Last week we covered the basics of what Direct messaging is in the healthcare field.  This week we focus on some of the biggest benefits of using Direct messaging. 

1.     Improves Care Coordination

By eliminating the need for outdated communication methods, such as faxing and mailing, and enabling electronic health information exchange with Direct messaging, communication is greatly improved between health care providers. Protected Health Information (PHI) is not only easier to send and receive electronically, but faster.  Instead of waiting for a fax or even worse, snail mail, Direct messaging allows for sending and receiving information almost instantaneously, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of care coordination. 

2.     Secure

Faxes and envelopes could fall into the wrong hands.  Direct messaging increases the security of sending PHI information by encrypting messages and files and ensuring they are only accessible by the intended recipient.   

3.     Increases Workflow

When a patient’s information is sent by mail or fax, it still needs to be manually entered into the provider’s EHR.  By sending the information electronically, Direct messaging eliminates the need for this data entry and reduces the administrative workload.  Providers can spend more time with their patients, and less time on paper charts. 

Some Direct messaging systems, like MDToolbox-Direct, can also be integrated right into an EHR's workflow.  This increases the workflow even further by allowing providers to send and receive Direct messages in their EHR without having to log into a separate system, as well as incorporate any received information into the patient’s chart right at the time of receiving it. 

4.     Saves Money

In addition to the time saved with Direct messaging, providers can also save money by not having to pay for faxing or postage.  Furthermore, with the improved communication between providers that Direct messaging provides, duplicate procedures and tests can be avoided. 

5.     Reduces Errors

Direct messaging ensures clear and more complete information reaches the correct locations. Illegibility issues due to faxing or handwriting are eliminated by sending the information electronically and providers can be confident the information they send and receive is accurate.

Another huge benefit (and a main factor in the growth of Direct messaging) that we left off this list is that using Direct messaging meets Meaningful Use Stage 2 requirements.  We want to feature this benefit and so in our next Direct messaging blog series post, we delve into this topic in great detail.  Here’s a look at what other topics we have in our series:

5 Part Direct Messaging Blog Series: 

1. Direct Messaging 101
2. Top 5 Benefits of Direct Messaging (this article)
3. Direct Messaging and Meaningful Use Stage 2 – Transition of Care
4. How does Direct Messaging work – Details on how PHI stays secure
5. Direct Messaging and Data Exchange:  What types of files and data can EHRs exchange?