Introduction
Computers take part in major tasks in nearly every facet of life (Gottesman et al. 2013). They enhance the storage of huge quantities of information as they allow quick processing of data and have inbuilt intelligence that resembles the mental power of human beings. Attributable to such intelligence and speed, computers operate on grounds akin to those of human beings thus are of great benefit in medical billing. Medical billing entails all things required to get a physician or other caregivers paid for the services given, which encompass both payments from the patient or insurance. Medical billing is crucial to the monetary health of the progression (Gottesman et al. 2013). This study seeks to discuss the significance of computers in medical billing. The application of computers in medical billing involves electronically charging with the purpose of obtaining the correct payment for the services offered or medication given.
Significance of Computers in Electronic Medical Billing
Computers offer the best manner of storage for information associated with the patients. Big health facilities apply computerized systems for the retention of records about patients. It is usually crucial to keep updated records of the medical account concerning patients not just for billing purposes but as well for the facilitated quality of care. Health professionals usually need data regarding the family history, previous sicknesses, and medications earlier prescribed to a patient. Such details could be successfully kept in computerized databases (Menachemi and Collum 2011). Computers are also vital when it comes to keeping track of prescriptions, in addition to billing details. They could be applied to assist caregivers in knowing the best medicines that could be offered to patients and the ones that are unsuitable for them.
One of the benefits of applying computers in medical billing is that they ensure hassle free management (Menachemi and Collum 2011). The application of computers guarantees paperless billing that eradicates the necessity of managing huge levels of information in hard copy form. Computers also enable automatic processes since when data is recorded in them; it is automatically connected to the billing system. This assists in the eradication of redundancy as computers swiftly convey data to the required department. Computers ensure real-time assessment as they offer nurses and other health professionals the capacity to evaluate instantly the insurance qualification of the patient thus presenting convincing verification of the insurance details (Menachemi and Collum 2011). Through the application of computers, health professionals have a broad range of accurate reports that connects billing to the extant accounting networks. Computers ensure cost efficiency when judged against paper records since they call for just a few personnel and little space for effective medical information management. In addition, the application of computers in medical billing enables health professionals to center on the things that they are required to undertake for the sake of the quality of care.
Computers and the Health Care System
Computers have a great role to play in the healthcare system, and devoid of them, productivity and effectiveness would diminish considerably (Menachemi and Collum 2011). Computers help in the management, administrative functions, patient data, and medical expertise that are necessary in the contemporary world. Every health facility ought to apply computers suitably in the daily undertakings as this technology has turned out to be invaluable in both the provision of care and billing activities. For instance, over and above easing the billing tasks and ensuring their accuracy, most of the medical screening approaches rely on computerized expertise, which streamlines the effectiveness of the majority of medically associated tasks.
Successful Application
Computers undertake dissimilar tasks in the medical field usually taking a predominant position in healthcare systems across the globe. In this regard, all hospitals must have a detailed and thorough administrative practice with the purpose of operating as successfully as achievable. It is impractical to engage in quality health care services devoid of the flourishing application of computers as they assist in the compilation of the patient data, personnel information, schedules, and medical accounts to mention a few. On this note, computers have propelled medical processes into an enhanced phase where recording and the examination of records are updated skillfully. Accurately recording of billing information on paper would turn out to be burdensome for any health professional. Computers are especially vital with respect to keeping monetary records. A health institution cannot operate successfully devoid of precise maintenance of information regarding fiscal transactions and proper billing of the services provided. The application of computers assists in the recording of crucial data of the caregivers and patients such as contact details, which can easily be retrieved across different health facilities. A major benefit of the application of computers in medical billing endeavors is that they noticeably lessen the possibility of fraud or corruption (Cimino 2013).
Effective Operation
Computers are beneficial in the performance of operations in the billing department and other units within a health facility (Cimino 2013). For instance, they enable the carrying out of indispensable approaches in the area of medical research and promote Revenue Cycle Management, the medical practice of addressing allegations, revenue creation, and payment. Health institutions require expertise in their medical billing practices to enable successful tracking of claims with the purpose of successfully managing them. The entire medical revenue cycle progression entails everything from the establishment of the eligibility of patients, collection of their payment, proper coding, and following claims. Apart from just saving time on every end (for both the patients and the health professionals), the application of computers in medical billing enables the resolution of claims and their condition in real-time. Moreover, the utilization of such modern technology in medical practices encompassing electronic medical billing creates room for an enhanced number of patients that visit a given health facility, which signifies that the possibility of proper billing and retention of patient details has been heightened.
Conclusion
Computers are progressively being employed in major tasks in virtually every facet of life. For instance, the application of computers in medical billing is crucial to the fiscal health of the progression. The use of computers in medical billing involves automatically providing charges with the purpose of obtaining an accurate payment for the services given or medication provided. A major merit of the application of computers in medical billing efforts is that they evidently lessen the chance of fraud or corruption within the health care system internationally. Furthermore, the use of such modern skills in medical practices encompassing electronic medical billing generates room for improved number of patients that visit a given health facility, which implies that the likelihood of proper billing and maintenance of patient details has been reinforced.
References
Cimino, James. 2013. “Improving the electronic health record: Are clinicians getting what they wished for?.” JAMA 309(10): 991-992.
Gottesman, Omri, Helena Kuivaniemi, Gerard Tromp, Andrew Faucett, Rongling Li, Teri Manolio, and Saskia Sanderson. 2013. “The electronic medical records and genomics (eMERGE) network: past, present, and future.” Genetics in Medicine 15(10): 761-771.
Menachemi, Nir and Taleah Collum. 2011. “Benefits and drawbacks of electronic health record systems.” Risk Manag Healthc Policy 4: 47-55.