There is no denying the fact that healthcare technology companies have significantly contributed to saving the lives of countless Americans and improving the overall quality of life. Technological innovations within the medical industry have had massive impacts on almost all practices and processes of healthcare services. This article explores the role and benefits of technology within the medical field and how patients and medical professionals relate with these technologies.
Digitization of Medical Records
The traditional paper documentation of heath records has been replaced by Electrical Health Records (EHRS). This has been a great change changer for medical professionals. Medical data coding experts, registered nurses, and medical clerks are having an easy time filing patients’ medical records.
Technicians and nurses can now input patients’ health data into a central digital system with much ease. Medical coders and billers are responsible for updating the medical data with diagnostic codes and submitting medical claims to the respective insurance companies.
Patients and medical professionals can access their health records with convenience and at the click of a button. Medical errors can be traced with much ease without the need to manually scan through the doctors’ illegible handwriting.
Enhancing Greater Patient Care
EHR software can be programmed to automatically alert doctors to whatever potential issue, such as intolerances to specific drugs and allergies. The EHR can be accessed from virtually any health facility, making it easier for doctors to handle non-local patients. This also comes in handy in situations where a patient is unresponsive.
Promoting Better Public Health
Professionals such as clinical researchers often rely upon electronic health records, which have proven to be invaluable over time. This data has helped advance medical knowledge and contributed to the development of treatments for health conditions such as viral outbreaks.
With standard health information technology (IT) system, medical professionals can tell how widespread a viral outbreak is. This helps in decision making on the most appropriate control and prevention measure to deploy. This way, pandemics have been prevented, and outbreaks effectively managed.
Enhancing Medical Workflow
Medical coders and billers have become an invaluable part of any medical team. According to a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical billers and coders in the United States is expected to soar by about 13 percent between 2016 and 2026. The innovation of the EHRs made life easier for these health technology experts.
Coding health data into a central digital system is much easier and less time-consuming compared to traditional paper documentation and filing systems. EHRs have also reduced the risk of possible errors in financial details and patients’ medical records.
With digital management of patients’ health data, medical billers and coders can work remotely at home, increasing productivity and efficiency.
Reducing Healthcare Cost
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, the shift from paper records to digital records lowered the cost of outpatient healthcare by 3 percent. According to the researchers, patients save about $5.14 in healthcare every month. In large city hospital networks, this amount is incalculable. Healthcare technology companies have contributed to making healthcare affordable.
