In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Kristen Low, the National Billing Manager at Lumus Imaging, offers insights into the evolving landscape of healthcare technology, particularly in diagnostic imaging.
Healthcare is constantly changing, and technology's role in enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and overall service delivery is increasingly significant. Kristen shares her perspectives on integrating new technology, the importance of troubleshooting, and the benefits of advanced analytics tools in improving billing accuracy and compliance. Her thoughtful analysis adds depth to the ongoing conversation around digital transformation in healthcare.
The Importance of Regular Practice and Troubleshooting
The importance of performing tasks regularly to achieve expertise and seamless operations cannot be overstated in healthcare. Regular practice ensures that healthcare professionals remain proficient in their duties, thus enhancing the quality of patient care. Consistent task execution leads to expertise and smoother operation within healthcare facilities. The more frequently tasks are performed, the better the staff become at identifying and resolving issues quickly.
Troubleshooting and early identification of issues are particularly relevant in technology. Healthcare facilities rely on various technological systems; identifying minor problems before they escalate is crucial for maintaining smooth operations.
Implementing New Technology: Involving Frontline Staff
The successful implementation of new technology in healthcare is a multi-faceted process that must consider exceptions and involve frontline staff. For technology to be seamlessly integrated into healthcare systems, it must be adaptable to various exceptional scenarios that may arise. Including input from frontline staff during implementation is equally important, as these professionals offer practical insights into the day-to-day challenges and needs within a healthcare setting.
For example, introducing a new analytical tool or software in diagnostic imaging must be carefully tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of different modalities and procedures. Frontline staff often identify nuances that might not be apparent to those designing the technology.
mPower Clinical Analytics: Enhancing Compliance and Billing Accuracy
Advanced analytics platforms such as mPower Clinical Analytics have changed the way billing issues are identified, and compliance is maintained in diagnostic imaging. Managing billing accuracy across numerous locations and modalities can be particularly challenging for large companies like Lumus Imaging, which operates over 130 sites nationwide. mPower Clinical Analytics aids in this by allowing specific searches by modality, date, and site, addressing knowledge gaps, and ensuring compliance with industry guidelines.
mPower Clinical Analytics provides powerful tools for quick drill-down analysis, enabling healthcare managers to identify potential billing errors easily. The report analysis functionality pinpoints inaccuracies without requiring manual line-by-line checks, significantly improving efficiency. This software also helps maintain historical compliance data necessary for audits and recalls, ensuring that billing practices adhere to the required standards.
Improving Radiologist Efficiency and Professional Development
The software tools used in healthcare also support the professional development of radiologists by tracking their work and providing key insights into their performance. mPower Clinical Analytics software benefits radiologists by tracking their workload and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This tracking not only aids in professional growth but also ensures that radiologists are consistently adhering to best practices.
The ability to track and review work helps radiologists improve their skills and maintain high standards of accuracy and compliance. mPower Clinical Analytics integrates with voice recognition software to streamline reporting and minimise work duplication, further enhancing efficiency within healthcare facilities. This interconnected approach ensures that radiologists remain at the cutting edge of their field while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
Balancing Rapid Technological Advancements
The healthcare sector constantly grapples with the rapid pace of technological advancements. In diagnostic imaging, this rapid evolution leads to increased complexity in examination types and modalities. Radiologists must stay updated with technological changes to report correctly and identify potential issues within imaging results.
Lumus Imaging utilises various technology applications, including patient databases, voice recognition software, and electronic billing systems, to streamline processes and improve efficiency. These technologies facilitate an integrated and efficient approach to managing patient care, billing, and compliance. However, it also presents challenges, such as keeping up with constantly changing technology and Medicare updates.
Maintaining Compliance in a Complex Environment
Healthcare compliance is an intricate field, particularly in diagnostic imaging, where the processes and regulations continually evolve. Kristen's role as the National Billing Manager at Lumus involves ensuring compliance with Medicare billing and eligibility criteria, updating the schedule of benefits, and maintaining the radiology information system. This multifaceted role highlights the complexities involved in managing compliance in a large healthcare organisation.
Maintaining compliance requires an ongoing effort to stay updated with regulatory changes and implement necessary adjustments promptly. The use of tools like mPower Clinical Analytics helps streamline this process, allowing for quick identification of potential issues and facilitating a smoother compliance review.
The Evolving Role of Technology in Diagnostic Imaging
Technology's role in diagnostic imaging has expanded significantly over the years, leading to more complex examination types and modalities. Kristen highlights the importance of radiologists adept at using new technologies to interpret and report imaging results accurately. This requires continuous professional development and staying updated with technological advancements to ensure the highest standards of patient care.
Improving Workflow Optimisation in Radiology
The optimisation of workflows in radiology is critical for enhancing efficiency and ensuring timely patient care. Advanced tools like mPower Clinical Analytics play a crucial role in this optimisation, providing insights into operational inefficiencies and helping managers implement effective solutions. The goal is to continually refine workflows to enhance the patient experience and ensure the highest standards of care in diagnostic imaging. By leveraging technology and data analytics, healthcare facilities can achieve significant improvements in workflow optimisation and patient outcomes.
A Future Defined by Technology and Innovation
Kristen's insights into the implementation of advanced analytics tools and the importance of involving frontline staff in technology integration provide valuable guidance for healthcare professionals navigating this rapidly changing landscape.
As healthcare facilities continue to adopt advanced technologies and data analytics, the focus must remain on improving operational efficiency, maintaining compliance, and ensuring high standards of patient care. By staying updated with advancements and embracing innovative solutions, healthcare facilities can navigate the complexities of the modern healthcare landscape and deliver exceptional care to their patients.
In today's world, the integration of technology and innovation in healthcare is no longer a choice but a necessity. Advanced analytics tools, consistent practice, and a collaborative approach to technology integration offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals. As we move forward, embracing these principles will be key to achieving a healthier future.