The healthcare IT field is rapidly developing and changing. Emerging technology and updated regulations put pressure on healthcare providers and health plans to stay ahead of the curve. Perficient creates a monthly list that explores some of the current topics and issues in health IT. This list examines the most talked about issues and technologies that are currently affecting the industry.
Personalization of Medicine
Personalized analytics have the power to improve care outcomes for patients by drawing data from a complete view into their care coordination. Healthcare analytics and big data hold the key to being able to provide personalized care and prevention. By integrating personal health records with EMR data, providers have a 360 view into the history of the patient and the care they require.
- Mayo Clinic benefactor: Personalized medicine ‘a good business to invest in’
- New tool harnesses big data for personalized health recommendations
- Only 27% of US Consumers Have Heard of “Personalized Medicine”
- Personalized models for preventive health care services
- Healthcare Industry Sees Big Data As More Than a Bandage
Interoperability
Interoperability plays a key role in ensuring systems can communicate with each other to share information. It helps to reduce redundant data entry, speed access to information and create a real-time flow of information through an enterprise IT system. The key benefit of creating interoperability is to improve the visibility, sharing and re-use of data collection between disparate healthcare applications and devices.
- It is time for Interoperability to catch fire! (FHIR(R) that is)
- Healthcare’s interoperability problem isn’t about technology
- FDA recognizes device interoperability standards
- Stakeholders to CMS: We need interoperability standards
- Feds dropped the ball on interoperability acceleration
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics are able to help healthcare organizations manage clinical issues in a timely manner and analyze statistical data to identify potentially preventable conditions. Doing so can not only help organizations meet accountable care objectives, it is also able to reduce costs, waste and fraud. Providers are able to proactively provide better care and reduce readmission rates.
- Real-Time Predictive Analytics Help Cardiac Surgeons Improve Patient Outcomes, Cut Medical Costs
- Healthcare Analytics & Medical Analytics Market Worth $10.8 Billion by 2017
- What can predictive analytics do for healthcare reform?
- How can predictive analytics improve medication adherence?
- Can EHR data calculate a useful risk score for readmissions?
Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring
The high demand for easier access to healthcare professionals, access to online medical information and alternatives to traditional care are driving telehealth expectations. Telehealth allows for the transmission of medical images, video, audio and information related to diagnosis and treatment to be shared with the provider via secure data exchanges. Remote Patient Monitoring allows patient’s health data to be sent electronically to a provider who then can analyze and respond with recommendations.
- Remote Patient Monitoring Adoption Is Driving Global Telehealth Market
- Telemedicine Improves Patient Outcomes: Study
- Break down barriers to telehealth
- Getting patients comfortable with telehealth
- Technology allows for long-distance doctoring
Meeting Meaningful Use Stage 2
In order to be eligible for federal subsidies, providers must meet meaningful use regulations. MU Stage 2 is set to begin on October 1, 2013, for eligible hospitals, and on January 1, 2014, for eligible professionals. Hospitals and physicians have one year from these dates to meet the MU Stage 2 requirements, which many are contesting due to the aggressive schedule.
