Choosing the Right ERP Modules for Clinics, Hospitals & Labs

Contemporary healthcare environments are under mounting pressure to not only provide quality patient care but also maintain the complexities of their own operations. A tailored Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for healthcare can improve the daily operations of clinics, hospitals, and laboratories by combining important functions under one integrated system. However, choosing the local ERM will have a significant impact on the return of investment and the facility's unique needs.

Understanding Healthcare ERP Systems

Healthcare ERPs refer to comprehensive software products that automate and consolidate the administrative, clinical, and financial transactions. In contrast to a traditional business ERP, healthcare ERPs are oriented at meeting the medical system requirements, receiving confidential patient information, and facilitating clinical processes. Determining the modules that address the operational requirements and growth strategies will be the determinant in the implementation of a healthcare ERP.

Essential ERP Modules for Healthcare Facilities

Patient Management Module

The patient management module is the foundation of any healthcare ERP system. This module manages the whole patient process starting at registration, and they are discharged; hence, it results in a centralized database that removes duplication of data, and they avoid administrative errors.

Core Features Include:

·     Registration and management of patient demographics.

·     Scheduling of appointments and managing calendars.

·     History taking and record keeping in medicine.

·     Self-service portal of patients.

·     Waitlisting and bed assignments.

In the case of clinics and other small facilities, this module simplifies the workflow of a patient and decreases the waiting time. Hospitals are able to manage their beds, and laboratories can also monitor sample collection and delivery of patient results effectively.

Billing and Financial Management Module

Healthcare sustainability depends on revenue cycle management. It has a strong billing module that automates financial operations, decreases claim refusals, and enhances cash flow.

Essential Capabilities:

·     Checking of insurances and concessions.

·     Submission and tracking of claims.

·     Banking and cash reconciliation.

·     Production of invoices and their control.

·     Revenue reporting and analytics.

·     Connectivity with insurance company providers.

This module is especially essential when it comes to the facilities that have to work with multiple insurance companies, the governmental healthcare plans, and various payment schemes. The billing automation decreases the occurrence of human error and shortens the turnaround time of the reimbursement, which has a direct effect on the financial well-being of your facility.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

Healthcare institutions deal with thousands of products, including medications and medical supplies and equipment. A stock-out of important products is avoided through an inventory management module, and wastage due to expired products is reduced.

Key Functions:

·     Inventory monitoring in different places in real-time.

·     Automated reorder point notifications.

·     Tracking of medication and supplies expiration date.

·     Automation of purchase order and vendor management.

·     Budget monitoring and cost analysis.

·     Scheduling of equipment maintenance.

The module is of great use in hospitals that have elaborate supply chains, whereas the smaller clinics can continue to keep the best stock levels without appreciating capital on overstocking. Labs need to have special monitoring of reagents and testing materials that have rigid expiry procedures.

Human Resources and Payroll Module

Healthcare facilities are 24/7 with different personnel working in them, such as physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff. A healthcare-specific HR module addresses the medical staffing challenge.

Critical Features:

·     The credentialing and license tracking.

·     Time tracking and shift scheduling.

·     Compliance management payroll processing.

·     Employee performance appraisal.

·     Continuing education monitoring and training.

·     Managerial leave and attendance tracking.

It is possible to have appropriate staffing ratios and monitor certifications and labor regulations with an integrated HR module. This is possible because hospitals that have a large number of employees and complicated scheduling needs require this.

Electronic Health Records (EHR) Integration

Although some facilities may already have EHR systems in place, linking them to your ERP system will ensure a smooth continuum of operations. This module integrates the clinical and administration sides.

Benefits of Integration:

·    Integrated view of the patient across all departments

·    Automated clinical documentation

·    e-Prescribing functionality

·    Order management for laboratory and radiology

·    Clinical decision support

·    Interoperability with outside health systems

Additional Modules to Consider

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

In hospitals and laboratories that have their in-house testing systems, a LIMS module handles test orders, tracking of samples, and quality control, as well as reporting of results. The specialized module provides correctness and adherence to laboratory standards.

Pharmacy Management

Hospital pharmacies need complex medication dispensing systems, drug interactions, and formulary control as well as controlled substance systems. Connection to EHR provides safety of medication and adherence to regulations.

Quality and Compliance Management.

Medical institutions should uphold high quality of services and regulation. The module tracks incidences and audits and oversees quality measures and compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards.

More Analytics and Business Intelligence.

In contemporary healthcare, data-based decision-making is inevitable. Analytics module offers practical operational and financial data, patient outcomes, and resource usage in the form of customizable dashboards and reports.

Making the Right Choice for Your Facility

The choice of the ERP modules must be done with a keen consideration of the size of your facility, specializations, budget, and strategic objectives. Outlined underneath are core modules such as patient management and billing; additional modules will be added to your account as your requirements grow. Consider factors such as:

·     Scaling to support expansion.

·     Ability to integrate with existing systems.

·     Vendor training and support products.

·     Satisfaction with healthcare requirements.

·     Ease of use among various personnel.

·     On-the-go mobile access among healthcare workers.

Transform Your Healthcare Operations Today

The application of appropriate ERP modules would transform your operations at the clinic, hospital, or laboratory and better patient care combined with resource optimization and reduction of costs. The trick lies in selecting a solution that will meet the unique needs of healthcare with modules that will tackle your operational issues.

Are you willing to simplify the operations of your healthcare facility? Contact Softwares in Demand today to have the best advice on the choice and implementation of the best ERP solution to operate your hospital. Healthcare ERP professionals will assist you to determine the most optimal mix of modules to be used to suit your facility and operational excellence.