Record retrieval is critical. Thoroughly understanding HIPAA and HITECH requirements eliminates delays, pitfalls, and frustrations associated with retrieving sensitive information. All of us involved in claims and litigation have been known to be just a tad busy--to say the least. An average case contains nine separate providers from whom records must be gathered. In general, each record request takes about an hour to complete. So, finding time to brush up on HIPAA or HITECH, or even just learn best practices, takes time away from the actual retrieval, perhaps, even affecting the outcome of the case.

The digital age is not just upon us, it is here in full force. Cybersecurity is an issue that must stay top of mind as data breaches can affect any industry at any time. A recent study from the American Bar Association shows that one in every four law firms is a victim of a data breach, with those numbers steadily increasing. Since 2016, ABA has found that there has been an 8% increase in the number of respondents reporting that their firms had experienced a security breach at some point.

A systematic workflow can streamline and automate repeatable business tasks, minimizing room for errors and increasing overall efficiency. Consider the process of assembling a vehicle. Imagine there was no workflow in place and all of the parts needed for a vehicle were piled into a room and the assembly team was simply told to have at it. Certainly, fewer vehicles would be completed and the timelines for delivery would be dramatically increased. The same can be said for the records retrieval process.

Whether your case requires retrieval of private medical records, social media records or public records, the retrieval process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. When a subpoena is required to retrieve information, the process can seem overwhelming.

Even if one were to set aside compliance, security and privacy regulations, record retrieval is a time-consuming and tedious task. Litigation and claims professionals already are often overworked and stretched just focusing on their responsibilities required to adjudicate claims effectively without adding the time and tedium of requesting records. In requesting records the saying “Time is Money” has never been more meaningful.