Whether it’s a branch of a big box pharmacy or a local corner shop, pharmacies are an integral part of community health. They are also a link in a complex process of providing care and medications through clinics, hospitals and other providers—paid for by a variety of insurance systems (sometimes known as billback). While some providers can submit prescriptions digitally, many still offer only paper scrips. In addition, customers must provide insurance information and identification in order to complete the transaction. All of these elements come together to form the perfect storm of paper, plastic cards and online systems that somehow must come together to serve the patient.
Efforts to digitize the process are an attempt to gather and validate information, streamline communications and keep personal information secure. The use of scanners has helped solve the problems with paper processes for many in the industry. But how can you select the right one for your situation, in a market crowded with options?
You’ll want a scanner that can handle items of various sizes and thicknesses, such as insurance cards or IDs, and prescription scrips. Illegible or poor-quality images of documents can delay processes and cause mistakes. And you need to ensure that highly personal material – like identification and medical information – is saved in a secure manner and accessed only by authorized people. Make certain the scanner you choose can easily work with your secure file management system.
Of course, the best document scanning solutions should make it easy for people unfamiliar with scanners to implement and begin scanning without the need for IT personnel, or spending much time learning the system.
Fast, accurate management for pharmacy claims
Document scanning solutions like the fi-7160 color duplex workgroup scanners offer exceptional high-capacity paper handling and high productivity. The selectable RGB color dropout allows for a compressed file size, taking up less digital storage. Superior feeding technologies reduce misfeeds and paper jams, meaning that the time it takes to scan is fast and frustration levels are low.
In addition, the scanner is equipped with an automatic document feeder (ADF) and it uses the newest image-perfecting technology PaperStream IP, which enhances standard TWAIN and ISIS applications by integrating cutting edge image processing technologies, without the need to change or modify any software. Engineered by experienced experts, PaperStream IP saves both time and money by reducing the number of rescans and cuts the amount of time it takes to setup a profile to just seconds.
Hands-free options for walk-in clinics
The fi-800R is an ultra-compact yet highly versatile scanner capable of scanning all types of documents, including insurance cards and IDs. It has robust features including reverse feeding and Active Skew Correction – an industry first! Because of its U-Turn Scan and no need for a paper exit tray, the fi-800R fits into tight spaces. In fact, this model is ideal for setting up as a kiosk, so that patients can submit information with appropriate distance between patients and intake personnel for the walk-in clinics that have become popular in larger pharmacies.
If space is at a premium, consider the fi-7300NX, which offers a choice to connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB, allowing it to be placed anywhere, untethered. It also includes its own server software, enabling integration with line-of-business software, such as PDX or other systems. The scanner also features user authentication and a simple touch screen for customized job buttons. Installation is simple: just select the IP address of the scanner to tie it to your standard data-source. Your software will work the same with no changes!
We’ve delivered more than 60,000 scanners to pharmacies across the US. Whatever your pharmacy’s footprint or configuration, we can help you serve customers better while speeding the bill-back process.