Danielle Maroon
Jun 28 2024
Reading Time: 4 minutes
For most home-based care providers, efficient use of time is essential for running a successful business. If a provider has difficulty obtaining required signatures, this can cause delays that may compromise cash flow, compliance, and increase costs among other things. While no provider is immune to this challenge, each care setting faces unique obstacles when trying to capture signatures:
- Hospice providers frequently need signatures from remote family members.
- Home-based care agencies often rely on physicians or pharmacists, who are sparsely available, to sign timely documentation.
- Specialty pharmacies must navigate the busy schedules of physicians to confirm medical orders or ensure consent.
- Home infusion providers need signed documentation from patients before they can start therapy.
- Ambulatory infusion clinics require signatures to dispense drugs for patients at their visits.
Here are some typical workflows to obtain a signature from a busy physician:
Regardless of care setting, chasing down paper signature is time consuming and often a waste of valuable resources.
But with app-less electronic signatures using Magic Link technology, users can securely receive, sign and return documentation—all from one simple platform. Magic Link is a path to capturing signatures through a secure link in either a text or email, based on the user’s preference. After clicking a link received from a known sender, it automatically authenticates users and takes them to a secure environment, eliminating the need to input a username and password.
Here are six benefits of app-less electronic signatures:
Enhanced speed and efficiency
The traditional process of obtaining signatures involves printing documents, physically mailing or handing them over to patients or their families, and waiting for their return. This method is not only time-consuming but also prone to delays. App-less electronic signatures, on the other hand, streamline this process. With just a few clicks, documents can be sent, signed and returned, often within minutes. This speed enhances operational efficiency, allowing caregivers to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks.
Improved accuracy and compliance
Patient confidentiality and data security are a necessity with technology, including electronic signature capture. Magic link technology is a one-time authentication link with a limited duration that only the end-user can access, which allows a high level of security. And because it is easy to use and does not require the user to log in with a username and password, the user is more likely to comply with the request and immediately respond without requiring multiple reminders.
Convenience for patients and providers
The ability for patients and their family caregivers to sign documents digitally from the comfort of their home or on-the-go using a smartphone or computer adds a layer of convenience that is highly appreciated. This flexibility can lead to higher patient satisfaction and smoother care transitions. Providers no longer have to keep track of paperwork, scanning, filing, or other manual processes associated with printed documents.
Increased cash flow
Expediting signatures can make a huge difference in cash flow. When providers can submit claim documentation to payors more quickly, the reimbursement process moves more quickly, providing more cash flow. However, claims cannot be submitted until proper documentation is signed and collected. In many cases, this process is held up by waiting on signatures. App-less electronic signatures can expedite this process.
Environmental benefits
Reducing reliance on paper not only cuts down on costs associated with printing, mailing and storage but also supports environmental sustainability. In an era where businesses are increasingly conscious of their ecological footprint, digital signatures represent a small but significant step towards greener practices.
Cost savings
Eliminating the need for printing, postage and physical storage translates to direct cost savings for post-acute care providers. Moreover, the reduction in time spent on administrative tasks can lead to indirect savings by allowing staff to dedicate more time to revenue-generating activities or improved patient care.
App-less signatures save time and are an essential component of virtual patient care.
Embracing this technology not only optimizes operations but also elevates the overall standard of care, ultimately benefiting providers and patients alike. Schedule a demo to learn how your organization can benefit from improved care team collaboration, increased patient and caregiver satisfaction and higher productivity.
