Verisma Launches First Online Request App
Verisma Request App (VRA) Simplifies the Medical Records Request Process for Patients
Verisma, the leader in release of information (ROI) automation systems for the healthcare industry, today announced the launch of an industry first – the Verisma Request App (VRA) – a self-service online request solution targeted to the specific needs of not just patients, but all types of requestors. VRA gives healthcare providers an additional tool for improving patient satisfaction by making the medical records request process available 24/7. Ultimately VRA will facilitate not only automated requests but also automated fulfillment of requests.
Verisma is taking a phased approach to launching the new app. VRA Phase I focuses on patient access, specifically requests for medical records by patients and patient representatives. Via the hospital’s website or patient portal, patients and their representatives complete an intuitive online authorization form that replaces the current process of completing the form by hand and mailing it, faxing it, or delivering it to the provider. From the provider’s perspective, VRA helps drive traffic to the patient portal.
One of the challenges with paper authorization forms is they don’t educate the patients and their representatives about what they are signing. Patients and their representatives may not understand what it means to authorize the release of sensitive information such as that relating to mental health and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, genetic testing, or STDs. VRA helps providers mitigate this risk by including easy-to-understand, customizable descriptions with hyperlinks to additional information.
Verisma continues to strengthen its reputation as the industry leader in disclosure management security and compliance with the introduction of VRA. VRA is architected for 100% compliance with HIPAA, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). It requires multi-factor authentication and digital signature without making the processes burdensome to the patient or the patient’s representative.
Once the patient or their representative submits the online form, the data automatically creates a transaction in Verisma Release Manager (VRM) – the company’s flagship ROI Automation offering – thereby eliminating a significant number of steps performed on the front-end by the Release of Information Specialist. Since VRM and VRA are EHR-neutral, the request is easily fulfilled regardless of where the records reside (current EHR, legacy EHR, paper, or off-site storage).
“Verisma is innovating release of information from the patient’s perspective,” explains Andrew McManus, Senior Vice President of Verisma. “With VRA, hospitals will experience substantial ROI workflow efficiencies and greater productivity for their HIM departments. VRA significantly decreases the time, and in some cases the costs, for patients to receive their records. Overall, VRA is an automated medical records request process that maintains compliance and security, and ultimately improves requestor, patient, and provider satisfaction.”
Additional features include:
- The ability for patients to request documents from any dates of service regardless of the source of the information
- Online guidance embedded in the form, ensuring accuracy and completeness
- Customized branding ensuring continuity within the provider’s website or patient portal
“VRA represents a big step forward for patients seeking greater access to their medical records beyond the data points available in EHR portals,” states Linda Kloss, RHIA, a health information thought leader and member of the Verisma Strategic Advisory Board. “It is also a big advance for ROI management. Productivity and cost control are essential in ROI today, but they can’t be achieved at the expense of compliance short cuts.”
About Verisma
Verisma is a health information technology provider focused on delivering unparalleled Release of Information (ROI) solutions to the healthcare industry. The company’s flagship ROI Automation System, Verisma® Release Manager (VRM), is utilized by well-known health care organizations nationwide. VRM automates workflow to improve turnaround times, reduce errors, and drive down costs – effectively automating medical records release while delivering comprehensive release audit capabilities. It is the only release technology with integrated HIPAA guidance and compliance review support. For additional information, please visit our website at www.verisma.com, call 866-390-7404, email solutions@verisma.com or visit us at the AHIMA National Convention in booth #2213 for a VRA demo.
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