In April 2023, a significant stride was made towards redefining the future of healthcare data management and interoperability with the unveiling of the HTI-1 Final Rule by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). This initiative, formally named “Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing,” represents a pivotal evolution in healthcare technology, emphasizing enhanced data exchange and system interoperability. HTI-1, with its distinctive nomenclature, underscores a fresh, for ..read more

Navigating healthcare in the U.S. isn’t just challenging; it’s often overwhelming. Between the high costs, the long waits for appointments, and the looming threat of medical debt, many are left wondering if the system works for them at all. But there’s a silver lining: technology. It promises more than just convenience—it offers a pathway to transform healthcare into something more accessible, efficient, and fair. This blog will take a closer look, armed with data from both patients and providers. We have utilised more than 5 Healthcare patient experience surveys to paint a picture of the hurd ..read more

Effective communication lies at the heart of exceptional healthcare, influencing patient experiences, clinical outcomes, and the well-being of healthcare professionals. In recent research, findings pinpointed three key issues arising from inadequate communication and interoperability in healthcare settings, and need for a structured communication framework becomes apparent. Enter AIDET—a transformative approach designed to reshape doctor-patient relationships and elevate the overall healthcare experience.  The Challenges of Ineffective Communication in Healthcare  Let’s shed some lig ..read more

Smart tracking in a nutshell.   Smart patient tracking is a bright example of how RFID and IoT help in the healthcare environment by assisting in improving services and, as a result, driving better care. A small software with the potential to save time and improve care delivery.   Crucial situations where Smart patient tracking emerges as the hero.   Smart patient tracking can be crucial in various healthcare scenarios, enhancing patient care, safety, and overall efficiency. Here are some scenarios where smart patient tracking can prove to be very important:  Eme ..read more

In an era where technology is reshaping the healthcare landscape, the complexity of healthcare IT has reached unprecedented levels. Healthcare leaders are increasingly prioritizing digital transformation, yet retaining the technical talent required to manage an intricate web of IT systems is becoming prohibitively expensive. A Deloitte report has highlighted that 85% of health system leaders anticipate significant staffing challenges affecting their strategies in 2023. Moreover, IT failures come at a steep cost; a recent HIMSS report reveals that unplanned system downtime can drain mid-sized h ..read more

In 2010, the healthcare landscape in the United States underwent a profound transformation with the enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Beyond its well-known reforms in health insurance, the ACA also sharpened the nation’s focus on value-based healthcare. This shift was driven by three primary goals: testing innovative healthcare delivery models, transitioning from volume-based to value-based reimbursement, and investing in comprehensive system-wide improvements. This pivotal change has significantly altered how healthcare services are delivered and reimbursed in the U.S. This also mak ..read more

A longer-living population, the emergence of transformative technologies with applications across the healthcare spectrum, and continued global economic uncertainty. These are the key societal drivers that will impact healthcare in 2024. These trends not only enhance patient care but also prioritize the well-being of healthcare professionals, ensuring a more comprehensive, accessible, and personalized healthcare experience for all. Furthermore, these trends will dictate the advancements of healthcare IT services.  1. Care Team Well-Being: Nurturing the Healers  Even before the pandem ..read more

Virtual assistants and conversational chatbots powered by AI have taken center stage, appearing in clinics, research facilities, pharmacies, and even nursing homes. And for good reason.  NLP, Neuro-Symbolic AI, and artificial intelligence (AI) are just a handful of the many advancements that are finding their way into medical offices, research facilities, and hospital systems. This has brought about a new era of innovation in healthcare IT services. In this blog, we will be delving into the reasons for this change and the multifaceted benefits of AI chat bots in healthcare.   Wh ..read more

The ICD-10-CM code set update for fiscal year (FY) 2024 is bringing forth significant changes, including the addition of 395 new codes, the deletion of 25 existing codes, and the revision of 22 codes, with nine of them impacting the short title-only. Furthermore, there are 131 new headers and four revised headers, spanning nearly every section from A to Z. These will bring forward the need for healthcare compliance consultants, who have the expertise to help organizations navigate these changes  Here’s an overview of the key changes that has taken effect since October 1, 2023:  Certa ..read more

The Meaningful Use program, a cornerstone of Medicare’s initiative, is structured into three distinct stages, each designed to elevate the usage of electronic health records (EHRs) and refine healthcare processes. Over the years, these stages have evolved, broadening EHR adoption and enhancing patient care. All three steps have been crucial for EHR software companies and providers alike. Let’s delve into the progressive stages of Meaningful Use and their integral connection with Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs).  Meaningful Use Stage 1: Data Capture and Sharing  Initiated in 2011: Me ..read more