Independence and privacy are paramount for the many consumers who self-direct care. Especially for this group, receiving care in a flexible manner supports them out in the community and enables the freedom that many others take for granted. Now that Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) regulations are taking effect in many states, the importance of tools to support the consumer as well as manage compliance is at the forefront.
Consumers choose and employ the caregivers who provide the services they need and also direct the actual delivery of those services. These consumers decide what tasks are performed when they need support, and where they would like to receive services. Financial Management Services (FMS) manage the administrative aspects of service delivery- from payroll to authorization – and help ensure that claims are paid promptly. So how can EVV technology play a positive role in this self-direction model?
First, privacy protection is essential. Of course, compliant EVV technology will protect patient and caregiver information and keep all data safe. In addition to protecting patient information, self-directed consumers need assurance that they will retain the flexibility to go about their day as they always have, with full confidence that their daily routine remains completely private. For compliance purposes, a simple check-in and check out, capturing only required information at a single point in time will meet the mandate yet protect the privacy of each consumer.
Second, many consumers have a wonderful relationship with their caregivers, and it’s important that the addition of technology does not constrain or change the way that care is delivered. A win for the caregiver and the patient is to use a simple, flexible mobile application to record services so that documenting care is completely non-intrusive. Applications that work specifically to support a self-directed model make it easy to register, simple to record time, and don’t require any type of schedule prior to a visit.
Finally, prompt payment is important. EVV technology designed for self-direction should minimize administrative work for capturing time and submitting claims. Visit information should be captured in a straightforward way, with seamless and frequent transmission to the payor – for reliable, fast, claims payment. It should be easy to monitor claims status, and not require paper or ancillary documentation. All of this can happen with an EVV system that is built specifically to strengthen the self-direction model and integrated with the FMS who is administering services
Dedicated support for self-direction is essential, as more consumers choose to receive care in the home and community. EVV technology can help each FMS meet varying state requirements, and at the same time put the needs of each consumer first.
