Before we get into definitions, let’s set the record straight – healthcare information systems save clinics money and lead to better patient care.
In fact, a recent study found that these systems save facilities a whopping $49,916 per full-time physician, on average in operating expenses – this is done through several means, including reduced billing errors and eliminating paper charts.
So what is a healthcare information system, and how can it accomplish this?
Healthcare Information Systems Definition
Healthcare Information Systems, also referred to as “HIS,” is a broad term generally used when referring to electronic systems designed to manage healthcare data.
This includes systems that collect, store, manage, and transmit patient records – in general there are 7 different types of health information systems listed below.
Examples of Healthcare Information Systems
EHR (Electronic Health Record) & EMR (Electronic Medical Record)
EMR is an electronic medical record of a patient that is stored inside the clinic systems and doesn’t get removed. Used mostly by primary care physicians and specialists, this record can include the following info:
- Allergies
- Medications
- Family history
- Diagnosis
- Surgery information
- Progress notes
These records may need to be printed to share with other healthcare professionals – whereas, EHR can be classified as a digital record that contains everything that EMR does, plus more.
Think of EHR as a complete overview of your patient health history, and can include information like:
- Visits to other healthcare professionals
- Insurance information
- Records of hospitalization
- And more
The purpose of EHR is to streamline patient data across various doctors and healthcare providers, outside of a practice.
Clinical Information Systems (CIS)
A clinical information system (CIS) is designed to rapidly capture, store, process, and transfer information across decision-makers.
Mostly used by hospitals (labs, pharmacies, radiology and ICU), CIS can include health history, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, dictation, and all other information that is kept together electronically.
This system’s biggest benefit is that it allows communication across different systems, and can import/export data between instruments.
Practice Management Software (PMS)
Practice Management Software is commonly used by allied healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, physiotherapists and nurses. PMS helps to manage the day-to-day operations of a clinic, such as online booking, billing, patient reminders, and other administrative tasks.
Practice management systems offer a diverse range of features – which usually varies depending on the type of health practice the software specializes in.
Other features that often accompany PMS are clinical notes, video sessions, online forms, integrations, & patient payments, to name a few.
Patient Portals
A patient portal provides online access to the patient’s personal information, including previous appointments, medical history, diagnoses, and more.
In most cases, a patient portal can be accessed through any device, which includes mobile, desktop, laptop, or tablet with internet connection on a 24-7 basis.
Patients can also book appointments and contact their healthcare team directly.
The Master Patient Index (MPI)
The Master Patient Index (MPI) is an electronic database that provides patients with a unique identifying number based on their geo location, to allow that patient to be cross-referenced between healthcare providers and systems – whether they be hospitals, physicians, labs or imaging clinics.
By storing the patient information within the system, healthcare records can be shared more efficiently and cost-effectively.
For example, a pregnant patient will require different healthcare applications throughout their pregnancy and will need to see various healthcare providers ranging from their physician, OB, midwife, and laboratory technician.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote Patient Monitoring helps reduce hospital readmissions by allowing patients to check their medical status outside of their hospital or clinic, often using some medical device.
In 2016, 7 million people used this type of system as part of their care – with the number expected to increase to 50 million in 5 years.
These tools can keep track of health conditions such as:
- High/low blood pressure
- Spiking or dropping sugar levels
- Unhealthy increase or decrease in weight
- Abnormal oxygen saturation levels
This allows providers to monitor their patients’ health and status updates from afar, with access to video conferencing in order to improve overall patient care.
Clinical Decision Support Tools
Clinical decision support (CDS) tools are designed to break down a large amount of digital data and suggest “next steps” for treatments – they can alert providers to information they may be unaware of and catch potential problems in advance, like a patient dangerously combining medications.
Top 5 Benefits of Health Information Systems (HIS)
- Organization & Coordination between all parties (including patients and providers)
- Collaborative Care and Accessibility (patient portal and provider dashboard)
- Data Analytics
- Improved Patient Satisfaction
- Reduced Operation Costs
So, what kind of health information system is Adracare?
Put simply, Adracare can’t be defined by any 1 health system, such as those described above. Instead, Adracare’s solution is an all-in-one telehealth and practice management system.
The platform is specifically designed to help clinics take their practices virtual, reduce costs, improve patient experience, and satisfaction. Adracare offers a light EMR system that many physicians use to provide a seamless experience to their patients.
Patients also enjoy that they’re able to access their portal to update or obtain personal health data. For more information on how Adracare can help you take your clinic virtual, contact us today.
