cash flow and decreasing denials to improving the efficiency of your RCM processes.