Why Your Hospital Should Implement Digital Patient Forms

No hospital wants to be left out of the benefits of digitizing some, if not all, of their services. However, some hospitals still hand out clipboards to their patients to fill in their details. Such hospitals are still stuck in the age of technology, and it is time to upgrade their forms and processes. Here are some compelling reasons your hospital should use digital patient forms.

Competitive Advantage

Today’s patients are well-informed and can notice the difference between a hospital that uses digital patient forms and one that still relies on outdated paper forms. If your hospital is still using paper, it may negatively impact how patients perceive your services. With a preference for modern technology, these patients may choose to leave for a competitor offering a more seamless experience. One of the benefits of using digital patient forms is the competitive advantage, which leads to streamlined management and overall patient satisfaction.

Reduced Compliance and Reputational Risks

Patients who use insurance to pay for healthcare services are subject to various rules, such as the HIPAA compliance rules that mandate the protection of sensitive patient health information. If you insist on using outdated paper forms, you are at a greater risk of violating these rules.

A single violation of HIPAA rules will attract thousands of dollars in fines, and you are also at risk of losing accreditation, which is why you should digitize your patient forms. According to studies, having patients sign paper forms to express their consent to certain procedures attracts a 32% error rate, compared to having patients sign electronic forms that have only a 1% error rate.

Some of the errors associated with paper forms include missing signatures from patients or surgeons, illegibility, and incorrect dates. If you want to avoid regular audits and investigations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), consider digitizing your patient form.

Improve Service Experiences

Asking your patients to fill out paper forms is like asking them to pay their cab fare with a paper check. In a world where they already rely on digital applications, handing them paper forms feels like a step backward. You can improve patient experience in your hospital by adopting the use of digital patient forms.

Improve Your Operational Performance With Digital Patient Forms

Are you ready to reduce the risk of compliance, cut costs, and improve patient experience? If your answer is yes, then it is time to contact Guideway Care. We specialize in hospital process improvement and providing healthcare organizations with a comprehensive suite of solutions to manage operational costs and improve patient experiences. Contact us today and start your digital journey.