Embracing Cloud Based Solutions During Covid-19
In a world that has had to quickly adapt to virtual and mobile based healthcare amidst the pandemic, protecting patient data may not be at the forefront of providers minds as they prioritize caring for their patients. Cloud based solutions may be the answer to not only making Patient Health Information (PHI) accessible and shareable, but also protecting it effectively as it moves between applications, providers, and patients. Cloud systems and cloud solutions not only provide better fluidity of patient data, but also allow better protection against cybersecurity threats if integrated and managed correctly. Read More Here
The New Normal for Healthcare Delivery
Now that we have developed better systems and practices, and more patients return to in-person care, healthcare organizations are continuing to redefine the new normal of healthcare by implementing systems to provide the best care for their patients while protecting their staff. This includes adjusting the check in experience and pre-screening patients virtually, utilizing AI or technology methods to limit in person contact & growing RPM usage to help limit hands on care time & prevent readmission. Read More Here
Lifting Ban On National Patient Identifier Will Promote Health Information Exchange
The Premier Healthcare Alliance and the Patient ID Coalition are asking the US Senate to follow suit after the House of Representatives voted to remove the bill prohibiting the use of federal funds for the adoption of a national patient identifier (NPI). With the creation of an NPI, patient records would be linked across multiple facilities & care providers and may lower care costs, increase patient safety, improve clinical decision-making, and support care coordination. There is an especially high importance placed on patient matching as we are still dealing with Covid-19. This would ensure that patients tested in temporary sites receive the correct results or patients receiving a potential vaccine, in multiple doses as proposed, receive it within the defined vaccination window. Read More Here
Health Information Exchange Linked To Increased Interoperability
In an effort to increase interoperability and patient data exchange, The University of Missouri Tiger Institute Health Alliance (TIHA) partnered with the Lewis And Clark Information Exchange (LACIE) to create a better and more efficient collaboration between the two entities to enhance patient care across state lines. Patients under this HIE are now able to visit a broader range of health care centers in their neighboring states due to increased interoperability. Also as a result of this partnership, more facilities will be able to access patient medical records, allowing patients a better allowance of choices in medical care & greater access to specialists if needed. Read More Here
Preparing Providers for Telehealth
With a very quick ramp up of Telehealth due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a large shift has been made to virtual care delivery models. Preparing providers for this to be a new normal mode of healthcare delivery is crucial to providing a safe and seamless care experience comparable to an in-office visit. One of the ways to best prepare for this transition is to provide easy access to IT support & designate a dedicated IT resource to step in if problems arise. Read more here
Strong Security Protocols Are Key To Continued Telehealth Usage
A new survey from cybersecurity firm CynergisTek found that 70% of respondents they polled plan to continue using Telehealth even after the Covid-19 pandemic subsides. But the poll also revealed that privacy and data security will play a big part in that continuity with patients & that security breaches may end patient use of Telehealth for good. Read More Here