Although the process was originally time consuming, the staff is now able to get some information online. Having the standardized form allows her billing staff to discuss financial responsibility with the patient before the first office visit.
So far, consistently using the form to collect information before the visit has helped increase revenues by 25%–40%, she said. And the process is popular with patients because there are no surprise bills later on, she said.
Having a paper-based office can work, Dr. Magera said, and her rule of thumb is that if she does a task more than once it qualifies for a preprinted form.
But she doesn't expect to be using paper forever. “These forms are really preparing us for when we get our EMR,” she said.