In 2016, healthcare vendors need the most efficient claims processing systems out there. By now, flexible, web-focused methods for important claims tasks are clearly the industry's path forward, and will play a major role in bridging the gap between patients and providers. A fast, digital claims method makes a direct link from implementation to delivery for workers' compensation and motor vehicle billing alike. Now is the time to invest in better revenue cycle management, with a focus on detail-driven, well-facilitated collection that breaks down barriers. Despite the growing pains involved with adopting any new technology, there are a couple of areas where smarter systems have already improved claims processing online. Direct accessibility With each new convenience, the future of healthcare looks more integrated. Data analytics harvests insights from seemingly unrelated details for fuller results. To make this innovation worthwhile, however, there needs to be a distinct pipeline between entities. "Data analytics harvests insight from seemingly unrelated details." Online healthcare portals are already addressing this need, providing direct communication through smart devices like phones and tablets. By bringing necessary information together in a simple, accessible source, these solutions set the stage for clean claims assembly. Shorter cycles Proper collection from the outset can reduce the amount of work hospitals have to do later if the claim is resubmitted, according to Gary Marlow, Vice President of Finance at Beverly Hospital and Addison Gilbert Hospital. "From a revenue cycle perspective, getting the most accurate information up front starts with patient scheduling and patient registration," Marlow told RevCycleIntelligence in 2015. "That provides the groundwork by which claims can be billed and collected in the most efficient and effective manner possible." The way information enters the claims process can impact how it gets managed. If technology, like artificial intelligence, is present at the beginning and guides the claims throughout, there's a consistent system handling the information the process to meet best practices. PROMEDICAL's benefits With our secure, efficient and comprehensive system, PROMEDICAL is staying ahead of the game. We're doing that by developing the following features: Communication: Users can choose from multiple languages with our online offerings. This allows you to customize your system to better reach patient populations and keep claims moving faster. Customization: If our proprietary options aren't currently meeting your needs, we can change them to do so based on feedback. Adapt to state fee schedules or language demands on a case by case basis. Encryption: A must for secure file exchange, PROMEDICAL ensures a secure file transfer process. Our process protects backup data equally strong as primary data, for efficient security across the board. Planning: Organizations also benefit when a set deadline is involved, putting clear limits on when submissions are set for review. Processing records requests within a preordained period of days helps managers know what to expect, and regular reports set up clear overviews of important statistics. Contact PROMEDICAL today to learn more about our healthcare revenue cycle solutions.

According to Pew Research, 15 percent of U.S. adults have used ridesharing services . Where does insurance enter the picture? Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing apps throw a proverbial wrench in hospitals' revenue cycle management operations. Billing is already a major pain point in hospitals – Black Book Research noted most facilities are outsourcing their RCM because in-house teams lack the resources to efficiently handle motor vehicle reimbursement. Ridesharing will only exacerbate the issue. For example, if a rider gets injured and has to go to the hospital, from which institution does the hospital receive reimbursement : The driver's insurance? The passenger's? Uber's? As Uber and Lyft are the most popular ridesharing apps, we'll focus on how these companies handle driver insurance. How do Lyft and Uber insure drivers? Lyft has three types of coverage within its insurance policies: Contingent Liability activates when a driver logs into the app and requests to accept rides – a state Lyft designates as "Driver mode." This coverage provides up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. Contingent Comprehensive and Collision kicks in when a driver has picked up a passenger. This coverage applies when a non-collision event damages the driver's vehicle. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist applies when an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured causes bodily injury to himself, his passengers or any third parties. The coverage provides $1 million per incident, and includes no deductible. For example, if a driver is injured in an accident at a time when he is not working for Lyft, his personal insurance will cover him (assuming he lives in a no-fault state, but that's another issue). However, when the driver activates Driver mode, Lyft's Contingent Liability will protect him even if he hasn't accepted a ride from a passenger. What if the driver's at fault? According to Rideshare Dashboard, Lyft's commercial insurance will cover all damages to third parties and the passenger, but the driver will have to cover his own medical expenses. That's when state laws dictate payment. In Massachusetts, for example, which also happens to be a no-fault state and requires all motor vehicle owners to possess auto insurance, the rider's personal auto insurance will cover the medical bills. Uber's insurance system is somewhat similar to Lyft's but possesses a few minor differences. For example, when an Uber driver is transporting a passenger, and another motorist causes an accident that results in bodily injury to the driver, the passenger and anyone else involved, Uber's UM/UMI will cover bodily injury of anyone in the rideshare vehicle.