What to Look For in an Outsourced Software Development Company

The world of technology and software is ever-changing. As organizations expand, the demand for creative and efficient software solutions grows. Outsourcing software development to an external supplier can be a great way of gaining access to the necessary expertise and resources to create unique apps for any company’s needs.

But not all software development outsourcing companies are made equal, so do your homework before committing to an external provider. By analyzing possible partners, you will be better positioned to make an informed decision and get the most out of your software development project. This post will review the major variables to consider while researching and assessing software development outsourcing providers.

What is an Outsourced Software Development Company?

A business that offers knowledgeable resources and expertise to create custom software solutions for clients is known as an outsourced software development company. Companies can acquire cutting-edge technology and specialized tools through outsourcing, which boosts productivity, lowers costs, and frees internal workers to concentrate on their primary duties. The ideal outsourced software development company will offer the skills and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality apps that satisfy your company’s requirements. To optimize the value of your software development services, they should also be able to deliver prompt customer support and maintenance services.

Qualities to Look for in an Outsourced Software Development Company

Outsourced Software Development Company

When it comes to finding an outsourced software development company, there are a few key qualities you should look for. Here are the top 10 things to consider:

Experienced and Dedicated Team

Finding a company with a highly skilled and committed workforce is crucial when looking for software outsourcing services. An excellent provider will have a group of software engineers and developers who are up to date on the newest developments. To offer solutions that fit your objectives, they should also have industry experience.

Choose an outsource software development provider with a history of giving customers high-quality goods and services. As far as project management and security requirements are concerned, ensure they adhere to best practices. You can tell if someone can do the job by getting information about their procedures, such as handling changes or problems during development. Your project will be handled effectively and efficiently if you have an experienced and committed team.

Communication Channels

It’s crucial to consider their available communication channels when choosing a software development outsourcing company. Having many channels of communication can significantly increase collaboration and efficiency. Communication plays a significant part in the effective development of software. Find out what their preferred means of communication are. Would they rather communicate via phone, video conference, or email?

Ensure that these channels are open round-the-clock in case any urgent issues arise and that your staff feels at ease using the communication tools. For further information on what to anticipate during the software development process, request a demonstration of any chat or project management tools in place. Prior knowledge of the numerous avenues for communication can help you create a better relationship with your outsourcing partner and ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.

Track Record and References

Asking for a track record and references is crucial to investing in the best software outsourcing company. Inquire about any honors or recognitions they have received and instances of successful initiatives. It’s a good idea to check evaluations from past clients and contact them to ask about their experience.

This will help software developers understand the provider’s customer service and responsiveness level. To determine if they have the abilities and resources required to finish your project, look at their portfolio of completed work. With all this knowledge, you may choose the best software development firm for your project with greater confidence.

Quality Assurance and Testing Protocols

Any outsourcing model must follow strict quality control and testing processes. A thorough set of quality assurance and testing procedures is necessary for a successful development process to guarantee that the final product is secure, devoid of flaws, and compliant with applicable regulations. Code review, unit/functional/integration testing, stress/load/performance testing, security scanning, user acceptability tests (UAT), bug tracking tools, and other procedures should be part of quality assurance and testing methods.

With these protocols in place, programmers may be certain that their software satisfies all specifications before making it available to users. Companies may guarantee that their projects are delivered on time and with high-quality standards by investing in quality assurance and testing methods.

Business Requirements Analysis and Project Management Tools

Tools for project management and business needs analysis are crucial for software development processes. Businesses must make sure they are collaborating with a seasoned software development supplier who knows how to accurately define the project’s scope and determine the business requirements. An experienced supplier should be able to analyze the business requirements and create a thorough project plan using various tools and techniques, including flowcharts, user stories, user journeys, wireframes, prototypes, mock-ups, and more. Tools for project management should be used to divide activities into smaller, more manageable chunks and to establish deadlines for every stage of the project. With these technologies in place, businesses can be certain that their projects will be delivered on schedule and in high quality.

Language Barriers and Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

Successful software development outsourcing services depend on the ability to communicate across languages and cultural boundaries. Although working with an experienced software development supplier from another nation can present difficulties, these difficulties can be solved correctly. Businesses should confirm that their provider has experience overcoming language barriers and can speak in both English and the target country’s language.

Providers must have a solid understanding of cultural variations and how to operate successfully within them. In order to bridge the gap between their teams and the teams of providers, businesses should also stress relationship building. By following these measures, businesses may ensure that their collaboration with their outsourced software development firm is effective.

Mobile Apps Development Capabilities

Companies want a responsive mobile site and an app that functions on all gadgets, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Finding software outsourcing companies specializing in creating mobile applications is crucial for this reason. A provider with a history of completed projects and experience creating apps for several operating systems, such as Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and Blackberry OS, is what you want to look for.

Verify the provider thoroughly understands current mobile technology trends and can create novel solutions that satisfy customer demand. You can be confident that your mobile app will provide excellent user experiences while giving your company the competitive edge to flourish when you have the appropriate partner.

Cost-Effective Solutions for Unique Requirements

Finding the best business to outsource your software testing can be difficult. It’s important to be sure they can meet your particular needs while staying within your budget. Happily, cost-effective options will offer the tools and materials required to satisfy your needs.

To build applications for any device or platform, for instance, numerous businesses provide custom integration services. They can swiftly and effectively design scalable solutions thanks to their access to cutting-edge tools and technologies. You don’t need to be concerned about compromising quality for the budget when using these cost-effective options. The finest of both worlds are achievable.

Understanding of the Development Process and Flexibility Across Platforms

Software development is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the development process and the ability to remain flexible across platforms. It is essential to select an outsourced software development company that has both the knowledge and expertise to meet your specific needs. Look for a provider that understands how to build effective applications with scalability, security, and upgradability in mind.

It is important to choose one with the capability to develop multiple platforms so that your application can reach as many users as possible. Working with a provider who offers a high level of customer service will ensure that any questions or issues are addressed quickly and efficiently. With the right partner, you can know that your software development project is in good hands.

Proactive Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution Skills

Proactively problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills are key when selecting an outsourced software development company. Companies should look for providers who can anticipate potential issues and address them proactively before they arise. Companies should also ensure that their provider is adept at resolving conflicts and finding solutions quickly and efficiently.

This will help minimize delays in the development process and ensure the project is completed on time. By selecting a provider with these qualities, businesses can be sure they have chosen a reliable partner with the skills necessary to handle any issue that may arise during the software development process.

Ability to Adapt to Changes in Business Requirements

Each outsourced software development company must be able to adjust to the demands of the business. A company that can react and adapt rapidly to unforeseen events is one that businesses should choose. This may result from market developments, client feedback, or pressure from the competition.

Long-term time and money savings come from a provider who can quickly pivot and modify their tactics and procedures. They should have the knowledge and assets to develop original solutions that adapt to changing requirements. Businesses can stay ahead of the competition while minimizing risk and seizing new opportunities if they have a flexible and agile partner to handle changing demands.

High Level of Security

For businesses that manage sensitive data, software security is crucial. A strong security system is essential when choosing a company to develop software for you remotely. Businesses want to pick a service provider with expertise in securing user information and preventing unauthorized access. The service provider should have a proven track record of quickly addressing threats or vulnerabilities.

Collaborative Approach

Companies must consider the provider’s collaborative attitude when choosing an outsourced software development business. Everyone involved in the project will be on the same page and working toward the same objectives if they have a collaborative mindset. Companies should seek a provider who values candid feedback, stakeholder input, and open communication. This will foster a positive atmosphere where people can easily exchange ideas and help the project succeed.

How Outsourcing Software Development Companies Benefit a Business

Outsourcing Software Development Companies

Outsourcing software development can be a great way to save time and money while unlocking access to a wider range of qualified professionals. There are many advantages of outsourcing your software development needs, including the following:

  • Streamlined Processes – The procedure can be streamlined, saving you time and money, if you hire a software development company to handle the task. Through outsourcing, businesses are able to concentrate on their core competencies while a skilled group of experts develops their software.
  • Access to Experienced Professionals – You can access seasoned experts who can assist in completing the project when you outsource your software development requirements. Professionals knowledgeable in the most recent development methodologies and trends will guarantee that your software is current and adapted to your needs.
  • Cost Savings – Compared to in-house teams, outsourcing software development frequently results in cost reductions. Increasing the return on investment can involve lowering overhead expenses and accessing a wider pool of resources.
  • Quality Assurance – The resources of outsourced software development firms, procedures, and testing techniques ensure that your software is of the highest caliber.
  • Flexibility – An outsourced partner can provide flexible solutions tailored to your unique needs and quickly adapt to business requirements. This lowers risk while enabling businesses to profit from market opportunities.
  • Scalability – Businesses can scale their projects up or down as needed by outsourcing software development, which offers scalability. This eliminates the need for additional staff and enables a business to modify its resources to meet the project’s requirements.
  • Security – Outsourced software development allows businesses to ensure the security and protection of their data. Outsourced providers frequently have additional security measures to ensure proprietary data’s safety.
  • Focus on Core Competencies – By contracting with a skilled team to handle the software development process, businesses can concentrate their staff and resources on key skills. This enables companies to maintain their competitiveness while maximizing their strengths.
  • Innovation – Companies can access cutting-edge technology and trends through outsourcing software development, giving them access to creative solutions.
  • Increased Efficiency – By ensuring that the project is finished on schedule and within budget, outsourcing software development can help increase efficiency. By doing this, firms can increase earnings while maintaining their competitiveness.

Factors To Avoid Doing When Choosing an Outsourced Software Development Company

Choosing an Outsourced Software Development Company

Several factors must be considered and avoided when selecting a software development company. These include the following:

  • Avoiding Poor Quality – Businesses should be diligent when selecting an external software development partner. A provider with a successful track record and quality assurance procedures should be chosen because poor quality can result in expensive delays and subpar performance.
  • Avoiding Unclear Agreements – When agreeing to a contract with a software development company, it’s critical to comprehend the terms and circumstances. This covers all rules, procedures, payment conditions, and any constraints or demands that might be related to the project.
  • Avoiding Unreasonable Timelines – Businesses should ensure the software development company they choose matches their deadlines and objectives. Negotiating a fair timeframe per the company’s budget is crucial because unrealistic deadlines can cause delays and extra costs.
  • Avoiding Poor Communication – Successful projects depend on effective communication between the client and the software development outsourcing partner. Companies should seek out service providers eager to hear their requirements and promptly offer feedback.
  • Avoiding Lack of Expertise – Businesses should confirm that the software development company they choose has the skills and experience necessary to finish the job. This entails thoroughly being aware of the technology, market trends, and recommended procedures.
  • Avoiding Low-Cost Solutions – Due to the likelihood of low quality, businesses should avoid choosing providers only based on price. When deciding on a custom software development company, businesses should weigh all of their possibilities.
  • Avoiding Hidden Costs – Businesses should also be mindful of unanticipated project expenditures, such as maintenance or training fees. They can quickly add up and majorly impact the entire budget.
  • Quality Assurance – Quality assurance is critical for software projects, and businesses should ensure that the provider they choose provides adequate quality assurance. This entails testing, debugging, and user acceptance testing to ensure the finished product adheres to the criteria established by the client.
  • Customer Service – Businesses should pick a software development firm that offers top-notch customer support. The prompt and efficient resolution of problems or inquiries is a guarantee of good customer service.

Conclusion

Choosing an outsourced software development company can be difficult, but knowing what to look out for will help organizations make the proper choice. Businesses should concentrate on their core capabilities, look for creative solutions, and confirm that their partner has the knowledge and experience to finish the project on time and within their budget. Companies may ensure they choose a software development partner who fits their goals and yields the best outcomes by adhering to these rules and avoiding the above mentioned factors.

Unlocking the Potential of Health Informatics & Analytics

In today’s healthcare landscape, data-driven decisions are becoming increasingly important. Health Informatics & Analytics is a field that prioritizes the gathering and analysis of healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, reduce inefficiencies, and promote better communication between medical professionals. What does this mean for CIOs and CTOs? Read on to learn more about Health Informatics & Analytics and its many uses.

What Is Health Informatics and Analytics?

Health informatics is a field that combines computer science with health care. It covers all aspects of data used in healthcare settings – from storing and analyzing patient records to developing strategies for improving patient care. With the help of health informatics experts, organizations can use large volumes of data to identify trends, make predictions, and provide better quality care. This can be especially useful in areas such as population health management and predictive analytics.

Analytics plays a key role in unlocking the potential of health informatics. Analytics helps organizations gather meaningful insights from their data by using algorithms to uncover patterns or trends. By doing so, it allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than intuition or guesswork. This helps them improve operational efficiency and reduce costs while promoting higher quality care for patients.

Uses for Health Informatics & Analytics

Healthcare institutions rely heavily on technology for patient care delivery and management, but there are other uses as well. For example, many hospitals use analytics-driven decision support systems to predict which patients may need extra attention or resources – allowing them to intervene early on before problems escalate into bigger issues. Additionally, analytics can be used to identify high-risk behaviors or conditions so they can be addressed quickly and effectively. Finally, analytics can be used to improve communication between different departments within an organization – helping ensure that everyone is working together towards the same goal of providing better care for patients.

The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving with changes in health informatics. In recent years, advances in technology have enabled healthcare providers to digitize records, automate processes, and access data quicker than ever before. This has allowed for more personalized treatments and improved communication between doctors and patients. Additionally, the use of AI-driven tools such as machine learning algorithms are being used to make real-time diagnosis and to monitor patient health across multiple sites. Finally, predictive analytics are being employed to help reduce the costs associated with medical care. These advances have served to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered at all levels. There are some very important ways in which health informatics hold much promise for healthcare.

Preventing Medical Errors

The use of health informatics can be instrumental in reducing medical errors and improving patient safety. Through the use of electronic health records, standardized data collection and reporting, and real-time access to lab results, clinicians are able to more accurately identify potential treatment options. Additionally, automated alerts can help remind physicians of necessary treatments or tests that may otherwise be missed due to competing demands on their attention. Finally, AI-driven guidance tools are helping to reduce avoidable errors when prescribing medications or ordering diagnostic tests. Health informatics is an integral part of healthcare today, and its importance should not be underestimated in helping prevent medical errors and improve patient safety.

Improve Patient Outcomes

Health informatics is playing an increasingly important role in improving health outcomes. Through the use of electronic health records and data analytics, physicians are now able to gain better insights into a patient’s history and treatment plan. This allows them to make more informed decisions that can lead to improved health outcomes. Additionally, real-time access to lab results and imaging data enable physicians to track progress over time and take proactive steps if needed. Moreover, AI algorithms are being employed to detect undiagnosed conditions before they become serious problems. All of these advances are helping ensure that patients receive quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for all patients.

Expanding the Reach of Clinical Trials

Health informatics is revolutionizing the way clinical trials are conducted. With the help of digital health tools, researchers can now expand their reach by recruiting remote patients from different parts of the country and even from around the world. Additionally, these same tools allow for more efficient data collection processes and analysis, making it much easier to track patient outcomes over time. AI technology is being used in some cases to provide automated monitoring of trials, allowing for real-time data collection. Finally, patient-reported outcomes can be gathered quickly and easily through the use of patient portals and mobile apps, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of treatments under investigation. All in all, health informatics is helping to open up greater possibilities for conducting clinical trials that offer meaningful results.

The potential benefits of Health Informatics & Analytics are vast; from reducing inefficiencies in hospitals to improving patient outcomes in private practices – it’s clear that this field has a lot offer CIOs and CTOs alike! By leveraging data-driven insights into how healthcare is delivered and managed, organizations can make better decisions based on evidence rather than intuition or guesswork – ultimately leading to improved performance across the board (and much happier patients!). As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it’s important for organizations across all industries (including healthcare) to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to leveraging insights from their data – making sure they don’t miss out on any opportunities that could lead them down the path towards success!

What Are Some Examples of Healthcare Technology?

Healthcare technology is nothing new. Electronic health records supported by applications such as Epic have been around for several years, but not all healthcare organizations can benefit from using the same type of information technology. This is why it’s crucial for healthcare organizations to have access to customized technology to support patient monitoring, clinical research, and much more.

What Are Some Examples of Healthcare Technology?

Healthcare technology is specifically designed to make it easier to gather patient data, analyze research data, and improve access to healthcare services. For healthcare organizations, using customized technology can significantly improve organization and efficiency. In particular, private practices, research clinics, and hospitals can all benefit from using technologies such as health informatics and analytics, AI prediction, voice dictation, and automated patient alerts.

Health Informatics and Analytics

Health informatics and analytics, particularly cloud-based systems, use AI to gather and analyze large portions of patient data. The most common examples of health informatics include storing healthcare information about patients, clinical research, and other trials. Most often, health informatics and analytics are used for public healthcare data reporting, self-use patient portals, and, recently, telehealth.

The crucial point of health informatics and analytics is the intersection between advanced computer science and data storage. Because health informatics and analytics are designed around cloud technology, they can easily be used by larger healthcare organizations or scaled down for private practices. Many healthcare organizations, including government departments, are leveraging healthcare informatics and analytics to better serve larger populations.

AI Health Prediction

AI health prediction is a specialty of health informatics and analytics. Specifically, artificial intelligence is trained to analyze patient data to predict future health conditions. This is a more accurate and efficient way to manage preventative health for patients who are at higher risk of developing serious health conditions, including degenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and much more.

Furthermore, AI health prediction can also be used in public health care. For example, artificial intelligence can analyze population trends to track and predict incident rates of epidemics, including obesity, large-scale pandemics, and much more.

Voice Dictation

Voice dictation is another element of healthcare technology that is frequently used in both private practices and clinical research. Essentially, voice dictation is a plug-in for other healthcare informatics technology that will allow physicians and other healthcare professionals to dictate information directly into patient files, clinical trials, or other healthcare software.

Voice dictation has a high level of accuracy that can improve patient care, organize notes, and increase the efficiency of healthcare professionals. One of the most common implementations of voice dictation software is in private practice. Doctors use voice dictation to record notes about patient visits that are then uploaded into electronic healthcare records.

Automated Patient Alerts

Finally, health technology can also automate certain patient alerts, such as reminders for preventative health screenings and alerts that lab reports for patients have been completed. Automating some patient alerts can improve the response time of healthcare professionals so that patients can receive more prompt care. This may be especially crucial if patients are being monitored for serious conditions that require frequent checkups or lab testing.

What Other Advanced Technology Is Used In Healthcare?

In addition to health informatics and analytics, there are many other types of advanced technology that are used in healthcare. Some of this technology can easily be folded into cloud-based technology to manage healthcare informatics, while other technology is used independently to improve patient monitoring.

Electronic Health Records

Electronic health records are the most efficient way to store information about patients. Typically, electronic health records will include demographic information about a patient, medication lists, and a collection of diagnoses a patient may have. Sometimes, electronic health records can also include self-serve patient portals that allow patients to have more control over their healthcare needs.

Electronic health records can also store information about patient scheduling, doctor contact information, and include storage for compatible files, such as x-rays or MRIs, that physicians can more easily access on a single system. Electronic health records are often paired with AI technology and other healthcare informatics to improve patient experience and patient care.

Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring

Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are both subdivisions of modern healthcare that are quickly growing more popular. The biggest advantage of telemedicine is that it improves patient access, particularly for patients who are unable to take time off of work or who cannot come into the doctor’s office for basic health concerns. Telemedicine is also often used to replace urgent care visits unless the patient is exhibiting severe symptoms that will require emergency treatment.

Remote patient monitoring is often paired with telemedicine to improve patient outcomes and reduce delays in treatment. Remote patient monitoring typically combines medical software and devices that patients can use at home to monitor basic health measurements, including body weight, heart rate, blood sugar, blood pressure, and pulse oxygen, without visiting the doctor or going to a lab.

Digital Therapeutics

Digital therapeutics is a form of information technology that focuses primarily on patient education, medication adjustment, and symptom monitoring. Digital therapeutics allows patients to have more input on healthcare decisions. The software used for digital therapeutics typically allows healthcare information to be transmitted instantly to a doctor to monitor certain health conditions, including diabetes, migraines, substance abuse, chronic pain, and much more.

Healthcare Apps

Healthcare apps are widely popular because the software can be easily accessed on a smart device and can improve patient access to healthcare, particularly patients who do not have healthcare insurance. In today’s climate of low access to affordable healthcare, healthcare apps have revolutionized preventative medicine and have placed power back in patients’ hands to improve health conditions or access to treatment.

In particular, healthcare apps designed to increase access to mental healthcare are important. Many communities do not receive enough access to mental healthcare due to the inability to pay, overwhelmed healthcare workers, and other obstacles to accessing care. However, with a healthcare app, patients can access a mental health professional by phone call, video chat, or text message. Many of these apps can also help patients access medications to manage mental illnesses.

Wearable Sensors

Finally, wearable sensors are another area of health technology that is quickly gaining ground. Sometimes paired with digital therapeutics and remote patient monitoring, wearable sensors can monitor a patient’s vitals in real-time. Wearable sensors are common for patients who have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other conditions that must be continually monitored.

Wearable sensors can also be used in the diagnostic process for certain health conditions. For example, remote heart monitors can be used to track cardiac events while the patient is at home so that cardiac specialists can have a more accurate reading of potential cardiovascular diseases.

Why Are Cloud-Based Healthcare Systems Better?

Cloud-based healthcare systems are superior to traditional methods of healthcare information storage for a few reasons. For one thing, cloud-based healthcare systems are more cost-effective after the initial investment in the software has been made. Other reasons why cloud-based healthcare technology is better include:

More Efficient and Organized

Cloud-based technology is far more efficient than traditional methods of storing healthcare records. For example, healthcare records are stored on an electronic system that can be easily updated and accessed by doctors to improve patient care. Because all file types can be stored on the same electronic health record, this can also improve organization for patients who have extensive medical records.

Improved Collaboration

Cloud-based healthcare systems can also improve collaboration between physicians to treat patients. For example, primary care physicians may need to correspond with specialists to diagnose a patient or monitor a patient’s condition. Surgeons and specialists can easily access patients’ electronic health records to learn about their medical history, which can also improve patient outcomes and overall patient care.

How Can an IT Support Company Help With Healthcare IT Management?

An IT support company may be essential to monitor healthcare information technology. IT support companies can help with all stages of healthcare software, from developing applications to designing software systems used by healthcare facilities. Importantly, IT support companies can help with healthcare software implementation, particularly for healthcare facilities that are transitioning to health informatics and analytics.

Contracting with an IT support company can also assist in the sustainment of advanced healthcare systems. For example, IT support can troubleshoot issues with healthcare apps, telemedicine, and electronic healthcare records.

What About Cybersecurity?

IT support companies may also be able to improve cybersecurity. Anytime personal identification information is stored on an electronic system, it’s essential to prioritize security systems as well. For the healthcare industry, HIPAA has particular regulations about how electronic health records can be stored so that a patient’s personal information will be protected.

Healthcare technology is one of the best ways to improve the efficiency and organization of a healthcare facility. There are several ways advanced technology can be implemented, including through health informatics and analytics, AI prediction, voice dictation, automated patient alerts, electronic healthcare records, and telemedicine. To learn more about how to successfully implement healthcare technology, contact Riveraxe today.

What Is the Difference Between Health Informatics and Public Health Informatics?

As technology continues to evolve, it becomes more essential for software to be used in advantageous ways for multiple industries, including the healthcare field. There are many potential applications of advanced software and computer science in the healthcare field, such as health informatics and public health informatics. Learn more about the difference between these analysis methods.

What Is the Difference Between Health Informatics and Public Health Informatics?

The biggest differences between health informatics and public health informatics are the intended audience and the use of these methods. In general, health informatics is used to gather healthcare data about particular patients being cared for by practitioners or medical facilities. Public health informatics, on the other hand, focuses on a larger population to gather data and predict health outcomes.

As for the intended audience, health informatics is typically used by primary care physicians and other specialists who need to treat individual patients. Public informatics, by contrast, is used by epidemiologists, government health organizations, and global organizations that monitor disease outbreaks and patterns.

Uses for Health Informatics

Health informatics can be used in a few ways to improve the patient care experience. By using effective informatics and cloud-based technology at a practice, physicians can provide more accurate care with more efficiency. Some of the main ways health informatics can benefit patient care in hospitals and private practices include:

Predict Patient Conditions

Health informatics combines easily accessible cloud-based information about the patient with AI technology that will allows software to predict patient conditions. For example, AI software can automatically use formulas to calculate a patient’s likelihood of developing diabetes based on BMI and other body measurements.

Predicting patient conditions can also make it easier to diagnose patients. This is an essential component of health informatics used by physicians since the symptoms of many diseases can overlap, which can make it challenging to reach a correct diagnosis. Because AI can analyze a large amount of data at one time, this makes it easier to quickly and correctly diagnose patients to provide better care.

Patient Alerts

Health informatics systems can also be programmed with patient alerts that make it easier for healthcare providers and patients to oversee healthcare needs. For example, advanced technology can integrate alerts for routine medical needs, such as flu shots, annual physicals, and specialized procedures to monitor patient health. For practitioners, patient alerts can be important to ensure no patient needs are overlooked, particularly since regular testing with colonoscopies, mammograms, and other labs are essential for preventative medicine.

On the patient end, some health informatics can allow patients to have access to certain alerts or reminders for routine care. For example, patients may be able to use online portals to receive health reminders on annual flu shots, vaccines, exams, and other infrequent preventive health screenings that may be easy to overlook or forget.

Information Storage and Retrieval

Health informatics can also make it easier for doctors to store and retrieve patient information. The best example of this is the way certain scans and lab reports are stored on healthcare portals. Ideally, health informatics will make it easier for these scans and lab reports to be organized so that doctors can more easily retrieve this data and provide a more accurate diagnosis for the patient.

Voice Dictation

Finally, advanced health informatics can be integrated with voice dictation, which can speed up doctor efficiency and improve overall organization. Instead of taking notes by hand, voice dictation can allow for real-time transcriptions of patient consultations, which then can be attached to patient files so there is accurate information about the consultation. Since voice dictation software has a low margin of error, doctors will only need to proofread transcripts.

Uses for Public Health Informatics

Public health informatics is generally more advanced since these systems will need to process a larger amount of data. Some information systems for public use are intended for metropolitan areas, states, countries, or even global populations. When used to research public health concerns and implement plans to improve public health, advanced technology and computer science can vastly improve health outcomes for large populations.

Public Health Surveillance

Perhaps one of the biggest uses of health informatics for the public is public health surveillance. Essentially, surveillance acts as a way to continually survey health trends in large populations, which can then be used to predict disease outbreaks. Public health surveillance is particularly important during epidemics and pandemics to track the progression of the disease through communities.

That said, public health surveillance can also be used to track the progression of other diseases. For example, informatics used by public health officials may track trends related to childhood obesity, depression, and nuanced health concerns that may be caused by environmental pollutants.

Disease Prevention

Informatics used for public health purposes can also be important for disease prevention. As a byproduct of surveilling large populations, diseases can be predicted by AI technology. When diseases can be predicted, decision-makers can more easily advise public health officials on how to prevent disease escalation. The best example of this is using informatics to track the severity of the current influenza virus every flu season to prevent more serious outcomesin vulnerable populations.

Public Health Preparedness

Another crucial role of public health informatics is public health preparedness. Because informatics can gather and analyze a large amount of data, this can make it easier for public health officials to create plans to be prepared for outbreaks of major diseases.

There are some sectors of government health organizations that are dedicated to gathering supplies that may be necessary for epidemics, which can include personal protective equipment, vaccines, and resources for vulnerable populations. Public health preparedness is essential since contingency plans and other preparation can potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Outbreak Management

Health informatics for public use can also be used for outbreak management. Perhaps the best example of this is the outbreak management used by governments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By using analytics and computer science, public health officials were able to track disease outbreaks and better manage vaccine rollouts so all populations can receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

Furthermore, outbreak management during the pandemic also incorporated elements of public health surveillance, such as regularly analyzing levels of COVID-19 viral particles in sewage systems in metropolitan areas. This became important to predict disease outbreaks, since higher levels of viral particles in sewage systems correlated to higher levels of hospitalizations from COVID.

Electronic Laboratory Reporting

Electronic laboratory reporting on a larger scale is also an important function of informatics for public health. Electronic laboratory reporting may be particularly essential when public health officials need to analyze levels of epidemic or pandemic outbreaks. By analyzing laboratory reports, public health officials can make a better assessment of which populations are more vulnerable to disease.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic laboratory reporting was used to track positive COVID-19 tests by county, state, and country. These positive results were broken down based on gender, age, and ethnicity. All of these factors were analyzed, which led to public health officials determining that ethnic minorities and elderly people were at higher risk of developing serious disease.

Predictive Modeling

Finally, informatics for public health can also be used in predictive modeling. By analyzing data used for public health surveillance, public health officials can better predict disease outbreaks. Predictive modeling can also be used as a way to assess how effective public health recommendations are.

For example, public health recommendations to increase exercise and lower sugar intake may be compared to the rate of obesity in children and adults. Predictive modeling can be a way that public health officials can alter messaging to create more effective public health recommendations as well.

How Do These Informatic Systems Work?

Informatics systems combine information analysis, computer science, and advanced software to perform data analytics for health purposes. Two of the most crucial elements of informatic systems include cloud-based technology and artificial intelligence, both of which continue to improve each day to provide better analysis for public health officials, practitioners, and patients.

Cloud-Based Systems

Cloud-based systems are essential for accurate health informatics since a large amount of data can be stored on the cloud. Additionally, information stored on the cloud can be retrieved by multiple users and can be updated in an instant, which makes it easier for advanced technology to automatically analyze new data.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is also a vital point of health informatics, particularly when data analysis needs to create a predictive model for a patient or the general population. Artificial intelligence reduces human error by calculating predictive models and can also improve diagnostic challenges.

In the modern age, health informatics is important for doctors, healthcare facilities, and public health officials to improve the health of people. Public informatics is important for predictive modeling, laboratory reporting, public health preparedness, disease prevention, outbreak management, and public health surveillance. To learn more about implementing health informatics to improve patient care and public health preparedness, contact RiverAxe today.

Sr. Project Analyst

Riveraxe is seeking a Sr Project Analyst to support Department of Defense (DoD) program and center located in northern Virginia or a remote location. The successful candidate will support program leadership across the project management processes of initiating, organizing, integrating, planning, managing & controlling, developing and completing projects. May help determine customer requirements and translates these requirements into project plans. Track progress to financial, schedule, and technical performance objectives. Develops information and reports on budget status, workforce level, equipment availability, and other CDRLs.

Prepares and coordinates the plans and schedules for special projects. Determines, monitors, and reviews manpower requirements. Analyzes effects of projects upon various areas such as engineering, facilities, and the labor pool to determine the most practical and cost-efficient methods to obtain the required resources. Formulates and recommends corrective action measures such as schedule revisions, manpower adjustments, fund allocations, and work requirements.

This position is hybrid, but the role will be primarily telework. May require some travel and occasional work days in a local Riveraxe/customer office.

Job Specifications


Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Physical Location of Job: Hybrid
Sector: Intelligence & Security
Clearance Level (Must Be Able To Obtain): N/A
Clearance Level (Must Currently Possess): Secret
Career Level: Experienced
ITAR: US Citizen or Green Card Required: Yes
Travel Percentage: <10%
Is Relocation Available: No
Required Education, Experience, & Skills: Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of working experience (equivalent experience may be substituted for the degree) Active security clearance and ability to maintain
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills: PMP certification MS Project or Jira experience


Employment Application

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    AV Project Manager

    Riveraxe is searching for a Project Manager for our program based in Washington DC. In this role, you will work closely with client to support audio-visual integration projects at client facilities. You will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders confirming all commissioning, deliverables and end user documentation and training. You will be also be responsible for ensuring the customer receives the following from the team; procurement documents, project status, monthly report of all projects. The successful candidate will bring strong critical thinking and organizational skills and managed IT projects.

    • Manage audio-visual integration projects for client
      • Coordinate with external and internal stakeholders and vendors regarding delivery and installation –Projects stay within scope, manage timeline and budget
      • Lead team of 3 technical AV VTC resources -Facilitate demonstrations of clients AV Enterprise Services ahead of requirements gathering
    • Coordinate meeting with internal stakeholders to determine detailed requirements to assist client with creation of procurement documents
    • Facilitate project meetings that include key participants from client, engineering, and vendors -Work closely with senior leadership and stakeholders on major audio-visual initiatives and projects, providing expert advice, reports, and documentation as needed.
    • Oversee projects and ensure that quick, thorough, and friendly service is provided to all customers that are involved with this project -Maintain records of all projects in various phases of completion and prepare monthly and yearly reports for client
    • Ability to deliver enhanced functionality and provide continuous support within the scheduled time while preserving current processes. -Ability to identify issues and implement corrective actions.

    Job Specifications


    Location: Washington, District Of Columbia, United States
    Physical Location of Job: Hybrid
    Sector: Intelligence & Security
    Clearance Level (Must Be Able To Obtain): Public Trust
    Clearance Level (Must Currently Possess): Public Trust
    Career Level: Experienced
    ITAR: US Citizen or Green Card Required: Yes
    Travel Percentage: <10%
    Is Relocation Available: No
    Required Education, Experience, & Skills: Typically a Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years work experience or equivalent experience
    Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills: Project Management Professional (PMP)


    Employment Application

    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 3.

      What Are the Benefits of Health Information Technology?

      Health information technology has become one of the most important topics in healthcare. In a post-pandemic world, hospitals, researchers, and patients alike have become keenly aware of the need to digitize medicine. Although many healthcare facilities already use electronic records, their methods of organization and analysis are often lacking due to old legacy systems. Upgrading to a cloud-based informatics system brings benefits for all stakeholders. Patients, healthcare providers, and even researchers will see immediate improvements by implementing the latest technology.

      What Are the Benefits of Health Information Technology?

      Benefits for Patients

      Patients benefit greatly from using health information technology. Going digital makes getting healthcare more convenient. Patients get more flexibility in choosing locations to visit as their data can be more easily shared between facilities. Furthermore, response time decreases since medical professionals have fast access to patient data. Telemedicine also becomes a possibility for patients with electronic records.

      There are also important privacy concerns to consider. Patients are understandably worried about their personal information being leaked. There are laws that can punish healthcare providers who let patient information escape. Switching to a better healthcare information system helps to mitigate these risks and gives your patients greater confidence.

      Increased Privacy

      While consumers are relatively nonchalant when it comes to their privacy in certain scenarios, medicine is one of the exceptions. An AMA survey found that three out of four respondents were concerned about their personal medical information and their privacy. Contrast this with the 61% of Americans who “would like” to increase their privacy on social media, but it isn’t a dealbreaker. The same AMA survey showed that 92% of people believed health data should never be sold.  

      Clearly, health data is in a separate category when it comes to privacy. This is completely understandable. After all, health data can reveal some of the most personal decisions a person makes. Information kept in medical records could be embarrassing if made public. A more advanced health information technology system can anonymize records while in storage, encrypt transmissions, and monitor access to ensure that records are never exposed to anyone besides authorized personnel.

      Access to Telemedicine

      Prior to 2020, telemedicine was a rare occurrence. However, these last few years have proven its efficacy and patients are willing to have virtual consultations rather than drive to a doctor’s office. Nevertheless, for telemedicine to work smoothly, doctors need to be able to pull patients’ files quickly and update them while in a virtual session. This is a stark departure from how most offices work, where secretaries and clerks typically pull files when a patient arrives at the office.

      Telemedicine also benefits practitioners as it’s possible to see more patients in less time. Patients who would otherwise be unable to visit during office hours due to schedule conflicts can now receive attention. Simple procedural visits like prescription refills can be done using telemedicine as well.

      Faster Service

      Whether online or in the office, modern medical information technology results in faster service for patients. Just the time saved from not having to pull out a manila folder with the patient’s information is a huge benefit to both the patient and the practitioner. However, going digital also enables other features that make it easier for patients to get the attention they need. For instance, you can allow patients to book appointments directly rather than calling the office.

      Likewise, you can enable online bill paying so that patients don’t have to come in for a payment. Health information technology goes beyond keeping records of patients; it enables an entirely digital healthcare ecosystem where your patients and staff see major benefits.

      Benefits for Medical Professionals

      Speaking of staff, using health IT systems provides a host of benefits for medical professionals of all kinds. By having access to information, everyone in the healthcare chain from front desk workers to nurses to doctors can provide top-quality service to each patient. Healthcare facilities frequently dedicate large portions of their budget to billing and accounting staff. Going digital can automate much of this work, obtaining the same results with fewer workers.

      However, that’s just the beginning. After some time with a digital system, you’ll likely see patient outcomes improve. You will also be able to learn more about your business and improve overall quality. Communication with specialists and other medical facilities, like laboratories, will also become more agile and streamlined.

      Better Information for Better Outcomes

      One of the biggest problems for medical practitioners is medical malpractice claims. Even though doctors make every effort to give patients the care they need, mistakes happen. Most commonly, these mistakes stem from using paper charts or older computer systems. Doctors receive the wrong information about a patient, or errors are introduced into the system, leading to improper treatment. Similarly, malpractice claims can appear after failing to inform a patient about their rights or the risks of a procedure.  

      Going completely digital greatly reduces the risk of these problems. For one, patient data is much more accurate, and it’s impossible to accidentally grab the wrong chart from a pile of folders. Furthermore, as treatments are recommended for a patient, the system can automatically call up the appropriate informed consent forms and information sheets so that patients are properly informed before agreeing to a procedure. It’s even possible for patients to sign documents virtually.

      Access to the Latest Data

      Patients with complex issues typically have to visit specialists or send samples to laboratories for analysis. It can take time for doctors to receive results from other practitioners or labs, which slows down treatment and creates unnecessary waits between visits. With fully digital records, it’s possible for one office’s system to update another’s. Lab results can be immediately added to a patient’s record. Automation can even notify doctors with recommendations based on lab results.

      That’s not the only data that doctors will gain by going digital, though. Health information technology platforms can also provide useful information about emerging techniques and medications. Analytics software works in the background to derive insights from this data. Without compromising patients’ privacy, these systems can identify similar cases and report the outcomes of their treatments, helping doctors choose the best treatment for each patient.  
       

      Improved Communication With Other Healthcare Workers

      Health IT systems can also facilitate much of the back-office work in a medical facility. For example, scheduling staff to ensure that enough nurses and doctors are present at all times can be handled automatically by a system that considers each employee’s availability. Payroll can be automated as well using the same system. Inventory can also be managed and automated to simplify procurement and ensure that stock never runs out.

      The whole system is HIPAA compliant and facilitates inspections or other regulatory impositions. The system also allows administrators to customize permissions. Staff can have permission to view information about their assigned patients or get access to all patients’ information related to their specific roles. Access can be limited to prevent data breaches.

      Benefits for Researchers

      Clinical research can proceed at a much faster pace when coupled with technology. Technology is how COVID-19 vaccines were approved in record time. Historically, clinical trials took much longer because researchers had to manually collect paper consent forms and organize them. Paperwork only became more burdensome from there, as patient reports and follow-up records also had to be collected through in-person meetings. Modern medical IT speeds up this process by digitizing these documents.

      As a result, researchers can secure study participants and collect data from them with ease. Smartphone apps have even been used to feed researchers’ databases and facilitate data collection even further. This has made it possible to get approval for medicines much faster than before. Trials at different stages can even be run concurrently to maximize efficiency. In addition, researchers have access to other benefits.

      Faster Data Analysis

      With data collection being much simpler, the focus turns toward data analysis. Many medical researchers have had to perform analysis manually or with the use of their own computers. However, as data sets become larger, the average person or PC simply cannot handle the task. Using a cloud-based health IT platform, it’s possible to use cloud computing to process data much faster. With an entire data center’s worth of computing power at your disposal, there’s no task too large.

      Broader Databases

      Modern technology also makes it easier to find participants further away from home. Rather than be limited to patients in the immediate geographical area, doctors can expand their studies to include a broader array of people. This, in turn, produces higher-quality research and trustworthy results. We expect these tools to become standard operating procedure for medical research in short order. The overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received so far is evidence that this is the future of research.

      At RiverAxe, we’re committed to providing the latest technology to healthcare providers, researchers, and government agencies, all with the goal of providing better care to patients nationwide. We’re located in the heart of Washington DC, which helps us keep our fingers on the pulse of the nation’s healthcare agenda. To learn more about RiverAxe and our technology, contact RiverAxe today for a consultation.

      Where to Find the Best Software Development Outsourcing Companies

      Nowadays, almost every business needs to use software to handle communication with employees and customers as well as administrative tasks. But while there are some good ready-made options out there, many medical facilities require something very specific. If you’d like to have a custom-made program developed, you should look into hiring software development outsourcing companies.

      These businesses specialize in producing exactly the product you need, so you can increase your efficiency, create a better work environment for your staff, and most importantly, provide a higher level of service to your patients. In this article, we’ll have a closer look at how you can find the best software development companies and what factors you should consider before hiring someone.

      Where to Find the Best Software Development Outsourcing Companies

      Custom software can be extremely expensive. While developers might be able to create a simple app for around $10k, most bigger projects will cost $50k-200k. To avoid wasting your money on a subpar product, you have to make sure that you find the best team possible. Initially, you can research companies online and check their reputation on independent review sites.

      Next, you’ll need to get in touch with businesses that could suit your needs, so you can find out how they operate and whether they are able to produce the software you need. During the initial consultation, you should ask varied questions about the developers’ experience and background. What’s more, you might want to ask the company for the details of previous clients, who can give you more information about what the developers are like to work with.

      The Brainstorming Phase

      To begin, you’ll need to sit down with your team and define what kind of software you would like. What are the core functions? Is the platform meant to be used by staff, or will it also involve interactions with patients? What do the end users need most? Find the answers to all these questions and come up with a list of desired functions. The more clearly you can tell the developers what you want, the better they will be able to meet your needs.

      The Research Phase

      Once you’ve determined what your ideal product is, you can start to research software development companies. Browse through some websites to find out what kinds of products are offered and what the development process is. You can also have a look at testimonials and reviews, which can give you more insight into how the developers work. Then, you can make a list of two or three companies that could be a good fit for your business.

      The Initial Consultation

      You can either send your chosen software development companies an email, or you can call them online to book your initial consultation. During this meeting, you’ll find out what the developers’ qualifications are and whether they have experience in your industry. You can also ask them about their design process and determine whether they are good at explaining complex ideas in a simple way.

      Additionally, you should pay attention to the way they interact with you. Do they take your ideas seriously, or do they brush them aside? Always select someone who is willing to work with you as well as for you.

      What to Look for in a Software Development Company

      To make sure you have the best experience possible, you should thoroughly vet the software development company you’ve chosen. After your initial consultation, follow up with more questions and additional meetings if necessary. For example, you should check what methodology and what approach the developers use. It’s always best to choose someone who works in an interactive way, so you can have a say in how your software turns out.

      Additionally, you should think about what risk mitigation strategies the business uses, so you don’t end up the victim of a cyberattack. Good developers are highly trained and experienced, but they are also great communicators, and they focus on the experience of the end-user when coming up with a new product. Finally, you should consider what after-development support your chosen company is able to provide you with.

      Agile Methodology

      Agile methodology is defined as the process of breaking a large project up into distinct stages in an effort to deliver more value and improve customer service. Some of the core principles of agile development include putting people and interactions over tools and processes, emphasizing functional software, collaborating with customers instead of simply negotiating a contract, and responding to feedback and changes.

      When your project is broken down, you can work more closely with your developers, and they will allow you to provide input at every stage. Together, you will work in iterations, which means that you can slowly fine-tune the software until it fits your unique needs. When you choose a business that uses Agile methodology, you can expect flexibility and adaptability, and you will be asked to contribute throughout the process.

      A Model-Driven Approach

      Some of the best software development companies use Model-Driven Design. This is an approach that was developed by the Object Management Group over 20 years ago.

      The method involves using abstractions and modeling to visualize the system the technology is being developed for, so it fits with the rest of your organization. The set of guidelines by the OMG can help businesses to produce “big picture” as well as detailed models to better serve customers.

      Risk Mitigation Strategies

      With technology comes risk, especially when sensitive data is involved. If you are having software developed for a healthcare business, you’ll need to store, share, and analyze patients’ private data. A breach could be disastrous for your company since it could lead to an expensive lawsuit. For this reason, you should always ask software development outsourcing companies how they will make sure that your data is safe.

      Aside from discussing risk mitigation strategies, you should also make sure that the developers you’re working with are properly insured to work on high-security/ high-safety systems. That way, you can be sure that they will take the necessary steps to protect your data. What’s more, you should speak to the developers about ongoing safety updates. Since hackers change their tactics frequently, upgrading your software might be necessary at least once a year.

      Good Communication

      Software developers are sometimes seen as introverts who mostly worked in front of a screen on their own. But fortunately, this stereotype isn’t true. The best developers are also good communicators, so they will keep in touch with you throughout the process and answer all your questions in a simple, easily digestible manner.

      To find out whether a team of developers communicates well, you should meet them in person and ask them questions. As discussed, you could also ask them for references and discuss their service with some of their previous customers. If everyone who’s worked with them has had a positive experience, it’s unlikely that you’ll run into any communication problems.

      Quick Delivery

      When developing software, delays are sometimes unavoidable. However, your developers should aim to work as quickly as possible, so you’ll have enough time to test out the product and resolve any bugs. During the discussion phase, you should come up with a timeline that includes planning, software development, orientation, employee training, and debugging.

      A Focus on User Experience

      No matter how good a piece of software is, it won’t serve you well if it doesn’t provide your users with a great experience. For example, you can have a highly technical program that records and stores customers’ data, but if the medical professionals who work with the software have trouble understanding how to use it, it’s unlikely to be effective and save your business any time or money.

      For this reason, you should always select developers who focus on user experience. The interface should be simple and easy to access, and each function should be clear to even those people who aren’t highly trained IT specialists. Before you hire developers, ask to see a piece of software they have created and try to figure out how it works. If you find it very hard to use, you might need to select professionals who can create a more intuitive program.

      Great After-Development Support

      Once you’ve received your software, you might believe you don’t need the developers anymore, but this isn’t usually true. You’ll still need them to help you upgrade your security systems every few months. What’s more, you should check that they will be available to help you if there is ever an issue with the program they’ve created.

      To avoid disappointment, you should always ask your developers to commit to after-development support in writing. When you first receive your program, you might need them to configure and customize it, and your employees might need an orientation session. Later on, you’ll require ongoing software maintenance and software backup services.

      There are many software development outsourcing companies, but not all of them can create an intuitive, easy-to-use program for your business. Call us at River Axe to schedule an appointment with our talented team.

      Why Quality Healthcare IT Means Better Care for Your Patients

      Technology can make managing any business infinitely easier, including businesses in industries such as healthcare. From private practices to larger hospitals, medical facilities can benefit from using advanced software. Learn everything you need to know about healthcare IT consulting and how this technology can provide better care for patients.

      Why Quality Healthcare IT Consulting Means Better Care for Your Patients

      Healthcare IT is software and other technology that is designed to make it easier to provide prompt care for more patients. Many hospitals and doctor’s offices are integrating healthcare IT into everyday management for patients, moving beyond the standard scheduling applications used by receptionists.

      A healthcare IT consulting firm will be able to design technology that will allow medical facilities to provide better care for patients from start to finish. Here are a few of the most important features of healthcare IT.

      Managing Electronic Health Record Software

      The most fundamental role of healthcare IT is managing electronic health record software. Healthcare IT consulting services will install electronic health record software that can make it easier to organize patient files and physician schedules. Over the last few years, electronic healthcare records have been crucial for both physician offices and insurance billing.

      Electronic health records put all information about patients in one place, including health history, medications, family health history, labs and exams, diagnoses, and upcoming appointments. By having all information about patients in a single application, it makes it much easier for physicians to access relevant information to provide patients with more accurate care.

      Providing On-Demand Technical Assistance

      Engaging with a healthcare IT consulting firm can also provide on-demand technical assistance. Although many electronic health records are designed to store information online and offline, the software may eventually run into a problem. For example, the server could go offline and make it difficult to access patient information.

      On-demand technical assistance can provide IT troubleshooting, either in person or over the phone. Whether it’s a problem with the server or the software needs to be updated, on-demand technical assistance is essential so that physicians can get back to treating patients quickly

      Integrating Health Informatics

      It’s much easier to use electronic health records when health informatics and analytics have been integrated into the software. For example, the best applications for managing patient health records include medical terminology that is synced to insurance and billing codes. The software used by a medical facility can also include clinical guidelines to make it easier to form an accurate diagnosis.

      Streamlining Health Communication Systems

      Because of the structure of most health-care systems, referrals are needed to see specialists. This is one reason why it’s important for health communication systems to be streamlined to provide patients with quicker care. For example, private healthcare facilities can do electronic consultations with a specialist to more quickly diagnose a patient.

      With physicians able to talk directly with each other and share lab results, the patient can receive a faster, more accurate treatment or be referred to a specialist more quickly for urgent medical needs. Streamlining the communication system in a healthcare facility can be the difference between life and death.

      Developing Software

      Healthcare IT consulting services can also develop turn-key technology for healthcare facilities. With an agile methodology and a model-driven approach, developing software for healthcare settings can be customized to the needs of each medical facility or physician. By having turn-key software development, physician and patient needs can be met at the push of a button.

      Protecting Patient Information

      Finally, healthcare IT is also charged with protecting patient information. Electronic health information is a matter of privacy, and all medical facilities must comply with HIPAA standards to protect patient information. However, any time information is stored on an electronic database, the risk of data breaches is much greater. For this reason, healthcare IT must also provide protection against cyber threats.

      Why Medical Facilities Need Electronic Health Records

      In the last several years, more and more medical facilities have shifted to electronic health records. There are a few reasons why electronic health records are preferred among physicians and medical facilities. For example, using electronic health records is more sustainable for the environment since it cuts down on paper waste. Other reasons why medical facilities should integrate electronic health records include:

      Increased Admin Efficiency

      Using electronic health records can increase the efficiency of administrative workers, such as receptionists and schedulers. This is because the administrative staff will be able to see the patient’s upcoming schedule with physicians to allow for more prompt care. Increasing efficiency also occurs because receptionists are no longer overwhelmed with paperwork.

      Additionally, administrative staff that works with insurance billing and coding can also increase productivity. This is because electronic health records are often integrated with international coding data, which can be used to directly bill insurance companies to pay for patient care. Some software systems may also have online payment portals for patients to pay bills, which also reduces the work of administrative staff.

      Improved Diagnostics

      Improving diagnostics is essential for physicians and patients. Electronic health records give physicians access to complete health information about the patient, which can make the difference in identifying conditions when it’s time to form a diagnosis. Improving diagnostic ability means that the patient will benefit from better medical care, including the use of better interventions and medications to improve patient health.

      Error Prevention

      Electronic health records can also prevent errors that can endanger the patient. For example, some electronic health records have a built-in warning system, medication interaction alerts, or other programs to ensure the patient is receiving safe care. Not only is preventing errors important for the health of patients, but it’s also important for physicians to reduce the risk of malpractice claims.

      Enhanced Patient Safety

      Electronic health records are a crucial component of emergency room services. When a patient is received in a hospital emergency room, information about their condition is recorded in the electronic health record that is synced to the hospital’s main patient information system. This provides emergency room doctors with information about medications patients and current health conditions.

      Furthermore, the treatments a patient receives in an emergency room can also be synchronized with the patient’s overall medical record. Their primary care physician can review this information to provide better continued care after emergency room situations, including refilling medications or ordering follow-up labs.

      Increased Risk Management

      Electronic health records can also increase risk management and liability prevention. By improving health analytics, communication of patient information, and evidence-based decisions for patient care, the overall risk for both patient and physician is significantly reduced. For medical facilities, increasing risk management is important so that physicians can continue to provide care for more patients.

      Decreased Healthcare Costs

      When electronic records are used, medical facilities can benefit by decreasing healthcare costs. With the reduction of manpower for managing physical patient records, healthcare facilities can divert funds from patient records to other patient needs. For some facilities, this can reduce healthcare costs for patients by allowing the medical facility to provide more services pro bono.

      Expanded Access

      Many medical facilities that use electronic health records can also expand access to patients on different insurance plans. When patient information is streamlined and accessible by physicians, it makes it easier for physicians to accurately treat more patients. This means that the medical facility can expand affordable healthcare access to patients who are on state or government insurance plans.

      Improved Medication Management

      Using electronic health records and other technology can also improve medication management for patients and providers. For example, patients who need a refill on a prescription can directly request refills through secure electronic messages. On the other side, physicians can electronically request refills with pharmacies, which can help the patient receive medications quickly.

      Furthermore, electronic prescribing can reduce medication errors, check for dangerous drug interactions, and ultimately make medication management more efficient. This method can also reduce costs for patients since physicians will be able to quickly prescribe generic medications if brand-name medications are not covered by the patient’s insurance.

      Involved Patients

      Finally, electronic health records can involve patients in their own care. Patient education is essential since patients who have knowledge about their health conditions can make healthier choices. For example, when patients can access lab results and accurate, science-based health information about their specific condition, they will be able to actively monitor their own health.

      This is crucial for preventive care. Integrating preventative care can be instrumental in preventing serious lifelong illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and more. Involving patients is also another way to improve patient care because patients can advocate for themselves and bring concerns to the attention of their physicians.

      Healthcare IT consulting is an important resource for medical facilities to use. Not only can healthcare IT provide medical facilities with turn-key software applications, but these applications can also make it easier to manage electronic healthcare records, integrate health informatics, streamline health communication, and protect patient privacy. Contact RiverAxe to discuss designing software to manage electronic health records for your patients today.

      12 Problems That Can Be Solved With Healthcare Information Technology

      The use of health information technology can be a valuable instrument that helps them save lives, money, and time in the healthcare industry. Medical personnel now have rapid access to patient history records thanks to healthcare IT systems, which streamline administrative procedures like invoicing and scheduling and give them this information. As technology develops at an accelerated rate, more and more options present themselves to enhance patient care and medical research. This article will look at 12 issues that healthcare IT can help with, ensuring that everyone has a healthier and more productive future.

      Definition of Healthcare Information Technology

      What is healthcare information technology

      Health information technology is like a magical elixir, transforming healthcare providers’ operations and allowing them to do more with less. Healthcare IT solutions are revolutionizing the industry by providing doctors with an invaluable tool to quickly access patient records and streamline administrative tasks like billing and scheduling. This allows healthcare organizations to focus on what matters most, delivering quality patient care. Healthcare information tech is a potent force that will continue to influence healthcare for years to come, thanks to its capacity to address even the most difficult problems without needing an associate degree.

      1. Inefficient Communication

      Communication is the lifeblood of healthcare and can be costly in terms of time, money, and even lives when done poorly. Health information technology solutions can help bridge this gap by providing medical professionals an efficient way to send secure messages, access patient records, and keep track of appointments. By streamlining these processes, healthcare IT solutions make it easier for health professionals to stay connected with each other, allowing for better patient care and fewer mistakes. With the help of healthcare IT, communication between providers becomes as effortless, ensuring everyone has access to the information they need at a moment’s notice.

      2. Inadequate Data Management

      Data is the lifeblood of healthcare, yet many medical practices rely on outdated systems that make it difficult to access patient records accurately and efficiently. Health information technology can help streamline this process by providing a secure platform for storing and managing patient data. With the right IT solutions, providers have instant access to vital information such as diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans.

      Healthcare IT solutions can help reduce errors by providing medical professionals with an easy-to-use platform for accessing and updating patient records. With the help of healthcare IT, medical practices can ensure that their data is secure, accurate, and up to date.

      3. Inaccurate Billing Processes

      Manual billing processes can be time-consuming and tedious for any healthcare facility, leading to errors, delays, and overbilling. Health information technology solutions can help streamline the billing process by providing an efficient platform for submitting claims, recording payments, and tracking reimbursements. By automating these processes, providers can save time and money, ensuring that their billing processes are accurate, timely, and cost-effective. In addition, healthcare IT can help providers identify discrepancies in billing practices before they become costly problems, allowing them to avoid potential issues.

      4. Difficulty Tracking Patient Outcomes

      Tracking patient outcomes is essential for gauging the success of healthcare services, yet it can be difficult to manage without the right IT solutions in place. Health information technology can help providers stay on top of patient progress by providing a secure platform for collecting, analyzing, and storing data. With an efficient system, providers can easily access patient records to measure progress and make informed decisions about care plans. From identifying trends in care to recognizing the impact of treatments on patient health, healthcare IT solutions provide the data needed to ensure that providers are providing the best possible care.

      5. Inefficient Interoperability Between Systems

      Interoperability between systems is a key component of quality healthcare, yet it can be challenging to achieve without the right technology. Health information technology solutions can help bridge the gap between disparate systems by providing a secure platform for sharing and exchanging data. By facilitating more efficient communication between providers, patients, and payers, healthcare IT can make it easier for medical staff to access vital information quickly and accurately.

      Healthcare IT solutions can help streamline patient care by allowing providers to securely access medical records, prescriptions, and test results from anywhere. With the help of healthcare IT, providers can ensure that everyone has the information they need to provide quality care.

      6. Poor Quality of Care

      Poor quality of care can have a significant and lasting impact on patients, leading to poorer outcomes and higher costs. Health information technology solutions can help providers improve the quality of care by providing an efficient platform for collecting and managing patient data. With the right IT systems in place, providers have instant access to vital information such as diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans, allowing them to make informed decisions quickly. In addition, healthcare IT solutions can help reduce errors by providing healthcare professionals with an easy-to-use platform for accessing and updating patient records. Health information technology can ensure patients receive the best possible outcomes by giving providers the right tools to deliver quality care.

      7. Difficult to Access Patient Records

      Access to patient records is essential for quality care, but it can be difficult without the right healthcare IT solutions. Health information technology can make it easier for providers to quickly and securely access patient records, giving them the insight they need to make informed decisions about treatment plans. An efficient healthcare IT system helps reduce administrative tasks associated with accessing records, allowing staff to focus on what matters most: providing quality care. With the right IT tools, providers can easily access patient records, quickly identifying and addressing potential problems, and ensuring better outcomes for all.

      8. Low Adoption Rates for Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

      The quality of patient treatment can be greatly improved by adopting electronic health records (EHRs). However, many healthcare providers struggle to adopt EHRs due to various obstacles. By leveraging health information technology solutions, providers can bridge the gap between paper-based and digital systems, creating an integrated platform for collecting and sharing data. By providing secure, remote access to patient records, healthcare IT solutions can help increase EHR adoption rates and improve the quality of care.

      9. Lack of Data Security and Privacy

      Data security and privacy are paramount for the safe and secure exchange of patient information. Healthcare IT solutions can help protect confidential data by providing an encrypted platform for sharing and exchanging data. With advanced security protocols, healthcare providers can ensure that all patient information is stored securely and accessed only when necessary. Furthermore, healthcare IT solutions can help providers safeguard patient privacy by providing granular access controls to prevent unauthorized access. By leveraging health information technology solutions, providers can ensure patient data remains secure and private.

      10. Difficulty Integrating New Technologies

      It’s no secret that new technologies can be difficult to integrate into existing healthcare systems. Despite the potential benefits, providers often struggle to incorporate new technologies due to compatibility issues and other challenges. Fortunately, healthcare information technology solutions can help bridge the gap between disparate systems, making it easier to adopt new technologies while maintaining high levels of data security and privacy. By leveraging healthcare IT solutions, providers can quickly and securely integrate new technologies, providing better care and improved patient outcomes.

      11. Inability to Leverage Big Data for Improved Patient Outcomes

      Write an engaging paragraph about [TOPIC] with a random mixture of such literary devices as Symbolism, Irony, Foreshadowing, Metaphor, Personification, Hyperbole, Alliteration, Imagery, Onomatopoeia, Simile without referring to them in the text directly.

      Big data has the power to transform healthcare, yet many providers cannot take advantage of its potential due to data access and storage challenges. Health information technology solutions can help providers quickly and securely access patient records, allowing them to tap into the potential of big data for improved patient outcomes. By leveraging IT tools such as predictive analytics, providers can gain insights into real-time trends and make better-informed treatment decisions. With IT solutions, providers can access the data they need to improve patient care, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

      12. Inefficient Reimbursement Processes

      The reimbursement process for healthcare providers can be a complex and time-consuming task. To simplify the process, health information technology solutions can help streamline reimbursement, saving time and money. With automated payment systems, providers can quickly submit claims and receive payments more efficiently. Furthermore, advanced analytics can help identify discrepancies in claims to ensure accuracy and reduce processing delays. By leveraging healthcare IT solutions, providers can streamline reimbursement and save valuable resources.

      Factors to Consider when Choosing Healthcare IT Solutions

      Factors to consider when choosing healthcare IT solutions

      When selecting a healthcare IT solution, providers should consider several factors. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:

      Security

      Security is the top priority when it comes to health information technology solutions. Look for solutions with encryption and advanced access control protocols to keep confidential patient data safe. Consider whether the provider has been certified by a reputable organization such as HITRUST or NIST. This will ensure that your data is securely stored and accessed by industry standards.

      Scalability

      When selecting a healthcare IT solution, scalability should also be considered. Healthcare providers need solutions that can easily adapt to meet changing demands as they grow and evolve. Look for technology solutions to scale your needs without compromising data security or performance. It’s important to find a provider that offers ongoing support so you can stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends.

      User-friendliness

      Finding a user-friendly healthcare IT solution can differentiate success and failure. Selecting a solution that is intuitive and easy to use can reduce training costs, increase productivity, and improve user satisfaction. Look for solutions with an intuitive user interface so navigating through features and data is straightforward. And make sure the provider offers comprehensive customer support in case additional assistance is needed. After all, a healthcare IT solution is only as useful as its users can understand and use it.

      Compliance

      Healthcare providers must ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards to avoid penalties and maintain their licenses. Healthcare IT solutions have built-in compliance tools and resources to help you stay informed of the latest requirements. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive training and support for compliance measures and automated audit processes to monitor regulatory changes. You can ensure data protection and regulatory compliance with the right healthcare IT solution.

      Integration

      Integration should also be at the top of your list when looking for a healthcare IT solution. You need a system that can easily integrate with other applications and systems, such as electronic health records (EHRs) or practice management software. Ensure the provider offers easy setups and tutorials to connect to existing systems and databases quickly. A fully integrated system allows you to seamlessly access and share data across applications to improve patient care and streamline operations.

      Cost

      The cost of healthcare IT solutions can vary depending on your required features and services. It’s important to consider your budget when selecting a provider, as some solutions may be too expensive. Compare different providers and their offerings to find the right balance between cost and value. Consider whether they offer subscription-based or one-time payments, as this will affect your total costs. Look for providers that offer discounts or free trials and demos to help you make an informed decision.

      Support

      Finding the right healthcare IT solution doesn’t just mean weighing the costs and features. Support is a vital factor to consider when selecting a provider. Look for providers that offer comprehensive customer support, including technical assistance and helpdesk services. Ask whether they offer on-site training and how quickly they respond to queries. Ensure the provider offers regular software updates to keep your system secure and up-to-date. You can ensure your healthcare IT solution works as intended with the right support and guidance.

      Reporting

      Healthcare providers need a solution that can generate accurate and reliable reports quickly. You can deliver data-driven insights to support better decision-making with the right reporting tools. Look for a healthcare IT solution with built-in analytics and dashboards to provide real-time visibility into operations and performance. Ensure the provider offers customizable templates for specific report types and allows for easy exporting of data for further analysis. Accurate and timely reporting can help you to make informed decisions and improve patient care.

      Accessibility

      Accessibility is an essential component of healthcare IT solutions. It enables you to access data and applications from any device, wherever you are. Look for a provider that offers mobile-friendly features to access data on the go and remote support so you can quickly respond to patient queries.

      Ensure the system provides secure encryption and authentication protocols to protect sensitive patient information. With a reliable and accessible healthcare IT solution, you can provide better patient care and improve customer satisfaction.

      Customization

      Customizing health IT solutions is a great way to ensure the system meets your needs and requirements. Look for a provider that offers flexible options to tailor the system to your unique practices. Ensure the solution allows you to customize features such as reminders, alerts, data fields, and security settings.

      With a customizable platform, you can streamline operations and provide personalized care for each patient. Ensure the provider offers training and support to help you get the most out of your healthcare IT solution.

      Benefits of Information Technology on Healthcare

      Benefits of Information Technology on Healthcare

      Healthcare technology can provide numerous benefits to medical organizations. Here are some you should be aware of:

      • Improved Efficiency: Healthcare IT solutions can help improve operational efficiency by streamlining processes and automating repetitive tasks. This can help free up valuable time for staff to focus on more important duties and provide better patient care.
      • Cost Savings: Healthcare IT solutions can help reduce costs by eliminating the need for paper records and manual data entry processes. This can save money on labor and other resources.
      • Improved Patient Care: Healthcare IT solutions can provide better patient care by enabling providers to access accurate information about their patients quickly. This can lead to faster diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
      • Enhanced Security: Healthcare IT solutions can provide enhanced security measures to protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized access.
      • Increased Mobility: Health care providers can access data from any location and device with healthcare IT solutions. This provides greater flexibility and convenience for providers and patients.
      • Improved Accuracy: By eliminating manual data entry processes, healthcare IT solutions can reduce the risk of errors and improve the accuracy of patient records.
      • Streamlined Billing & Payments: Healthcare IT solutions can help streamline the billing and payments process by automating tasks and providing easy access to patient records.

      Conclusion

      Medical institutions can leverage healthcare technology as a potent tool to enhance patient care, expedite processes, and cut costs. With a reliable and customizable IT solution, providers can access and manage data securely from any device. This provides greater flexibility, mobility, and accuracy for providers and patients. Healthcare IT solutions also offer enhanced security measures to protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized access. Investing in a healthcare IT solution can help organizations improve patient care, reduce costs, and remain competitive.

      What Is the Difference Between Clinical Informatics and Health Informatics?

      Clinical informatics and health informatics are two closely related fields that deal with the use of information technology in healthcare. Both disciplines are concerned with the collection, management, sharing, and analysis of data to improve patient care. However, there are some key differences between the two. Read on as our healthcare IT solutions experts at Riveraxe give some key distinctions.

      Healthcare IT Solutions: What Is the Difference Between Clinical Informatics and Health Informatics?

      Clinical Informatics

      Clinical informatics is a branch of healthcare that deals with the application of information technology to improve patient care. It covers a wide range of topics, from the use of electronic health records to the development of clinical decision support systems. This field is constantly evolving as new technologies are introduced. However, its ultimate goal remains the same: to use information technology to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare on an individual level.

      There are many different ways in which this field of informatics can be used to improve patient care. For example, electronic health records can help to reduce medication errors and improve communication between caregivers. Clinical decision support systems can provide clinicians with up-to-date information on the latest treatment guidelines. And mobile applications can help patients keep track of their medications and appointments.

      Health Informatics

      Health informatics is the intersection of healthcare and information technology. It encompasses the practices and procedures used to collect, store, use, and share health data and information. The goal of this field of informatics is to improve patient care, public health, and national healthcare administration through the use of data and technology.

      Informatics tools are used by healthcare providers to track patient medical histories, diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans. This information can be shared with other providers, specialists, and patients themselves. These systems can also be used to monitor public health trends and track the spread of diseases. By analyzing this data, health officials can develop interventions and policies to improve the overall health of the population.

      The Impact

      While these fields of informatics are still evolving, they have already made a significant impact on healthcare. EHRs have been shown to improve communication between providers, reduce duplicate testing and procedures, and decrease the risk of medication errors. Patient portals have also been shown to engage patients in their own care and improve communication with their providers. As this field continues to evolve, it is expected to play an even bigger role in improving healthcare delivery on a national level.

      Healthcare IT Solutions That Use Clinical and Health Informatics

      1. Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

      Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital records used by healthcare providers to document patient care. First appearing in the 1960s, EHRs were initially developed for use by the federal government. However, it was not until the 1980s that they became more affordable, and since then, their use has spread throughout the healthcare industry.

      Today, EHRs are an essential part of healthcare delivery, providing a comprehensive record of a patient’s care history. In addition, EHRs can be used to support population health management and research efforts.

      2. Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)

      EMRs were first developed in 1972, but their use was limited until the late 1990s when the advent of the personal computer made it possible for clinicians to access and update patient records electronically. Electronic medical records contain information about a patient’s health history, such as diagnoses, medications, allergies, immunizations, procedures, and lab results.

      EMRs can be created, accessed, and shared by authorized clinicians and staff within a single healthcare organization. Note that EMRs are different from electronic health records (EHRs), which are longitudinal records that can be shared across different care settings.

      3. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

      Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are computer-based systems that provide clinicians with patient-specific information, knowledge, and decision support at the point of care. CDSS can perform crucial functions such as suggesting diagnostic and therapeutic options, recommending evidence-based order sets, and calculating disease risk scores.

      Specific use cases of CDSS include alerting clinicians to potential adverse drug events, suggesting alternative medications for patients with allergies or drug-drug interactions, and providing real-time guidance during procedures.

      4. Computerized Physician Order Entry Systems (CPOEs)

      Computerized physician order entry systems (CPOE) are computer systems that physicians use to directly enter orders for medications, lab tests, and other treatments. CPOE systems can be used for both inpatient and outpatient care. They typically include a drug database, a lab test database, and a way to electronically communicate orders to pharmacists and laboratories.

      CPOE systems can help improve patient safety by reducing medical errors and increasing the accuracy of orders. They can also help to streamline the ordering process and reduce the time needed to complete orders. Some CPOE systems also include clinical decision support tools that provide guidance on ordering decisions based on evidence-based medicine guidelines.

      5. Patient Portals

      A patient portal is a secure online platform that gives patients 24-hour access to personal health information and medical records. Patients can use portals to message their care team, schedule appointments, and pay bills. Patient portals allow patients to perform different functions, including the ability to view test results and refill prescriptions. Portals also provide better self-management of chronic diseases and increased patient engagement in their own care.

      In addition, portals can help reduce no-show rates and make it easier for providers to collect patient-reported data. Practical use cases for patient portals include appointments and medication reminders and online bill pay.

      6. Telehealth and Telemedicine

      Telehealth and telemedicine are two related but distinct terms often used in healthcare IT. Telehealth generally refers to the use of technology to distribute health-related services and data, while telemedicine specifically refers to the use of video conferencing to diagnose and treat patients. Both telehealth and telemedicine offer several benefits, including increased access to care, improved patient engagement, and lower costs.

      In addition, telehealth and telemedicine can be used to support different care modalities, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health services. While there are many potential applications for telehealth and telemedicine, they are likely to continue to grow in popularity as healthcare organizations look for ways to improve access to care while controlling costs.

       

      7. Healthcare Apps

      Healthcare apps are mobile applications that allow patients to manage their health and wellbeing. There is a wide range of different healthcare apps available, from those that track fitness levels and monitor diet, to those that provide information on conditions and medications. Some apps also allow patients to book appointments and order prescriptions.

      While many apps are free to download, some require a subscription. Healthcare apps can be a useful tool for patients, providing them with well-being resources as well as information and support when needed.

      8. Health Information Exchanges (HIEs)

      Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) are systems that allow the electronic sharing of health information between organizations within a given region or state. These systems are designed to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare by making it easier for providers to access and share patient information.

      In addition, these types of clinical informatics are particularly useful for coordinating care among different providers, such as hospitals, specialists, and primary care physicians. They can also help to reduce duplicate testing and provide critical health information in emergency situations.

      Benefits of Implementing Healthcare IT Solutions in Your Facility

      Enhanced Communication

      By implementing these solutions, you can improve communication among staff, clinicians, and patients. With better communication, you can provide better patient care and make sure that everyone has the information they need, when needed.

      Lowered Costs

      Healthcare IT solutions can help lower the cost of healthcare in a number of ways. By improving the efficiency of hospital operations, automating tasks that are currently performed manually, and reducing the need for paper records, healthcare IT systems can help reduce the overall cost of healthcare delivery.

      Optimized Workflow

      Healthcare IT systems are responsible for handling a vast amount of data generated by the healthcare industry. This includes everything from patient medical records and billing information to insurance claims and research data. In order to effectively manage this data, healthcare IT systems must be highly efficient and flexible. One way to do this is to optimize workflow by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining data handling.

      Improved Patient Outcomes

      When patient information is readily available and easily accessible, doctors are able to make more informed decisions about treatment. In addition, healthcare IT systems can help to streamline the process of scheduling appointments and ordering prescriptions. As a result, patients are more likely to receive the care they need in a timely manner.

      Reduced Errors

      In the healthcare industry, even a small mistake can have serious consequences. That’s why it’s so important for hospitals and other medical organizations to adopt comprehensive healthcare IT solutions that can help reduce errors and improve patient care. Some of the most effective healthcare IT systems include EHRs and EMRs.

      Let’s Talk About Health and Clinical IT Solutions!

      By improving communication and data sharing among providers, patients, and caregivers, health informatics systems make it easier to find and share vital patient information. If you’re looking for a reliable partner who can provide you with bespoke health and clinical IT solutions, call us at Riveraxe. We can help you replace, migrate, develop, deploy, and implement the right solution for your needs and get you on the path to better patient care.

      What Is Health Information Technology?

      More and more healthcare businesses are choosing to incorporate technological solutions into their everyday operations. Health information technology can make hospitals and clinics more efficient and allows them to serve their patients better. What’s more, IT systems almost always save money because they speed up the distribution of information and allow healthcare facilities to offer a superior service.

      A good health IT system includes various components such as electronic prescribing, electronic health records, personal health records, and privacy and security solutions. These elements facilitate communication between healthcare providers and their patients and allow everybody to work together. As a result, there is less room for error. Read on to find out more about the innovative health IT solutions offered by firms like RiverAxe.

      What Is Health Information Technology?

      This term describes the tools and systems that are used by healthcare professionals to interact with patients, store sensitive data, and analyze health information. Health IT is designed to improve the efficiency and functionality of the healthcare system, so patients are treated faster and more accurately. It includes solutions that allow doctors to prescribe medicine electronically and keep a record of patients’ data.

      Together, the various IT elements help healthcare professionals to provide a better service to everyone. Health data can be shared and stored securely. Additionally, care can be coordinated much more easily because every provider will have access to vital information about the patient. In many cases, health IT can help medical institutions save both time and money.

      Electronic Prescribing

      Paper prescriptions are sometimes unreliable because they can get lost. In contrast, an electronic prescription takes some of the pressure off the patient because they can visit their pharmacy without having to worry about bringing documentation. Instead, the instructions will be available online, and the doctor can communicate directly with the pharmacist if necessary.

      Another benefit of electronic prescriptions is that they increase accountability. Paper prescriptions can get misread, and there is room for error. Because this type of documentation can be lost or thrown away, it’s not always easy to identify and trace mistakes. In contrast, the electronic prescription is readily available for everyone to review, so there is much more transparency.

      Electronic Health Records

      You can imagine an electronic health record like a digital version of the patient’s chart. It is available to all healthcare staff, even if the patient attends multiple hospitals and clinics, and contains the medical history, medications, diagnoses, treatment plans, allergies, test results, and immunization dates. Whenever someone interacts with the patient, they can use this record to make sure they are providing the best care possible.

      Aside from the fact that the EHR is easily available to everyone, it also has the benefit of being updated in real-time. Therefore, everyone immediately has access to new developments and can adjust their treatment accordingly. This allows for more individualized and more accurate care and can prevent misunderstandings. What’s more, it is a more efficient way of working for everyone, so healthcare professionals can save time and treat more patients.

      Personal Health Records

      The personal health record can be linked to the electronic health record, but it is a separate tool that has a slightly different purpose. While the EHR is mainly designed for healthcare professionals, the PHR is more directly controlled by the patient. This web-based tool allows people to track elements related to their health, including their dietary habits and exercise levels.

      The information is designed to be shared with healthcare professionals, but it can also serve as an accountability tool for the patients themselves. They can decide what information to include, and they can share relevant aspects of their life outside the doctor’s office with their physician. This makes treatment easier and more accurate and gives the patient control over their own medical situation.

      Privacy and Security Solutions

      Understandably, many people are concerned about privacy when it comes to online data storage, but in many cases, safely storing information is easier online than offline. If you only keep records on paper, they can easily be stolen, misplaced, or destroyed. In contrast, online documents are stored centrally, so even if a computer gets damaged, they are still accessible on other devices.

      To safeguard patients’ sensitive information, it is encrypted, which means that it is converted into a code that isn’t intelligible to outsiders. This means that only authorized healthcare professionals are able to access the data. The best online solutions also allow people to record and track who has retrieved and read the information.

      Why Should Clinics Around the Country Implement Health IT?

      Now you’ve learned what types of health IT solutions there are, you might wonder why it’s crucial for clinics around the country to adopt these systems. There are many ways technology can make providing good healthcare easier. Not only can professionals deliver a quicker and more accurate service, but they are also prompted to follow up with patients who have ongoing conditions.

      Because everyone has access to health records, patients with complex issues can be treated much more easily. Finally, the storage of information is safer because you’re not relying on pieces of paper that can get damaged, stolen, or destroyed.

      A More Efficient Service

      In the past, you had to fill in forms about your personal details and medical history every time you visited a new clinic. This wasted a lot of time and created extra work for the employees, who had to record and evaluate the data. With health information technology solutions, this is no longer the case. Information can be shared between clinics and hospitals, so the healthcare professionals know all the relevant information before the patient arrives.

      As soon as one doctor, nurse, or therapist adds new notes to a patient’s file, everyone else who works with the person has access to the information. In some cases, patients themselves can also view their electronic records, so they can see their test results by logging in, and they no longer have to wait for their doctor to contact them.

      Faster and More Accurate Healthcare

      This easy sharing of information can significantly speed up the treatment process and allow patients to get the most accurate, targeted care possible. For example, prescriptions can be sent directly to the pharmacy, so the medicine can be ready by the time the patient arrives. That way, people no longer have to call ahead to see whether the drug is in stock, and they don’t have to wait while the pharmacist tries to find the correct product.

      Better Follow-Through

      Electronic healthcare services usually include a messaging system that can prompt both the patient and their healthcare reminder to follow up. For example, it can tell people to book new appointments, and doctors are reminded to check whether a new medication is working or ask for information about side effects. This is especially useful for people with ongoing health conditions that need regular treatment.

      Another great feature of many online systems is that they provide articles, brochures, or links about various healthcare-related topics. This can help patients get important information about their conditions. Without an online healthcare system, getting accurate information can be a challenge because there are so many untrustworthy resources online.

      Safe Storage of Information

      As mentioned, information that is stored on paper isn’t safe because it could get stolen or lost in a disaster. For instance, a fire at the doctor’s office could destroy all patients’ records, causing chaos and delays.

      In contrast, a health information technology system makes it extremely easy to store information in a safe way. Even if a disaster occurs, reassembling patients’ documents shouldn’t be a hassle. Because the federal government has certain safety standards, it’s unlikely that there will be a breach of security or a cyber attack.

      How to Implement Health IT Solutions

      Healthcare providers who don’t yet have access to health IT solutions might struggle to get started. The best way to find out more about the various options is to contact a professional provider like RiverAxe. After you get in touch, we will call you and discuss your individual situation, then come up with some solutions that can help you transform your business.

      We will look at the online systems you’re already using and let you know how you can improve them and integrate a fully functional health IT system. Over the next few months, we will work with you to set up the new solutions and train your staff to use them consistently. Once everything has been set up, we can continually monitor the situation and help you keep your system updated.

      Get Started Today

      By using health information technology solutions, healthcare businesses can make their operations more efficient, improve communication among providers and patients, and store sensitive information more securely. There are various components that should be installed, including electronic prescribing, electronic health records, personal health records, and privacy and security solutions.

      If you’re ready to upgrade your business, you should speak to IT specialists, who can help you come up with a viable plan. Contact us at RiverAxe to find out more about the IT Healthcare consulting services we provide. We can help you set up a comprehensive IT system that complies with all state and federal regulations.

      What Is Health Informatics?

      Health Informatics is a fascinating field that can make a big difference in providing and managing health care. It uses technology to organize and analyze health records to improve health care.

      This article will explore health informatics’s history, current applications, benefits, components, and challenges. You will also discover how this field combines disciplines and professions to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

      Definition of Health Informatics

      Defination of health informatics

      Health Informatics is an exciting and dynamic field that has the potential to transform the way we manage and deliver healthcare. Utilizing technology and data helps improve the quality of care, lower costs, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare systems. Furthermore, it aids in gaining a better understanding of patients and promotes informed decisions about their health.

      Health Informatics combines computer science, information technology, health science, and social science to pioneer new methods for managing patient data. Utilizing this information, personalized interventions and treatments can be designed to meet individual patient needs; this approach, known as precision medicine, can enhance patient outcomes and increase their satisfaction with our services.

      History of Health Informatics

      The history of Health Informatics is a fascinating one. It all began in the 1950s when computers first became a part of healthcare, allowing for the storage and retrieval of data. Over time, this data was used to improve patient care by providing more accurate diagnoses and treatments.

      In the 1980s, the development of Electronic Health Records (EHR) changed the game. By giving providers greater access to patient information, EHRs made making informed decisions about their patients’ care easier. This marked a major shift in healthcare management, transitioning from paper-based medical records to digital solutions.

      Health Informatics has kept up with the latest technological developments, such as smart systems and data analysis. They are being used to identify patterns in patient data that can help providers make better-informed decisions while helping hospitals save money on operational costs. The possibilities are seemingly endless as Health Informatics continues to shape the future of healthcare.

      Modern Day Developments and Advances

      Modern-day advances in health informatics have revolutionized the healthcare industry, making storing and managing patient data easier. By utilizing cloud-based technology, providers can easily access patient records no matter where they are located. Advanced encryption techniques are now available to protect sensitive information from malicious actors.

      This improved security helps keep patients’ medical data private and secure. In addition, modern-day developments have allowed healthcare organizations to streamline their processes using automated systems and analytics tools. These technological breakthroughs have enabled providers to quickly and efficiently access critical data when needed without any manual intervention. As a result of these advances, healthcare institutions can provide better care for their patients while ensuring their privacy is well-protected.

      Benefits of Health Informatics

      Benefits of health informatics

      Health Informatics provides countless benefits to both providers and patients alike. These benefits include the following:

      Improved Patient Care and Outcomes

      Health informatics plays an important role in improving patient care and outcomes. Providers can better identify trends and patterns that may affect a particular patient’s health using data analytics. This allows for more personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

      Health informatics can help reduce medication errors by ensuring accurate prescription information is available at the point of care. By providing up-to-date medical records, providers can also make more informed decisions about treatment options. This leads to improved overall health outcomes for patients and greater satisfaction with healthcare services received.

      Increased Efficiency of Health Care Providers

      Health professionals increasingly turn to health informatics to improve efficiency and patient care. Healthcare providers can make more informed decisions and optimize resources by collecting and analyzing data. Health informatics can also help reduce paperwork and administrative tasks, allowing medical staff to focus on providing high-quality care.

      By utilizing the latest technologies, healthcare officials can access patient records quickly and securely, streamlining the process of managing patient information. With health informatics, medical professionals can provide more timely care while ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date. 

      Improved Quality of Life for Patients

      Health informatics is revolutionizing the way healthcare providers manage and share patient data. Healthcare organizations can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life by leveraging modern technologies. Through electronic health records (EHRs), medical professionals can access patient information quickly and securely, enabling better care coordination, reduced medication errors, and a streamlined experience for patients in clinics and hospitals.

      Furthermore, health informatics can monitor patients’ vital signs remotely and provide better management of chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. This, in turn, not only improves patients’ overall quality of life but also helps to reduce hospital visits and emergency intervention costs. With the potential to provide insights into trends, health informatics can detect at-risk groups early on and intervene with appropriate measures before complications arise. Indeed, health informatics is a game-changer for the healthcare industry, unlocking significant opportunities to improve patient outcomes.

      Automation of Processes

      Health informatics provides an opportunity to automate processes, which can help healthcare organizations save time while improving patient care. Automating certain tasks, such as appointment scheduling, lab orders, and medical records management, expedites the process and reduces human error. Additionally, automation can help healthcare providers generate more accurate data and insights into patients’ health conditions and outcomes. Automation can also help with data analysis, allowing healthcare providers to identify trends and patterns in patient data quickly. Investing in automation can help healthcare organizations save time while providing better patient care.

      Improved efficiency

      Improved efficiency is one of the greatest benefits of health informatics. By automating various processes, healthcare organizations can save time while providing better patient care. Health informatics allows medical professionals to access and analyze patient data quickly and securely, helping to reduce paperwork, administrative tasks, and human errors. With AI tools such as predictive analytics and machine learning, healthcare organizations can identify at-risk groups earlier and provide appropriate interventions, improving patient outcomes.

      Reduced Cost

      Public health informatics helps reduce healthcare costs by improving efficiency, reducing paperwork, and automating certain processes. By providing better access to patient data, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions and optimize resources. Additionally, health informatics can help reduce medication errors and eliminate the need for unnecessary tests, resulting in lower costs overall. Investing in health informatics is a cost-effective approach that can help healthcare organizations provide better care while reducing costs.

      Components of Health Informatics

      Components of health informatics

      The Components of Health Informatics are essential for successfully delivering high-quality healthcare. Health Informatics encompasses various technologies. These include the following: 

      Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

      Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are revolutionizing the healthcare industry by transforming how we store, manage, and share patient data. By utilizing EHRs, the American medical informatics association can securely store vast amounts of medical information in one central location, accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for paper documentation and reduces manual errors associated with traditional filing systems.

      EHRs also enable providers to collaborate easily and share information between departments, providing a more comprehensive overview of patient care. Additionally, EHRs help to reduce costs by streamlining administrative processes such as billing and scheduling appointments. EHRs provide healthcare organizations with an efficient way to deliver high-quality care while protecting patient privacy and increasing operational efficiency.

      Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

      Clinical Decision Support utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze patient data, such as laboratory results, medical history, and other relevant information. Combining this data with evidence-based guidelines and protocols, CDSS can help healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

      Additionally, clinical informatics can identify potential adverse drug interactions or suggest alternative treatments that may be more effective. CDSS is an invaluable resource in healthcare that helps providers make better decisions faster, resulting in better patient outcomes.

      Telemedicine/Telehealth

      Telemedicine is a revolutionary technology transforming the healthcare industry by providing patients with access to quality care from the comfort of their homes. Telemedicine makes it easier and cheaper for patients to see their doctors without traveling far. They can talk to their healthcare providers live through their devices. With telemedicine, doctors can monitor their patient’s conditions remotely and provide timely diagnoses and treatments.

      This innovative technology saves nursing informatics time, resources, and money while providing better access to care for those in remote and underserved areas. Telemedicine can help reduce wait times in general practice offices, freeing resources for more complex cases. By investing in this powerful technology, healthcare providers can revolutionize how they deliver care and improve patient outcomes.

      Wearable Technology

      Wearable technology is revolutionizing healthcare, empowering individuals with tools like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other gadgets to take control of their physical activity, vital signs, and more. With so much data at our fingertips, we can make smarter lifestyle choices, manage chronic conditions, and maintain optimal health and happiness.

      But that’s not all. These devices can also be used with telemedicine services to give healthcare providers real-time data and insights into our unique needs, even from a distance. This technology is transforming how we receive healthcare, giving us access to more personalized and effective care. So next time you consider your health and wellness routine, consider incorporating the latest wearable technology. Your body (and doctor) will thank you.

      Challenges Faced in Implementing Health Informatics

      The implementation of health informatics has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. By automating tedious tasks and providing real-time data, this technology can improve efficiency and accuracy. However, several challenges associated with implementing health informatics must be addressed before it can be widely adopted. This includes ten of the following:

      Cost and Budgetary Issues

      Healthcare organizations face a tough challenge when paying for health informatics solutions. These solutions are essential to keep patient data safe but can also be expensive. Organizations have to balance their budget needs with their security needs.

      A good way to save money and still have secure systems is to use software-as-a-service (SaaS) models. These models let organizations use the same security features without buying and maintaining expensive hardware. Organizations must also ensure their staff members know how to use the system safely and effectively. By doing these things, organizations can keep patient data secure and deliver quality services without breaking the bank.

      Training Needs for Health Care Providers and Staff

      The healthcare industry is ever-evolving, and with that comes the need for medical professionals and staff to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in health informatics constantly. Training for healthcare providers and staff is essential to keep up with technological advancements, privacy regulations, and patient care standards. With proper training, healthcare providers can ensure they have the skills to handle sensitive patient data properly while providing the best possible care.

      Investing in training helps organizations remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations while also giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world. Comprehensive training programs can help organizations build a workforce knowledgeable about health informatics and provide them with the tools to make informed patient data security and privacy decisions. By investing in training needs for healthcare providers and staff, organizations can protect their patients’ data while providing top-notch care.

      Data Security Concerns

      Data security is one of the most pressing concerns when it comes to health informatics. With the vast amount of sensitive patient data being stored and shared electronically, healthcare organizations must take the necessary steps to ensure this information stays secure. Organizations must have proper policies and procedures to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or misuse.

      They must also invest in robust encryption technologies and train staff on best practices for data security. By taking these steps, healthcare providers can ensure that their patients’ information remains safe and secure. Data security is essential to any health informatics strategy, providing peace of mind for providers and patients alike.

      Integration of Systems

      Health information technology is the electronic way of managing and sharing health data. It can improve health care by letting providers see and share information easily and safely. Health information technology needs different systems to work together, such as software programs, hardware parts, and digital devices.

      These systems must be able to talk to each other and exchange data smoothly. Healthcare organizations must use technologies that can grow, change, and improve to ensure their health information systems work well. They should also use easy-to-use and secure systems to keep patient data and privacy safe. By using solutions that help different systems work together, healthcare organizations can keep a safe and efficient health informatics system.

      Accessibility of Data

      Healthcare providers must ensure patient data is accessible to all parties involved in the care process, including doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and other healthcare providers. For this reason, organizations need to invest in a secure system that allows for the seamless integration of data across departments. This allows healthcare providers to access and share information quickly and easily, ultimately improving the quality of care.

      Organizations must also consider accessibility. This means ensuring patient data is available to anyone needing it while maintaining its security. By taking these steps, healthcare providers can ensure they deliver the highest quality of care in a safe and secure environment.

      Connectivity

      Connectivity is essential to a successful health informatics system. Organizations must invest in secure, reliable networks that seamlessly exchange data between departments and care teams. Reliable connectivity also helps organizations save money by reducing manual data entry and storage labor. Healthcare organizations can maintain a robust health informatics system by investing in secure, reliable networks.

      Standardization

      Standardization is another critical component of health informatics. Standardization helps ensure the accuracy and consistency of data across different systems and departments. It also allows for interoperability between different programs, making sharing and transferring medical records easier. By enforcing standards, healthcare providers can streamline their processes, reducing errors and improving patient safety. Standardization also helps reduce costs by eliminating the need for manual data entry and storage.

      Conclusion

      Health informatics is a rapidly evolving field transforming how healthcare providers store, manage, and share patient data. Healthcare organizations can provide their patients with peace of mind knowing their sensitive data is safe and secure by taking the necessary steps to ensure data security. Investing in robust encryption technologies and staff training will help organizations protect patient data from unauthorized access or misuse.

      Having proper policies and procedures in place will also help maintain patient data security for years to come. As healthcare advances and evolves, health informatics will become even more important as providers seek to improve their services while ensuring patient privacy.

      9 Benefits of Getting Healthcare IT Consulting

      The healthcare industry is ready for a digital transformation. As legal frameworks surrounding digital health data and telemedicine have finally been codified, now is the time to bring data technology and healthcare expertise together. Healthcare IT consulting helps healthcare professionals and program managers to implement the technology they need to transform their operations. Healthcare IT consulting delivers other benefits as well. Every stakeholder can benefit, from patients to professionals, administrators to accountants.

      Here are just some of the benefits that you can expect after getting healthcare IT consulting. Digital transformation truly permeates the entire organization, leading to lasting improvements for everyone involved.

      9 Benefits of Getting Healthcare IT Consulting

      1. Faster Service for Patients

      Ultimately, the goal of every healthcare program and facility is to provide quality care for patients. Integrating IT with healthcare operations leads to faster, better service for patients via a number of improvements. First, logistics become much easier to manage. Facilities can acquire new medical devices or replenish their inventory faster, reducing wait times for less common procedures. Managing staff schedules is likewise simplified as online systems can automatically allocate staff to meet demand.

      However, healthcare services aren’t just about medical treatments. Patients are affected by other aspects of healthcare management. IT, however, gives patients the power to handle certain tasks on their own. Shifting to electronic health records also allows patients to access their information more easily, reducing the number of calls to healthcare offices. Billing becomes more agile thanks to automation. Essentially, every healthcare task becomes faster to execute. In addition, errors are greatly reduced, which reduces the burden on support staff.

      2. Minimize Medical Malpractice

      Faster service means nothing if it leads to mistakes. Fortunately, proper IT implementation not only makes healthcare operations more agile, but it also mitigates risk considerably. Medical errors are quite common, as a recent study noted. Errors occur when actions are not taken at all, or when the wrong action is taken due to a mix-up in the healthcare system. Digitization of medical records and improved data collection practices greatly reduce the incidence of medical errors.

      Several studies have shown that electronic medical records lead to lower error rates than paper records, provided the system is properly utilized. Reducing the frequency of medical mistakes in your organization will reduce losses due to malpractice suits and out-of-court settlements. In addition, fewer errors allow your organization to handle more patients in a timely manner. There are other benefits to digitizing your healthcare workflow as the data you collect can propel operations forward.

      3. Understand Your Organization Better

      Every successful organization today uses business analytics to improve its processes, shed waste, and raise operating margins. Healthcare programs can likewise benefit from the same technology to operate better, even in the face of challenging circumstances. The key is to capture data from as many sources as possible. Many medical facilities and program organizers still use a mixed model, where some data is collected digitally but other data points are buried under stacks of paper. Healthcare IT consulting fixes that.

      Healthcare IT consultants have an objective, neutral view of your operations. Where you might see a benign habit that isn’t worth changing, an IT consultant might see an opportunity to improve data collection. When experts enter and analyze your processes, they’ll provide recommendations to help you optimize data gathering every step of the way. This data can then be fed into analytics software running in the cloud to help administrators get a better idea of how the organization is performing.

      4. Increased Telehealth Opportunities

      The global pandemic pushed telehealth to the forefront of healthcare operations. Medical facilities were inundated with patients requiring isolation and intensive care, which left little space for everyone else. Organizations that had already embraced healthcare IT were well prepared for the circumstances. Those that lagged behind struggled to deliver telehealth services. Effective telehealth requires electronic medical records, compliant communications platforms, and extensive training for staff. However, it’s clear that providing telehealth services will remain vital for the future.

      More patients are willing to use telehealth services than ever before. Consider the results of a 2005 study, which found that only about a third of patients would be open to a telehealth session, with a similar percentage being completely unwilling to try it. In contrast, a 2021 survey saw willingness jump up to 67%, with only 2.3% saying they would not consider it. Telehealth can deliver more cost-effective services and improve program performance across the board.

      5. Remain Compliant With Data Privacy Laws

      One of the reasons some organizations have hesitated to implement telehealth and electronic medical records is due to concerns about data privacy. Laws like HIPAA impose strict requirements regarding access to medical data. However, rather than fear these laws, organizations need to embrace them as guiding tools toward a complete digital transformation. That is exactly what we are doing as IT consultants. We know that data privacy legislation is only going to continue to impose restrictions on healthcare.

      However, those restrictions also open doors. Protecting patients’ data enables secure telehealth and optimizes operations. Securing data properly also reduces the risk of data breaches, and can even help an organization rebound after an attempted cyberattack or a malware infestation. Many healthcare providers were targeted by cybercriminals during the start of the pandemic. Those that were prepared fared better than those that had not completed their digital transformation.

      6. Experienced Experts Lead the Way

      What keeps organizations from fully implementing IT into their operations? For many, it’s a lack of experience. Even with a robust IT department, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. Administrators may be worried about downtime during the transition or the challenge of changing processes and retraining staff. Competing interests need to be balanced. A digital transformation is not the work of a single department, but rather an entire organization.

      Healthcare IT consulting brings a team of experts to your organization. They’ll examine existing processes to determine the best way to transition without disrupting daily operations. They can listen to the various concerns of different stakeholders to find solutions that please everyone. Effective IT healthcare deployment happens when experienced experts lead the way, something very few organizations can achieve on their own.

      7. Spend Smarter

      Going digital requires some investment to get started. However, the up-front costs of your digital transformation don’t have to be exorbitant. The key is to spend money wisely where it’s needed. For example, rather than replace every piece of legacy software with freshly written code, APIs can link existing programs to modern cloud-based tools. While certain enterprise-grade features may seem attractive, they may not be useful to your organization. Expert advisors can help you decide where to allocate your budget.

      In fact, modern IT deployments are becoming cheaper thanks to cloud computing and cloud-based software. Instead of having to invest in expensive servers and complex storage solutions, you can use the cloud to handle most of your healthcare IT. Cloud computing, like manufacturing, benefits from economies of scale. The company that invested in a massive data center can lend you a portion of its processing power at a much better price than you could attain on your own.

      8. Stay Ahead of the Curve

      The IT landscape is constantly changing as new technologies and advancements emerge. Therefore, your system also needs to be flexible and able to adapt to new developments. IT consultants live and breathe IT; they know what to expect in the years to come. Having these experts at your side gives your organization a strategic advantage as you’ll be able to plan your IT deployments going forward. You can budget your expenses more accurately and implement the latest technology faster.

      Early adopters always have the advantage in the long term. While other organizations struggle, yours will be agile and able to implement new technology faster. The sooner you complete your digital transition, the more prepared you’ll be. Ask your consultants to prepare an IT roadmap that outlines improvements and new deployments that you should make over time. With this document, you’ll have a clear view of the road ahead.

      9. Reduce Costs and Maximize Output

      All of the benefits we’ve considered so far add up to one extremely important reason to go digital: Better financial performance. IT cuts down on excess bureaucracy and lubricates logistics, reducing time costs. It expands the ways you can offer service to patients, boosting revenue. Automation slashes payroll.

      Best of all, you cut costs without sacrificing quality and output. On the contrary, your organization will provide better service to more people all while spending less than before. IT is deeply embedded in the future of healthcare, you don’t want to be left behind.

      Start Your Transformation Today

      So, what does it take to get started? Healthcare IT deployment is a very personalized process. We aim to get to know your organization to better understand how we can help you achieve your goals. Contact Riveraxe LLC to schedule a meeting, or email our CEO directly.

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