The demands in the healthcare industry get tougher almost by the minute. As new diseases develop, as the face of healthcare evolves, and as the public’s demand for scientific answers heightens; those running the industry are challenged to stay ahead of the proverbial ambulance.
The technology industry has played a crucial role in the IT Health management race, but for many years has focused on dealing with issues after they happen rather than on taking a proactive approach that sees and solves the issues before they arrive. If your “IT Guy” is just a cog in wheel bogged down with hardware replacement, software upgrades and data management, then there is little time left to run a truly lean and cost-efficient program.
According to iHT2, “It is estimated that at least 30% of healthcare consists of waste, including inefficient processes and unnecessary tasks, tests and treatments. With health costs approaching 20% of GDP, threatening to sink corporate bottom lines and government budgets, healthcare organizations know they must reduce this waste.”
Checklist for choosing your IT team:
- You hire the best doctors, now hire the best IT company – Look for a company that works in the industry and understands the healthcare intricacies. They must be able to understand the policies, the workflow, the mindset of employees, and the demands of compliance. Once this is established you can work on making all processes work together more efficiently.
- Realize that research and study didn’t end with school – Medical advances have changed the way we live and die, so why should the technology industry be any different. A company with a history rich in the use of cutting edge technology and well versed in electronic trends will be a much better partner than one waiting for you to tell them you need something new.
- Know that old technology is a sickness you must battle – If you can expect a new strain of the flu every year, why can’t you expect the availability of new software tools to fight back? IT partners that can write applications based on what is to come will keep you ahead of the game better than those manipulating software to treat an existing problem. Know that it is always a better investment to pay for what will come than to repair what is already damaged.
- Stop paying for unnecessary services – Xrays, CT scans and blood work all cost money that is well worth it to cure the patient but can sometimes seem extreme if just done as a precautionary measure. The same applies to keeping your technology costs down. You can keep your budget in line when you partner with an IT company that understands your company needs, is running efficient data processes, and is proactively keeping your technology issues to a minimum.
Healthcare costs are not expected to go down so it is imperative that you run a lean program with a view of the future clearly in focus. Working closely with your IT Guy, whether in house or outsourced, will let you manage workflow processes and invest in a healthy approach to your business.