5 Reasons Centralizing the Release of Information Process Is a Game-Changer

This article is created in partnership with Verisma®.

In today’s fast-paced healthcare landscape where patient expectations are on the rise, finding ways to improve processes that drive positive experiences and outcomes is crucial. One such critical process is release of information (ROI) and the larger disclosure management strategy that dictates how patient information is requested and shared.

Centralizing ROI across an enterprise is the only way to achieve comprehensive oversight. This transformation poses unique challenges given the sensitive nature of patient data and the complex regulatory environment, but it brings significant advantages to healthcare organizations and the patients they serve.

Here are five compelling reasons for centralizing ROI:

1. Consistency and Standardization: Improving Patient Journeys

In an environment that prioritizes patient experience, centralization offers a uniform approach. In ROI, it guarantees a consistent, dependable experience for patients regardless of where or how they initiate a record request. This eliminates procedural variations and communication issues. Much like Amazon provides a consistent shopping experience, centralizing ROI establishes a reliable, all-in-one destination for patients.

2. Improved Control and Compliance: Reducing Risk

One of the most compelling outcomes of centralization is increased control over sensitive information. Establishing clear protocols for verifying the legitimacy of information requests and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Cures Act is non-negotiable. Having confidence that every disclosure is accounted for is truly empowering.

3. Enhanced Security: Safeguarding Patient Trust

Concerns about data and security breaches should be top-of-mind for any organization storing patient information. Centralization acts as a protective barrier, allowing health information professionals to implement stringent control and monitoring measures. This metaphorical lock on the information vault becomes stronger, deterring unauthorized access and breaches. With centralization, building and maintaining patient trust becomes more than a promise—it becomes a reality.

4. Efficient Resource Allocation: Maximizing Potential

Centralization promotes efficiency by reducing redundancies. It is like a spotlight revealing the most effective paths, cutting through inefficiencies and duplicated efforts across departments. This leads to cost savings and increased productivity.

5. Streamlined Communication: Enhancing Satisfaction

Centralization is more than just a response to healthcare consumerism — it’s a channel for transparent communication. Internally, it reduces confusion. Externally, it ensures that every interaction with patients, attorneys, payers, and other parties reflects a commitment to seamless and personalized care.

Getting Started

Centralizing ROI is a collaborative effort. Health information management, compliance, revenue cycle management, and other cross-functional leaders must partner together and communicate the benefits to decision-makers. This journey involves recognizing the unique aspects of an organization's structure, culture, and needs while seeking external expertise from a trusted partner who can guide an enterprise ROI strategy.

The decision to centralize should be both strategic and empathetic. It's not just an end goal; it's a catalyst for broader positive changes and patient-centric care. Consider extending centralization to audit management, which drives ROI requests and, like ROI, requires oversight and accountability to maximize revenue integrity. The power of centralization is a thread that can weave positive change throughout an entire healthcare network.

Barbara Carr, RHIA, is a strategic advisor at Verisma, playing a pivotal role in product development and leading free educational courses through Verisma Academy.

About Verisma
Verisma® offers deep-rooted expertise, personalized support, and superior technology that simplify health information management, release of information, and compliance complexities. Learn more at verisma.com.