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Using more than 20 transcription companies to handle its annual volume of 36 million lines, Health Midwest knew it had to gain control of the document transcription and delivery process. By centralizing its transcription service, the organization saved $600,000 and reduced days in accounts receivable by 10 days.

The HIPAA privacy rule allows providers to charge for providing copies of medical records to patients and their representatives. Providers need to know which activities in the retrieval and handling of such information can be included in the medical record copy charges. State-mandated fees for copies vary and may be preempted by HIPAA, requiring careful review by providers. Healthcare organizations that use a copy service may need to determine whether bringing the activity in house would be more cost-effective under HIPAA.

Home-based, production-based medical transcription represents a substantial cost-saving opportunity. Fewer employees are required. Office space is not needed. Outsourcing costs are eliminated. Turnaround time is reduced.