Imagine a world where appointment scheduling takes minutes, medical records are accessible with just the click of a mouse or tap of a finger, and doctors can collaborate remotely from locations halfway across the country for complex cases.
That world is already here, thanks in large part to various types of healthcare software. Overflowing filing cabinets overwhelmed medical staff have been replaced by computerized systems and empowered (but still busy) staff.
But what is the true role of software in healthcare, and what types of software are available to help you streamline operations as a business in the medical field? Here’s what you need to know.
Software for Core Functions: Driving Accuracy & Efficiency
Electronic Health Records (EHR/EMR)
Electronic health records (EHR) software and electronic medical records (EMR) software is arguably one of the most impactful and widely used of all the software applications found in healthcare.
This crucial type of healthcare software allows for the creation, editing, and access management of medical records on behalf of patients. The access management portion is extremely crucial in reaching and maintaining compliance given the sensitive (and legally protected) nature of patient information.
Hospital Management Systems (HMS)
Hospital management systems allow multiple parties to access key medical information and updates. Through an HMS, hospital administrators and care teams, as well as authorized healthcare professionals and patients, can get separate access through different portals, ensuring a seamless user experience for all involved.
Medical Diagnosis & Research Software
Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language models, medical diagnosis and research software is a (relatively) more recent technological development that empowers both patients and providers in myriad ways.
For instance, doctors can use medical research software to share research, educate others, and educate themselves when working on difficult diagnoses.
AI-powered medical diagnosis software, such as symptom checkers, meanwhile, while no substitute for the advice of trained medical professionals, can help those suffering from undisclosed illnesses or conditions toward a better life by getting to the bottom of why they suffer from certain symptoms and health issues.
Beyond the Basics – Advancing Care and Analytics
Telemedicine Software and Remote Patient Monitoring
Before and especially during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine became extremely popular. And it remains so to this day for good reason. In fact, the telehealth industry is on pace to become a $25 billion industry by 2025!
Some employers that provide coverage have telehealth appointment scheduling options, often for a reduced fee compared to traditional doctor’s visits. Even in-office medical generalists can use telehealth software to consult with specialists and collaborate for a better patient outcome. Patients in rural areas can get access to medical care from other areas of the same state. And individuals who require mental health treatment can do so from the comfort of home.
The many use cases for telehealth software are truly vast to list out, but here’s how we helped one company, CommuniCare, create a custom telehealth software program that scales to a full healthcare ecosystem.
Business Intelligence Software in Healthcare (BI)
Healthcare is a data-heavy industry. Patient records, treatment outcomes, and hospital resource utilization…data on all of this (and more) is all waiting to be unlocked for valuable insights.
Business intelligence software helps healthcare organizations do just that in order to improve patient outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and identify trends. By pulling data from other software programs like EHRs and HMSs, BI healthcare software provides yet another layer of technology-assisted intelligence to improve how the healthcare industry meets public health needs.
Custom Software in Healthcare
Not seeing the information you need? Given the intricate nature of healthcare as an industry, the various types of healthcare establishments, and the ever-evolving landscape of software development technology, you might be overwhelmed by the options out there.
What’s more, you may not know which solutions and software programs best fit your needs. (that was the case for CommuniCare Advantage, which had to overcome systems complexity to achieve peak profitability).
At Digital Scientists, we offer not only custom-built software solutions but also consultancy services to help you understand those software solutions.
We work collaboratively with healthcare providers to understand their specific needs and design and develop software solutions tailored to those very needs. Ready to see how we can help you? Check out the ways to get started with custom healthcare software development here.
The latest
