Technology is a driving force behind healthcare improvements, and technological breakthroughs in treatments, research and data collection continue to change the way the healthcare industry operates. Not only has technology had an impact on the clinical side of healthcare, but it has also significantly changed the field of healthcare management as well. Healthcare professionals entering the field of healthcare management and administration need to have a good understanding of how today’s technology has completely changed the administration and management of healthcare.
Image via NEC Corporation of America.
Electronic Medical Records
Healthcare management and administration focuses on creating transparency, reducing risk, innovating healthcare, and cultivating relationships between patients and clinicians. Technology has brought about the implementation of electronic medical records, which address all of these issues, as well as healthcare cost, value and access. With complete medical records available electronically, clinicians are able to make better diagnoses; data collection becomes more efficient; and data can be shared in real time to improve overall patient satisfaction. Ultimately, electronic medical records help save money for medical facilities by reducing the time needed to make a diagnosis and reducing the need for repeat or unnecessary testing.
Customer Relationship Management Technology
New business technology specifically designed for medical use has also helped revolutionize healthcare management, such the development of new customer relationship management (CRM) technology. These healthcare software systems help to automate important business processes, orchestrating data, systems and people across medical institutions, eliminating waste, optimizing workflow and improving overall patient outcomes. These software systems bring together solutions for compliance, customer service, claims processing, marketing, patient retention, care management and more.
Integration of IT Into Healthcare
The integration of information technology into healthcare continues to change the world of healthcare management as well. Some examples of health information technology include: consumer health IT applications, the use of electronic prescriptions, the implementation of computerized disease registries, support for clinical decisions, computerized provider order entries and telehealth. New tools offer innovative, exciting ways to manage information about healthcare and the patients’ health, for both individuals and entire groups of patients. As information technology becomes more prevalent within healthcare management, medical errors are reduced, the cost of care is lowered, and it is possible to keep more complete, accurate information about patients, improving the overall value of care.
The future of healthcare is continually shaped by new, emerging technology, and healthcare executives must learn how to use this technology effectively to ensure healthcare facilities are offering efficient, quality healthcare delivery. Of course, new technology also brings with it new challenges to overcome, and administrators must be prepared to make the most of new medical technology while dealing with these new challenges. Having a solid education in health administration and healthcare management offers a solid foundation that offers professionals the ability to learn about emerging technology and how to overcome the new challenges it presents.
Recommended Reading:
- Frontline Issues in Healthcare
- CMS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Patients Over Paperwork
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10122865
http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/technology-plays-key-role-in-health-care-reform
http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/prevention-chronic-care/improve/health-it/index.html