Automated dental credentialing as a process has found widespread acceptance across sectors and the dental healthcare industry is also warming up to deploying automated credentialing solutions.
Today, quite a few dental practices have made the switch to automated dental credentialing though a vast number are still using manual credentialing applications and submitting them to plans via email or fax.
Credentialing enables the practice to receive reimbursement from insurance companies as this impacts the financial health of the practice. Dental plans offer an option of digital and paper-based enrollment application options. to accommodate provider preferences. Some dental practices still prefer paper enrollment applications out of habit and may not realize the
An obvious reason would be the laborious and time-consuming process of completing the credentialling process manually. One must note that a delay in the credentialing process is costly as the insurance company will not approve any reimbursements to a practice till final clearance is received and the credentialing process is completed. Another reason for automation is the ease of monitoring the status of the application.
An automated credentialing process helps to rationalize application flow in simple steps:
Secure Data Entry: The dental team can enter all data securely via a user-friendly portal and avoid any risk of error associated with a manual entry of data entry
Verification Tools: The tools and technology offered by the system enable integration with multiple authorized sources to verify details such as licenses, insurance details, educational qualifications, etc. This eliminates the necessity for additional manual verification.
Progress Tracking: Dashboards offer real-time visibility of the application's progress, and the dental team can detect any missing data and avoid possible delays.
PMS Integration: These automated credentialing platforms seamlessly integrate with most practice management software options available in the market. Hence, duplicate data entry can be avoided, and consistency can be maintained within the system.
Compliance: Stringent security steps integrated within the system help to safeguard patient data. This enables the practice to comply with applicable data privacy regulations such as HIPAA.
Greater Efficiency
An automated process greatly boosts efficiency by automating routine and cumbersome administrative jobs. Through a streamlined process, a dental practice can assign available
resources more efficiently thus leading to higher productivity. The dental team is better positioned to concentrate on the delivery of patient care instead of being bogged down by time-consuming verification procedures.
Quicker Onboarding
Automation helps to speed up the onboarding process for a new practice. A smooth and accurate verification process helps recruit new team members faster and more efficiently. While lowering the administrative burden, the process allows the recruits to integrate effortlessly into the practice. They can then contribute to managing the patient experience faster.
Seamless Communication
Automated dental credentialing processes enable seamless communication in the practice as they centralize the credential verification process. The verified credential information can be seamlessly distributed among team members. Such collaboration and coordination ensure that every member of the team is duly informed and this leads to better and satisfactory patient outcomes.
Greater Precision
Automated processes result in higher accuracy through the elimination of human errors. Automation helps create and maintain accurate and updated records of the dental team's credentials. This lowers the chances of the practice facing possible compliance issues while also ensuring deserving and qualified professionals get employed. The overall quality of dental services and the reputation of the practice are enhanced.
Better Patient Care
Automated credentialing enhances the patient experience by freeing up time for the team. It ensures qualified professionals get recruited. The practice can spend more quality time with patients and deliver quality care. This results in enhanced patient as well as business outcomes.
Reduced Costs
A reduction in costs can be witnessed when a practice switches from manual administrative processes to automation. Processes get streamlined while paperwork and errors get minimized. The practice also saves on administrative and labor costs. The usage of automated systems helps the practice to avoid hefty fines due to compliance violations as team credentials are always accurately updated.
For a new dental practice, managing financial and operational processes can be a challenge. The practice can get a head start by deploying automated revenue cycle management solutions right at the beginning. Automated credentialing solutions help save time and administrative costs while ensuring a great patient experience.
