2-3 pages apa formant three references
Continue to use the scenario to assist you with this assignment. One of the areas of concern to Mr. Magone and the senior leadership of Healing Hands Hospital is the integration and adoption of information technology systems that would be needed if the hospital consolidated with a large health system or added more outpatient services or expanded into telemedicine. As a member of the Task Force support team, you have been asked to research and discuss current and future advances and issues related to information technology in healthcare. This would include integration concerns with the Healing Hands Hospital’s current electronic health record system (EHRs), new models of decision support systems, and telemedicine with wearable tracking and smartphone linked devices.
Discuss the issues in health information technology advances that will impact Healing Hands Hospital in the future with possible consolidation/expansion and the impact on quality of care and reimbursement for provided services. Include the following information in your paper:
- Future health care reimbursement trends impacted by information technology such as big data analytics and decision support systems.
- Information system technologies and issues with interoperability and scalability.
- Innovations in telemedicine and tracking devices.
Be sure to include at least three references use APA formatting.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction
Health information technology is a crucial aspect in contemporary healthcare systems. The use of technology in healthcare offers an opportunity for improvement in the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery. Healing Hands Hospital has an electronic health record system, which is currently used to maintain patient records. However, the implementation of additional technology systems would be necessary if the hospital is consolidated with a large health system or expansions such as telemedicine services. This paper discusses current and future advances and issues related to information technology in healthcare that might impact Healing Hands Hospital’s quality of care and reimbursement for provided services.
Future Healthcare Reimbursement Trends Impacted by Information Technology
The advances in health information technology have a considerable impact on the healthcare reimbursement trends. The traditional payment systems that are based on the volume of services provided are no longer effective and feasible, as they do not take into account variations in the quality of care offered. The implementation of big data analytics and decision support systems has created opportunities for outcome-based payment systems that are based on the quality of care outcomes rather than the quantity of services provided. Insurance companies are adopting reimbursement models that are based on value rather than volume, which obligates healthcare providers to deliver quality care that is effective and efficient.
Information System Technologies and Issues with Interoperability and Scalability
Interoperability and scalability are significant challenges associated with information technology systems in healthcare. Healthcare providers use various electronic health record systems that are not interoperable, which makes the sharing of patient information between healthcare providers challenging. Additionally, data from wearable tracking and smartphone-linked devices must be incorporated into healthcare information systems, posing challenges of scalability. Interoperability and scalability issues have a considerable impact on quality of care and reimbursement for provided services. Failure to share patient information leads to incomplete patient records, which creates inefficiencies and may lead to inappropriate care. Scalability issues create challenges of managing and processing a large amount of data, leading to delays, loss of revenue, and errors.
Innovations in Telemedicine and Tracking Devices
Telemedicine and tracking devices offer the potential for better management and monitoring of chronic diseases, reduction in inpatient hospital stays, reduction in the cost of healthcare delivery, and improved access to care. Telemedicine platforms and devices allow patients and healthcare providers to communicate in real-time, making healthcare accessible to remote and rural areas. Additionally, telemedicine can reduce patient travel time and expenditures, which improves patient convenience and satisfaction. The use of tracking devices creates opportunities for continuous monitoring and proactive management of chronic diseases, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced hospital stays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration and adoption of information technology systems are necessary for healthcare providers to deliver quality care that is effective and efficient. Healing Hands Hospital is currently using an electronic health record system that must be interoperable with other healthcare providers’ systems to ensure efficient patient care. Interoperability and scalability pose a considerable challenge for healthcare providers and must be addressed to enhance the quality and efficiency of care that healthcare providers deliver. Additionally, the adoption of new technology systems such as telemedicine platforms and tracking devices can offer opportunities for reducing the cost of healthcare delivery, better management of chronic diseases, and improved access to care.
