As your registry grows, you’re going to need people, systems, and technology that enable your growth—rather than hinder it.
Are you using the right tools and resources to point you in the right direction?
In this article, we’ll go over the ways that technology can assist in managing 1099 caregivers, like:
- Streamlining time card information
- Facilitating compliant communication
- Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
Streamlining time card information
Your caregiver registry might utilize paper time cards and sheets to calculate payroll and billing. That method may work in a pinch for newer registries, however, the margin of error and the amount of time required, will increase as you scale.
By transitioning to digital registry management systems, you can significantly reduce time spent on manual processes while improving accuracy.
According to research from Homebase, they shared that small business owners spend an average of 63 hours each year on payroll. To put that in context, if you cut checks on a bi-weekly pay cycle, that amounts to 2.5 hours per payday. And that time would only increase as your registry gets bigger.
A few best practices to decrease time spent on payroll:
- Document all payroll processes for your office staff. You might even find it more helpful to record yourself on Zoom while screen-sharing to reduce questions afterward.
- Utilize technology with proper integrations: Using a robust registry management system can help you save time by consolidating the systems your registry uses on a daily basis, combining schedules, billing, and payroll, all in one system.
Facilitating compliant communication
Technology would not be as far along as it is without the impact it has made on communication. Did you know that in 2020, Americans exchanged 2.2 Trillion—with a T—text messages?
Communication has evolved at lightning speed and that mentality needs to be applied in the caregiving space, especially for caregivers. They are caring for individuals in their own homes, with intimate and dynamic support networks comprised of family, friends, health professionals, and more.
Finding secure and HIPAA-compliant channels for them to share and receive updates are important to caregivers, clients, and families. Technology can empower caregivers to:
- Select and modify their schedule
- Securely share and receive updates from family members/clients
- Negotiate their rate
- And more
You don’t have to sacrifice communication for compliance’s sake—and the caregivers and clients you match together will thank you.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
Electronic Visit Verification or EVV was implemented in all states for Medicaid, but it serves an important purpose for caregiver registries too.
In the same way that a caregiver would clock into a shift using their fingerprint at a nearby senior living community, it makes sense that they would do something similar when caring for someone at home. And besides, it’s much easier to clock in from the comfort of your own device.
EVV gives caregiver registry owners visibility and insight into visits occurring at the correct location and time(s) without compliance concerns. Families enjoy that peace of mind as well. And it gives caregivers the paper trail to confirm their work.
This helps registry owners to stay compliant and hold themselves accountable if there is an error or miscommunication as it relates to billing or payroll.
Make sure your caregiver registry technology is keeping pace.
As we approach 2025, now is the time to reevaluate your technology systems. Make sure that they not only meet your current compliance (and other) needs, but can grow and scale with your future needs.
Streamlining time card management processes, improving caregiver and client communication, and utilizing secure, Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), are just some of the ways that technology can help you efficiently manage 1099 caregivers.
When you transition from manual processes, to digital and more automated systems, your team can save time while also reducing the risk of errors. Investing in registry management systems thaty are right for you can set you up for long-term success. Curious about how Ally can help? Schedule your demo today.
