An obvious benefit of outsourcing EHR integration services is cost savings. However, the main reason behind the increase in health IT outsourcing goes beyond cost control. Based on a report published online, IT outsourcing in healthcare was growing at 8.6 percent per year in 2019.
Whether you are a CIO of a large healthcare organization or you run a 5-man family practice, outsourcing interoperability services offers you many benefits. Here are some of the advantages of using managed services for EHR integration.
1. Rapid Deployment
Hiring an EHR integration specialist for interoperability projects will reduce deployment time. Developing a bi-directional point-to-point interface will take an in-house team several weeks to complete.
On the other hand, with a robust EHR interface engine, it is possible to complete the same project within two days.
A reputable EHR integration vendor has already built HL7 interfaces for all major EHR products such as AllScripts, Epic, Cerner, MEDITECH, DrChrono, and many more. So, it is possible to find an interface engine that can link your EMR directly to your favorite laboratory or diagnostic center’s information system.
2. Cost Control
The cost of hiring, training, and retaining in-house IT staff is relatively high. The annual labor cost for an experienced health IT software developer runs is in the hundred thousand dollar range.
Apart from bearing the cost of labor, you also have to equip your IT department and train the team to use the latest technologies such as HL7 FHIR, SMART on FHIR, REST API, and other tools used for building today’s healthcare applications.
Consequently, the most cost-effective option is to outsource your health IT services, especially those related to EHR integration.
3. Access to Expertise
When you work with an EHR interface development expert, you gain instant access to high-level skills and expertise. These skills are rarely available among in-house developers.
Most in-house developers will only be familiar with one or two EHR products and a single lab information system product. That’s not the case with a seasoned EHR interface developer.
Most professional interface developers can create interfaces and connect dozens of EHRs to information systems in radiology, diagnostic labs, imaging centers, and pathology departments. They also develop interfaces for effective CPOE or e-prescribing.
4. More Time for Patient Care
When an EHR consultant is handling your interoperability projects, your IT team and clinicians will have more time for your core business – providing high-quality patient care. Outsourcing complex IT tasks such as EHR connectivity and interface development allows your in-house team to provide better support to clinicians and ensure that the system is meeting the needs of patients.
As long as you choose the right EHR interoperability partner, you can concentrate on improving operational efficiency and ensuring clinicians have the data they need to deliver excellent care to patients.
5. Compliance with Ever-Changing Regulations
In 2015, about 81% of small practices wanted to outsource their health IT services. This number is set to increase in 2021 as ONC and CMS change their rules and enforce new interoperability requirements.
The 21st Century Cures Act regulation on information blocking and Promoting Interoperability (formerly Meaningful Use) forces all categories of providers to hire reputable vendors and developers for EHR integration.
Hire the Best EHR Integration Services for Your Practice
Call Lifepoint Informatics today to book a free demo, presentation, or consultation. Reach out to us at 877.522.8378 or use our contact page to tell us about your EHR integration needs.