Diagnosing the 2016 Healthcare Landscape

Healthcare is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving industries in the United States. The adoption of technology is growing exponentially and the investment in healthcare IT is outpacing nearly every other vertical market. 2016 promises to continue this trend, with security, interoperability and reimbursement leading the way as key healthcare challenges. Cloud, mobile, data analytics and HIPAA compliance will significantly impact purchase decisions as healthcare providers attempt to improve population health, enhance the individual experience of care and reduce the per capita cost of care (otherwise known as the Triple Aim of Care). 

Here are a few predictions:

• Cloud and mobility will continue to have a big impact on healthcare.  More and more data is being moved to the cloud, making access to data more rapid and convenient, but also adding complexity to the protection and confidentiality of protected health information. This makes HIPAA compliance extraordinarily important in today’s cloud-based and mobile healthcare ecosystem.

• Consumerism is on the rise in healthcare. Because of this, and the explosion and availability of cloud-based apps and mobile devices, patients (or consumers) have the capability to do considerably more research into their healthcare choices – and as transparency in pricing and quality evolves – this will escalate exponentially.  You can search for specialists online, get their Yelp reviews, confirm their participation in your healthcare benefits, schedule an appointment, complete pre-registration forms, pay for your co-pay, check-in, all via the cloud.  After the appointment, diagnostic test results are becoming more and more available online through patient portals, and post-appointment or procedure care education is also more readily available through portals and apps.

• In addition to the mechanics of receiving care, the proliferation of wellness-based apps made available by health insurance companies and employers are also growing in importance as the focus on overall wellness begins to supplant traditional medical care.  Keeping individuals healthy and minimizing their consumption of healthcare services may seem like a 1990’s managed care approach, but today’s technology advances these cost management initiatives considerably, and more effectively contributes toward the objectives of enhancing the experience of care, improving the health of populations and reducing the per capita cost of care.

Healthcare is in the midst of true transformation and technology will be a primary contributor to the realization of a patient-focused, value-based system. Companies that can innovate around these purchasing drivers with a pinpoint focus on improving workflow to increase productivity, enhancing HIPAA compliance efforts, as well as assisting in efforts to drive excessive costs out of the healthcare system, will be more successful in adding value to the healthcare industry and viewed as trusted business partners to their healthcare customers.

Come see our comprehensive suite of technology, IT services and healthcare workflow solutions at HIMSS from February 29 to March 4 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, NV. Visit us at our main booth #7400 and see our 3D printing technology at 3D Row booth #8400.