Database Synchronization Gives Real-Time Data Visibility
By Glenn Gordon
Founded almost a decade ago in 1997, Sentinel Development Solutions began by only developing debt collection software systems. Just a year later, its eCollections web-enabled solution was launched, while the hosted solution, eCollections. ASP, made its debut in 2000 - both systems are reviewed annually in Collection Advisor. Since 2000, functions specific to medical collection were added and a separate eCollections.Med application is now available.
Features
Sentinel provides the eCollections.Med solution as an onsite application and a hosted ASP solution. Both use an identical code base, with the ASP solution operating similar to a browser that provides increased security and improved performance. Compliance and security are prominently addressed in eCollections.Med. Tools are built in to simplify compliance with HIPAA, FDCPA, FCRA and other applicable laws. An unusual recording analysis capability is integrated with the system, automatically identifying and flagging problem words or phrases, and phrases that agents should be including in their conversations, such as the "mini Miranda." Calls can be reviewed in graphical or text format, with a single click zeroing in on the area of interest.
To provide necessary patient protection, information fields are masked so they are available only to authorized personnel. Information also can be locked out for specific service codes, all the way down to the field level. All data transmissions are encrypted, data-at-rest encryption is available, and for even greater security, multi-level encryption can be provided.
For the ASP solution, an IP address and specific machine authentication are required before system access is granted. As would be expected, electronic claims submission capability for CMS 1500, UB92 and other forms is included.
Database synchronization is an interesting, useful feature added in the latest eCollections.Med release. Any two groups using the application can set up a common information-sharing data warehouse. This feature updates the database when any changes are made, allowing real-time visibility for both parties and eliminating delays in processing. This functionality has proven extremely useful for larger practice management groups, healthcare organizations and hospitals managing multiple facil ities in different cities or states.
Image scanning capability is built in, allowing any document to be attached to an account record. Integration with Lexis-Nexis and credit bureaus is included, and an existing interface library allows Sentinel to integrate numerous other third-party services. Along with user-level customization, an embedded toolset enables Sentinel to make quick changes that track with company-issued revisions.
Testing the System
Operation of the eCollections.Med program is separated into two modules, Collector's Desktop and Management. The eCollections screen features queue information and details. Selecting an account from the queue opens the Account Summary screen, from which virtually any information can be accessed. A Person Type field allows quick selection of patient, responsible party, insurance company, medical provider, parent or other person related to the patient account. The primary debtor is always displayed in red in this field for quick identification. Through the Management module, new user-defined fields can be quickly added, and rules to handle remittance transactions are easy to create or modify.
Support
Sentinel provides unlimited toll-free telephone and email support during standard business hours with 24/7 support always available for a fee. Sentinel has committed to provide live telephone support at any hour with personnel possessing at least two years of hands-on eCollections experience. No support is outsourced to a third party. All maintenance and support is included in the ASP flat monthly fee. The onsite solution annual fee includes at least two new releases. Unlimited free live training is also available.
Summary
Addition of medical-related capabilities to an already full-featured collections solution makes eCollections.Med an attractive choice for hospitals, physician groups and buyers seeking to handle medical collections, (a
December 2007 www.CollectionAdvisor.com