Ensure Accurate, Validated Contact Information in the Master Patient Index (MPI)
A critical component of the Master Patient Index is the Patient's current contact information. One of the most important aspects of a patient relationship is the ability to communicate with the patient. In order to do this, it is imperative that contact information be accurate, complete, and validated as correct, including mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Unfortunately, this information in most patient information systems is inaccurate and incomplete.
While no Master Patient Index is likely to ever have 100% accurate contact information, the accuracy of contact data within the master record can be significantly increased by validating and ensuring the accuracy of patient contact data when it is captured from the patient. Data quality initiatives can be achieved by using real-time contact data validation capabilities that utilize comprehensive reference data over the Internet to ensure provided mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses are correct and valid. This enables inaccuracies to be resolved on the spot before the information ever enters the Patient Information System.
StrikeIron's Contact Verification Suite for Healthcare is built for exactly this purpose. This “data-as-a-service” approach enables provided contact information to be validated in real time. Data is aggregated from multiple sources, frequently updated and maintained for accuracy. The architecture and subscription model requires no CapEx spending, no ongoing reference data to update, no additional servers to purchase or maintain, and 24x7x365 availability. Finally, the business model is very flexible as pricing is based on the number of patient records.
Implementing an integrated data quality solution as a core initiative within the healthcare organization can yield a broad array of benefits. Financial ROI analysis will demonstrate the potential for improved cash flow and bottom line impact. Less defined returns will include improved patient satisfaction, employee morale/efficiency, and customer service. Leveraging Data-as-a-Service will maximize the ease of implementing such capabilities and minimize interruption to current workflow. Data quality then moves from an attractive proposition to an imperative for the organization.