Technology and entrepreneur companies are putting more effort into providing tools that will make small healthcare businesses grow from scratch and help them compete in the health industry. The article below will align on the vital tools small health businesses can use.
Electronic Health Records
Electronic health records are a digital version of storing patient records. The records can be updated and assessed by authorized medical professionals. The EHR provides patients’ medical history by allowing medical diagnosis, treatment plans, conditions, and test results to be accessed using a web-enabled device.
Apart from EHR being a tool to store patient data, the tool helps hospitals, specialists, imaging centers, and other institutions share patients’ records. According to research, EHR reduces cost for healthcare businesses at the same time increasing efficiencies. The information is captured digitally and stored in the cloud compared to the old paperwork with no backup method.
Every tool used in the health care business has its con and electronic health record is no exception. The EHR needs clerical work as doctors use more time with it than patients’ time.
Interactive Personal Health Records
As seen above, electronic health records can only be accessed by medical practitioners. Both the medics and the patient can access the interactive personal health record. The data is from the patient’s electronic health records, where the patient accesses it using a web browser at any time of the day and any location. Some of the information you might get in the PHR is immunization records, lab results, appointment dates, among others. The tool allows patients to fill out personal data that is then transferred to the physician. For small businesses involved in health care, the PHR can be time-saving for both the patient and the physician as the patient has complete access to his/her records.
PHR’s main benefit is that patients do not miss their appointments and clinic dates as they are well engaged.
Telehealth Technologies
Telehealth is a word used to refer to methods, technologies, and devices that are used to deliver information, medical education, and treatment from a distance. A good example is video conferencing that involves real-time interaction through video and audio links to remote regions. The telehealth technologies can be used for remote patient monitoring and sending of images for remote diagnosis,
Remote care is not a new thing in the health care business, and as technology is being developed every day, so is remote health care. Today’s advanced data compression, wireless networks, and mobile devices have come to improve how small health care businesses are operating. Consulting specialists can use these types of technology to consults with their superior experts on rare or difficult-to-treat encounters.
E-Prescriptions
Many communication modes like the use of emails, texts, and instant messages have replaced traditional handwritten communication. The change has also affected how small businesses in the health care industry do their work. With e-prescription, physicians can send the prescription directly to the pharmacies by use of electronic form in an easy way.
The process of e-prescription has reduced the error of the wrong prescription due to wrong handwriting interpretation. E-prescription is connected with the EHR as doctors first check patients’ pre-existing health records before giving the medication.
Before e-prescription was introduced, doctors and their staff spent more hours clarifying to calls from pharmacies. These tools can also automate prescription renewals and the authorization process.
If small health care businesses want to improve patient safety and the quality of care, e-prescription will get them there.
Computerized Physician Order Entry
Computerized physician order entry is used by physicians to enter medical instruction and orders connected to patient’s treatment into networked systems. The information keyed in is then shared with medical staff and departments responsible for fulfilling orders like labs, pharmacies, and radiology departments.
CPOE reduces the errors that develop from transcription and handwriting, duplicate orders identify incorrect dosages, and finally, the CPEO simplifies the inventory process. The software allows medical experts to work together in providing health care delivery.
Conclusion
As seen above, there are many tools that small health care businesses have access to for their business to grow and blossom. Some of the tools need to be purchased, while others are free to use.
