Advances in Health IT continue to revolutionize the way the healthcare industry operates. One area in particular which has benefitted from tech solutions is patient care. From improving wait times to increasing patient engagement and participation, health IT is improving medical processes across the board, and in the meantime, improving our health. Here are 4 tech solutions that are modernizing medicine:
1. Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
EHRs are digital records of patient health information, compiled and updated after any encounter with a patient in a care-delivery setting. EHRs can include patient demographics, notes on progress and complications, past medical history, vital signs, medications, immunizations, lab reports, and streamlined medical coding. But EHRs are much more than an inert data repository; they allow caregivers across different specialties and appointments to collaborate and coordinate care. By providing accurate, up-to-date and complete information, doctors can more effectively diagnose patients, reduce medical errors, and make safer, more reliable prescriptions. A centralized digital record can also enhance the privacy and security of patient data through secure transmission of electronic information.
2. HIPAA Compliant IT & Web Development
Keeping up in the digital age requires healthcare organizations to maintain a solid web presence and to market themselves over the internet. However, HIPAA regulations make that a thorny proposition at best. Customized medical website development is allowing healthcare organizations to keep their web presence and marketing campaigns on the cutting edge while simultaneously toeing the HIPAA line, ensuring patients’ sensitive information stays confidential and secure.
3. Patient Portals
Secure online portals are encouraging increased patient engagement and changing the patient-doctor relationship. Through these online interfaces patients can access their EHRs, and interact with their doctors via messaging, e-mails, or as seen in the rise of telemedicine, make video calls. They can also request prescription refills, make appointments, check benefits and coverage, update contact information, pay bills, download and complete forms, all on their own time and from the comfort of their homes. Patient portals are making care more efficient and cost/time-effective.
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4. Mobile Health
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The advent of healthcare apps and devices has combined with the prevalence of smartphones and tablets to make healthcare highly accessible, streamlined, and convenient. Wearable devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch can track and measure your activity levels, fitness and vital signs. Mobile health is increasing patient involvement in their health and is a boon to preventative medicine.
As health IT continues to modernize and streamline healthcare, providers and patients alike will continue to reap the benefits. Find out how your practice and your patients can gain. Contact us here or call us at 866-932-9944.
