Features
Riding the Technology Wave
When talking about software, the conversation usually turns to what is on the horizon. As today's computer users, we have become feature-seekers who expect the applications we use to do wonderful things, because if we can dream it, it can happen.
In health care, medical-management software has evolved from simple billing programs to complex data-management applications for a variety of operating platforms, such as Windows, and devices, such as PDAs (personal digital assistants). Barriers to the flow of electronic information between trading partners are coming down, and new uses for information and methods of distribution are being explored.
So what's next for in health care information management technology? It may include making better use of something you're already familiar with: the Internet.
Playing Catch-Up
The health care industry is notorious for lagging behind other industries in the adoption of technology. Patient privacy concerns, tight operating budgets and a general lack of interest or support from various levels of management delay technology deployment in health care organizations. However, the situation is changing. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has forced many health care providers to initiate technology-related spending that they had put off.
In addition, the features and functionality of today's business-management software are expanding into areas — such as electronic medical records for physician offices and operations management for home medical equipment companies — that previously saw little benefit from technology spending. As the benefits permeate into new departments, interest in the new technology grows, and the rate of adoption is increasing.
Anytime, Anywhere
With more people using computers for business-management tasks than they did 10 years ago, many say the move to online applications will be greater than the shift from DOS-based to Windows-based programs. Online business-management applications for HME providers are part of this expansion.
