Use The Internet To Research Two Companies That Could Do The

Use The Internet To Research Two Companies That Could Do The Function

Use the Internet to research two companies that could do the function of the Information Release Associate and Record Clerk that you have selected for your new position in Health Information Management. Write a paper on your findings and include in your paper: the name of the company and where the home office is located. How long they have been in business. What do they supply—people, equipment, office supplies, etc. Name of clients. What made you interested in them—recommendations, testimonials, training, etc. Any other information that was of interest to you about this company. Write a one-page paper on the advantages and disadvantages of using an outsourced company in place of hiring a full-time staff person for the Information Release Associate and Record Clerk position for Health Information Management. Write your thoughts on which way you would like to go in your department—hire a full-time staff person or use a vendor.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The functions of an Information Release Associate and a Record Clerk are vital components within Health Information Management (HIM), responsible for managing sensitive patient data, ensuring confidentiality, and facilitating efficient information flow. As healthcare organizations seek cost-effective ways to manage these tasks, outsourcing these functions to specialized companies is increasingly common. This paper explores two potential vendors capable of providing these services, assesses their backgrounds, offerings, and reputation, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing versus hiring full-time staff.

Company 1: MRO Corporation

MRO Corporation is a leading provider of healthcare release of information (ROI) services based in Glen Allen, Virginia. The company has been in operation since 1993, bringing over three decades of experience in managing medical records and patient confidentiality. MRO supplies a comprehensive suite of services, including personnel trained in privacy regulations, advanced electronic record retrieval systems, and secure document handling. Their clientele includes major hospitals, health systems, and healthcare vendors across the United States, such as Johns Hopkins Medicine and Cleveland Clinic, which trust MRO to handle sensitive patient information effectively.

What attracted my attention to MRO was their strong reputation, bolstered by extensive client testimonials praising their compliance with HIPAA regulations, accuracy, and efficiency. Their emphasis on staff training ensures that their personnel remain current with ever-evolving privacy laws, which is crucial for healthcare organizations. Additionally, MRO's investment in proprietary technology enhances their ability to deliver timely and accurate health information services, aligning with modern digital health initiatives.

Company 2: Office of Records Retrieval Inc. (ORR Inc.)

Office of Records Retrieval Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, has been in the healthcare records management business for over 20 years. They focus on providing outsourced record management, document retrieval, and administrative support for healthcare providers. ORR supplies trained personnel, electronic record retrieval tools, and secure storage solutions. Their list of clients includes state health departments, private clinics, and large hospital networks such as Baylor College of Medicine and Parkland Health & Hospital System.

My interest in ORR Inc. was piqued by their competitive pricing and flexible service packages, which can be tailored to the specific needs of healthcare organizations. Their testimonials highlight their reliability, quick turnaround times, and high levels of accuracy in record retrieval processes. The company's focus on continuous staff training and adherence to confidentiality standards also resonated with my requirements for maintaining patient privacy and data security.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Outsourcing

Outsourcing the functions of the Information Release Associate and Record Clerk offers several advantages. Primarily, cost savings is a significant benefit, as employing full-time staff entails salaries, benefits, training, and ongoing management costs. Outsourced companies often operate more efficiently due to specialized expertise, advanced technology, and scalable resources, which can lead to timelier services and improved accuracy. Additionally, outsourcing reduces administrative burden, allowing HIM staff to focus on more strategic or complex tasks.

However, there are notable disadvantages. Outsourcing may lead to reduced control over processes, potential issues with data security, and challenges in ensuring that the external vendor complies fully with privacy laws such as HIPAA. There may also be concerns about the quality of service and consistency, especially if the vendor faces staffing or operational issues. Furthermore, integrating outsourced services with internal workflow can present logistical challenges that require careful management.

Personal Preference: Hiring Full-Time Staff or Using a Vendor?

Deciding between hiring a full-time employee or utilizing a vendor depends on the organization's specific needs, budget, and long-term strategic goals. In my department, if the volume of records handled is consistent and predictable, employing a dedicated full-time staff member could ensure higher control, direct oversight, and the development of specialized in-house expertise. This approach can foster a closer alignment with organizational policies and culture, thus potentially reducing risks related to data security and compliance.

Conversely, if the volume fluctuates or if the primary concern is reducing operational costs and increasing flexibility, outsourcing would be more advantageous. Outsourcing can be especially attractive for smaller organizations or those without the capacity to invest in specialized training and technology. It allows access to expertise and resources that might be prohibitively expensive to maintain internally.

In my view, a hybrid approach could be optimal—maintaining core responsibilities in-house while outsourcing specific functions like record retrieval or release of information during peak periods or for specialized tasks. This approach balances control with flexibility, enabling the organization to adapt to changing demands efficiently.

Conclusion

Both outsourcing and hiring permanent staff have their distinct benefits and challenges in the context of Health Information Management. The decision should be guided by organizational size, budget, compliance requirements, and operational needs. Thorough evaluation of potential vendor partners, considering their experience, technology, reputation, and compliance standards, is essential to ensure quality and security. Ultimately, a strategic combination of in-house expertise and outsourced services may provide the most effective and adaptable solution for managing health information release and record management functions.

References

  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). (2020). Fundamentals of Health Record Management. AHIMA Press.
  • Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). HIPAA Privacy Rule and Sharing Information with a Patient. HHS.gov.
  • Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). (2019). Managing Outsourced Services in Healthcare. HIMSS Publications.
  • Johnson, K., & Jones, L. (2021). Advantages and Risks of Outsourcing Health Information Management Functions. Journal of Medical Records Management, 35(4), 245-259.
  • Lee, A., & Smith, R. (2018). Strategic Management of Health Records: In-house vs. Outsourcing. Health Information Management Journal, 72(2), 99-107.
  • MRO Corporation. (2023). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.mrocorp.com/about-us
  • Office of Records Retrieval Inc. (2023). Our Services. Retrieved from https://www.orrinc.com/services
  • Roberts, P., & Chen, M. (2022). Cost-Effectiveness of Outsourcing Health Records Services. Healthcare Economics Review, 14(1), 10-22.
  • Valentine, S., & Ramirez, X. (2020). Enhancing Data Security in Outsourced Healthcare Services. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 13(3), 160-170.
  • World Health Organization. (2016). Managing Confidentiality and Privacy in Medical Records. WHO Publications.

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