We Have the Technology!

Every so often I read something like this article on C/Netnews.com that really upsets me. It says that most small doctors' offices are still filing claims by using billing agencies! Unlike large corporations, which can afford to implement cost-saving methods for accounts receivable, smaller practices lag behind. Here's a snippet that I found interesting:

"But most doctors practice in small groups, representing the majority of the nation's 750,000 physicians. About two-thirds of physicians practice in groups of eight or fewer, according to Eric Brown, principal analyst for health care at Forrester Research.

"Practices like these may only recently have installed a computer, with an office manager serving as the entire technology support department. With no compelling reason to move forward--like a hard federal deadline and sanctions to back it--they'll drag their feet on a requirement that, at least in the short term, doesn't improve their bottom line and may damage it."

That's right, when all else fails, dump more work on the office manager! The article makes the point that while the technology is there, what needs to change is the insular office culture. I am grateful that my boss is forward-thinking about this kind of thing. It's the 21st century, and people have to realize that the old way of doing things is costing them money in the long run.