Survey Shows Lack of Ownership Over Provider Data

The Health Care business of LexisNexis Risk Solutions has announced the results of a survey designed to identify provider data governance decision-makers in provider organizations and understand data governance challenges and their impact on operational efficiency. The survey shows that while provider data integrity is vital for efficient care coordination, the lack of a designated department responsible for this information serves as a barrier to its effective use.

Information on a provider's location, specialty, contact information, and availability is essential for care coordination throughout the health care system. Common errors range from unlisted locations and contact details to whether a provider accepts new patients. The COVID-19 crisis has made the need for accurate provider information more apparent as increased patient volumes require intense and well-coordinated care.

The results of the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Health Care survey, conducted in collaboration with Xtelligent Healthcare Media, show the following:

• 73% of survey respondents from various departments reported job roles directly tied to governing provider data. The departments include IT, Information Systems (IS), EHR, HIM, Population Health, and Care Coordination.

• IT department was the most common owner of this information, cited by 38%; followed by IS department, cited by 35%; and EHR, cited by 34%. Only 18% indicated having a dedicated data governance department in charge of provider information.
• 46% of all respondents identified the lack of a single department or role responsible for provider data governance as the major challenge currently facing their organizations.

• 63% of respondents believe that provider data governance helps improve care coordination and 53% believe it helps improve data integrity.

• Lack of resources to support proper data governance was the second biggest challenge organizations face, according to 44% of all respondents.

"Ensuring accuracy and integrity of provider data will reduce pressure on providers and promote better patient care during a time when patient intake is guaranteed to increase," says Josh Schoeller, CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions Health Care. "Having accurate, up-to-date provider details across the health care enterprise has positive implications for patient care and organizational efficiency, and the results of our survey highlight the urgency of developing a cohesive strategy for provider data governance." 

The survey results are based on over 100 qualified responses from organizations across the industry, including independent hospitals, teaching hospitals, independent physician groups, and federally qualified health centers. The complete survey results report is available for a free download. 

Source: LexisNexis Risk Solutions