To help everyone focus on the big picture, we have done a bit of research and found four healthcare technology trends popping out as being the most relevant.
As we start the new year, it will be more critical than ever for medical and healthcare practices to invest in healthcare technology trends that allow them to thrive and innovate in an increasingly complex environment of consumers and data. To better understand, it will be increasingly important to focus on the fundamentals of the digital healthcare market. To help everyone focus on the big picture for 2018, we have done a bit of research and found four digital healthcare tech trends popping out as being the most relevant.
Here is what smart practices will focus their technology spend on in 2018:
Modernizing the Patient Experience
2017 saw a big push towards the digitalization of basic elements of the patient-physician experience. Some simple examples are allowing patients to see records, email doctors, and make appointments online. In 2018 you should see this push go even further, leading to cutting-edge practices that provide an even higher level of patient convenience through digital means. To do this practices will start to invest in technology solutions that streamline the patient experience by combining common patient-physician interactions into one, intuitive workflow. Keep your eyes peeled for more healthcare-centric apps and websites hitting the marketing next year.
Making it Easier to Communicate
We will also see a big push for medical practices to upgrade their communication methods in an effort to keep and retain patients. Patients no longer enjoy the convoluted process of trying to contact their doctors, and doctors no longer enjoy all the paper works that come with keeping paper files and sending faxes. With the pervasive rise in text messaging, 4G networks, cloud data storage, and emailing cheesy hold music and faxes will become obsolete. Practices will invest in a solution like RingRx, allowing doctors to send electronic faxes from any device, anywhere. Look for practices that invest in platforms that make communication transparent.
Measuring Outcomes
Electronic health records (EHRs) have almost become normalized in modern medical practice, and with this new technology comes the demand for higher standards. Physicians who cannot show they are compliant with the requirements for patient-based outcomes will be penalized, and those doctors who consistently show outcomes will receive bonuses. In 2018, look for practices that have begun to lay the foundation for EHR tracking and are looking to upgrade to solutions that keep track and maintain predictive scoring.
Standardizing on the Cloud
The cloud can no longer be deemed a threat to healthcare as a multitude of HIPAA compliant technology solutions have saturated the market. It no longer makes sense for healthcare practices to rely on legacy server systems that are in house or have convoluted fees for service. With the rise of EHR, big data, and SaaS practices will no longer have an excuse to avoid cloud infrastructure. Medical practices will invest their 2018 budgets in SaaS solutions and technology providers who are HIPAA compliant and manage their respective cloud services in one bundle. Expect to see an accelerated shift towards cloud-based systems in 2018.
RingRx is a business that thrives on transformation. 2018 is expected to be a transformational year for healthcare technology and we are here to help you through the process. High performing medical groups will use technology in new and innovative ways to differentiate their practices, attract new patients, and support new communication methods. See how RingRx can help differentiate your practice by clicking here. Start your 30 day trial free today!
