The Power Of Software Interoperability For ABA

July 27, 2022

Easily accessing and sharing client data safely can propose multiple challenges for healthcare providers. Having an integrated software solution that is interoperable as well as secure is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s digital world.

The inability to easily access and share information can disrupt client care and organizational coordination. Data silos, inaccurate information, lost revenue and time wasted are just a few of the areas where a lack of software interoperability can harm your practice.

The problem with data silos

Data silos lock information away from users, whether this is technical, organizational or cultural. This lack of information can result in uninformed decision-making and poor performance. In the field of ABA, this can profoundly impact the quality of care provided. Inaccessible information on clients, staff and the organization will result in many inefficiencies and software systems that do not seamlessly “talk” to each other and likely will only exacerbate the problem while causing multiple data silos.

Four signs that demonstrate your ABA agency may be subject to problematic data silos are:

Duplication of data entry with inefficient business processes: Individual employees and teams store information in numerous areas (paper-based or digital) across the ABA practice
Poor care collaboration: Inefficient and inaccurate scheduling, outdated contact details, incorrect billing information and inconsistent or inaccurate notes resulting in poor care coordination across the ABA agency.
Weak HIPAA compliance and security management: Therapists use personal devices to store information e.g. in personal notes, or operate from systems that have weak protection against cyber attacks and hackers.
Incomplete and inconsistent data sets: framework for data is lacking, resulting in a greater risk of incomplete, inaccurate and inconsistent data sets.

Reduce human error and lost time

Human error can drastically increase when moving sets of data from multiple areas. A fully interoperable system reduces the chance for error and frees up more time to focus on your ABA agency priorities. Ensuring clean claiming and delivering quality client care should be top of mind when considering whether or not your systems are truly interoperable.

With one intelligent solution, there is a clear channel of communication from client intake all the way through to the billing department. Incorporating an interoperable ABA software solution that facilitates bulk billing will not only save time but can increase data accuracy.

The value of a data ecosystem

Interoperability provides you with the right infrastructure for a complete data ecosystem. Easy access to important information and analytics allows you to make more data-driven decisions regarding your clients, staff and organization. However, as beneficial as it is, it can be challenging to leverage when using outdated systems.

Bringing necessary change into your practice may not initially be accepted by team members who have been working a particular way for several years. Getting buy-in from across the entire organization is key for implementing effective change. An essential part of digital transformation is successful change management. High system adoption (employee uptake) involves planning and thorough communication, with a solid business case that supports organizational-wide decision making.

Once the right data ecosystem is established, data can flow efficiently between all areas of the practice. This type of “data liquidity” can substantially benefit your employees, clients and the entire practice. With an interoperable digital solution, your organization can benefit from a true data ecosystem and experience better care coordination, increased performance and a vastly improved employee experience.

Better care coordination

Interoperability also provides a clear and holistic view of your clients, allowing for better care coordination. By placing clients at the center of care, you can ensure they receive the best services possible. Updates on notes, insurances, schedules and medications can be quickly accessed from anywhere.

If a client moves to a different location, a seamless transfer of data in real-time helps maintain a single source of truth. You no longer need to rely on single individuals to provide accurate information–now your entire team can access information from anywhere at any time.

Performance, productivity and sustainability

With better care coordination comes better practice performance. By enabling your BCBAs or RBTs to operate from a single source of truth, you can free up their time and reduce client waitlists thus improving your productivity. Better organizational data analytics brings a 360-degree view of each area’s performance and highlights areas that need more attention.

With Lumary ABA, you can see exactly where clients are in the intake process and the number of clients waiting for services. Interoperable ABA software also allows for greater profitability through better billing and cleaner claims. With seamless clearinghouse integration, you can ensure you receive timely payments which provide you with greater certainty allowing you to operate your ABA agency with a more sustainable business model.

Improve your employee experience

Most ABA practices are looking for ways to increase employee retention. Supporting your team to improve their work-life balance and reduce unnecessary frustrations helps your employees focus their attention on their clients. By investing in a better system, you invest in your employees and in return they invest in you. If you are struggling with employee retention, read about our sustainable and effective solutions to reduce staff turnover.