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Home / Insights / Blog / Synoptek Predicts Changes to Healthcare IT in 2015
January 13, 2015 - by Synoptek
Synoptek has provided managed IT services to clients in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. By working with large hospitals, rural medical centers, multi-location health clinics, and tissue processing organizations, Synoptek has gained experience with the unique IT challenges that the healthcare industry faces on a daily basis.
Based off Synoptek’s experience in providing HIPPA compliant IT solutions, these are our predictions for Healthcare IT in 2015:
Technology will continue to change the way healthcare providers treat their patients, this is recognized by international corporations such as Microsoft, Qualcomm Life, Phillips, Verizon and AT&T, who have all launched cloud-based solutions specifically for the healthcare sector. This trend will continue as cloud solutions will support further information sharing and accessibility of data. Reports estimate that more than 60 percent of healthcare organizations transitioning to the cloud in 2015, will be to redeploy current applications. The shift to exploit private and hybrid cloud technologies will significantly improve hospital operational efficiency.
By using a cloud solution for storing and sharing large medical imaging files, healthcare organizations can save money and improve their efficiency and availability.
The official deadline to move from ICD-9 to ICD-10 is set for October 2015. The transition will be a top priority for healthcare providers, as the old ICD-9 is more than 30 years old, and no longer aligns with healthcare operations. Most changes will require software updates, and modifying interfaces that communicate code data. Your organization will need a three phase plan:
A major transition like this will require planning, overall business alignment, and an IT strategy. Does your organization have the expertise for project success in 2015? If ICD 10 is making you lose sleep, consider Synoptek’s strategic project management services, and gain the confidence you need in 2015.
In 2014 healthcare data breaches affected 30 million patients. The healthcare industry has been hit the hardest by hacking and data breaches, and that trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. According to IDC Health Insights, by 2015 half of healthcare organizations will have experienced between one and five cyber attacks – with a third of those attacks successful. Criminal hacking organizations can either sell medical records on black market websites, or use medical records to fraudulently bill insurance companies. The Ponemon Institute estimates that data breaches costs the industry $5.6 billion every year. In 2015, healthcare providers will need to maximize their IT security efforts to keep up with the increase in cyber-attacks. Overwhelmed IT departments should look to managed services to supplement operations, and fill in the security gaps.
Mobile health applications are highly valuable to both patients and healthcare providers. Apps not only provide patience convenience, but can create a future where the doctor’s office is accessible in our own home 24/7.
One reason mobile technology is so appealing to physicians is that they can access information and records whenever and wherever they need to. A recent report estimates that about half of physicians use their smartphones for administrative functions, research, and patient care. The trend will further increase in 2015, as more health care apps are made for providers, such as:
Mobile technology is all about 24×7 access to data and patients. Providers will rely on network connections, laptops, portable medical devices, mobile tools, and will need to have a reliable IT infrastructure to deliver premium care.
Contact Us if you would like to learn more about how Synoptek can help your organization and enhance your IT capabilities in 2015.
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