Final answer:
Sending paper claims has become less common due to environmental concerns, increased efficiency, cost savings, and the digitalization of records which allows for easier and faster sharing of health information. Reduced reliance on paper also aligns with the healthcare industry's move towards electronic health records, despite associated privacy concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks, why has sending paper claims become less common? The decline in the use of paper claims can be attributed to several factors such as environmental concerns, the need for increased efficiency, cost savings for providers and payers, and the wider digitalization of records which allows for easier sharing and faster processing of information.
-Environmental Concerns: The healthcare industry is increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of paper use. As such, there is a push towards reducing paper waste which has led to a preference for electronic claims.
-Increased Efficiency: Digital claims can be processed and shared much more quickly than paper ones, which saves time for healthcare providers, insurers, and patients.
-Cost Savings: Electronic claims reduce the need for physical materials and cut down on storage, postage, and handling expenses for healthcare facilities.
-Digitalization of Records: The transition towards electronic health records (EHRs) has made it easier to integrate claims processes, leading to more streamlined healthcare administration and reduced paper claim usage.
Electronic health records come with privacy concerns, which must be addressed to ensure patient information is secure. In developing policies, balancing the costs of treatments and diagnoses, patient quality of life, and risks to individual privacy are crucial considerations.