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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.

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.

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.