Uncovering the True Cost of Paper Forms: Why Forgoing Automation to Save Money May Cost You

Despite national efforts and funding to automate the healthcare industry, more than 50 percent of all lab tests are still processed on paper. This is particularly true for small- to mid-sized labs that think automation is too expensive. However, the true cost of paper extends beyond the obvious expenses such as printing, shipping, data entry, and staffing to include the hidden cost of human error, insurance denials, and unpaid claims.

The talk will analyze the true cost of using manual paper requisition forms for laboratory testing, highlighting the financial and medical risks involved. The speaker will begin by providing the audience with an overview of the challenges of using paper-based processes. He will also discuss how forgoing automation to save money may be costing them and provide the audience with a breakdown of the hidden costs associated with paper processes. Moreover, the speaker will describe ongoing regulatory mandates compounding the costs of paper-based systems and further driving the need to convert to electronic processing.

The talk will conclude with opportunities labs can take to cost-effectively use technology to move clinics off paper to drive compliance, quality, and economic value for their laboratory.