The Digital Revolution In The Healthcare Industry
Digital technology has revolutionized many industries including education, defense, and manufacturing, only to name a few. The healthcare industry is no exception. However, the healthcare industry had been slow in accepting technology but now it’s changing its direction. This had been possible due to the onset of Covid-19. Currently, medical providers, patients, and other stakeholders can use innovative technology to make their lives easier.
In a couple of months, the investment rate in healthcare technology had been jaw-dropping. It is hard to accept new systems and technologies in healthcare due to their potential impact on the patients’ health. But, this trend is now changing. The Healthcare industry is changing its conversation approach toward adopting new technology.
Resistance Towards Change
There are a couple of reasons which cause resistance to adopting medical technology. The complexity of the software can require a huge learning curve which is time taking process. The situation is aggravated coupled with policies and reimbursement issues. Furthermore, the privacy concerns cause additional resistance to accepting any technology. Lack of staff training is another cause that can impede the advancement of medical processes.
Shift To Telemedicine
The global pandemic has raised the need for telemedicine technology shifting patients from reactive treatment models to sustainable healthcare maintenance and allowing people to adopt preventive methods. The option of telemedicine can easily be used for treating diseases originating from lifestyle issues, such as obesity, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking-related diseases.
Elderly and crippled people can benefit hugely from telemedicine as it doesn’t need locomotion. This can positively impact their well-being.
Digital technology has not only affected patients but it goes beyond treating individual patients. The pharmaceutical industry as well as medical billing companies also benefitted from digital transformation.
Healthcare Technologies
Wearable devices are the most commonly used healthcare technology that can help doctors monitor patients’ symptoms and provide them support on the go. Robotics, navigation, cloud computing, genomics, automation, and imaging technology help in performing various medical tasks such as surgeries, practice management, and workflow management. Companies have created tracking devices that can help patients track their calorie intake, physical activity, and sleep. Patients will be able to track their health and incorporate necessary lifestyle and diet changes into their routine.
Medical Billing
Digital transformation has affected the medical billing sector as well. Now, medical practices can use the latest software for dynamic practice management and medical billing purpose causing them to provide better patient experience management. Better workflow automation, staff management, and enhanced coding methods have made it easier to get maximum reimbursement causing fewer denied claims.
Overall, the digital revolution has brought true innovation to the medical sector and a new relationship between patients and medical providers has been created which demands more empathy and sincerity from the providers’ end.
