Each year, The Healthcare Executive Group (HCEG) partners with Change Healthcare to conduct a survey that identifies the top 10 issues faced by the healthcare sector in the US. The survey helps healthcare providers to stay in business and operate well despite the many obstacles as they are prepared to navigate in deep waters.

Struggles and Challenges Faced by Healthcare IT in 2020

In this article, we will take a look at the top 4 struggles and challenges in 2020.

1. Cybersecurity – It was recorded that in the year 2017 the US healthcare sector was exposed to over 350 data breaches. These technology breaches mean that sensitive patient data is always open to risk. The healthcare industry is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and it is a major concern for software vendors and healthcare provides to ensure the protection of patient data that is shared and transferred. The blockchain technology and HIPAA Compliance are some ways healthcare organizations can encrypt patient information and data against hackers.
2. Reducing Healthcare Costs and Enhancing Patient Care – Due to a shift in government policies and an increase in population healthcare costs are on a rise in the US. To provide improved care to patient’s clinicians should upgrade their technology which will also make them competitive in the healthcare sector. What physicians can do is to look for EHR software solutions with the features that they are going to use for their practice workflows. Software with extra features that are not being used daily will cost the healthcare provider a higher license fee. If you want to lower or eliminate costs further there is always an option to try out free and open-source EMR software solutions.
3. Big Data – With more healthcare data being generated it is scattered across several parties involved including, patients, providers, and payers. Not all information is transferred properly and it is a challenge to get accurate insights from the data. To harness the power of big data healthcare organizations need to rely on data-driven decision making. Analytics features should be used to get valuable insights to support decision making. If healthcare providers want to reduce administrative costs and improve the patient experience they can use a HITRUST –certified third-party provider to handle all invoicing and payments.
4. Implementing Strategies to Enhance Overall Patient Experience and Satisfaction Levels – The healthcare’s other biggest challenge is to understand the importance of consumer experience and find ways to make outcomes convenient and streamlined. Medical practices in the US have embraced digital methods like patient portals and self-check-in kiosks to improve the patient experience. Patient experience can be enhanced by using telehealth EHR software solutions to diagnose and treat patients from the comfort of their homes. The telehealth module also helps to reduce costs for the healthcare provider such as patient care and equipment. The patient portal software is effective for patients to easily and quickly check lab results and requests and prescription refills.
5. Preparing for a Crisis Situation – One of the biggest challenges for the healthcare sector was facing the COVID-19 pandemic which struck the world and changed how healthcare was seen. More time and resources should be invested to tackle the outbreak of new diseases so timely action can be taken. COVID-19 collapsed the best healthcare systems of the world because they were unprepared to handle the contiguous spread of the virus. Healthcare systems are using AI technologies and preparing their EHR software systems to screen patients. We have seen a shift in healthcare providers using telehealth EHR software solutions to treat and diagnose patients remotely, this has helped to contain the spread of the virus and reduced the burden in hospital facilities.

Final Note

Healthcare providers should address the above-mentioned challenges now to operate efficiently and most importantly keep patients satisfied. Providers that will take action quickly will be able to have a fruitful 2020 year. Healthcare providers must embrace technology solutions like EMR software solutions, Telehealth EHR software, and patient portal platform to make a difference in daily operations and running a medical practice that won’t fail.

Nowadays, Otolaryngology (ENT) EMR Software fulfill a wide range of parameters for the unique Clinical and Financial workflow requirements of the medical practice. In addition to an integrated practice management system, patient portal, and medical billing, ENT EMR Software also allows the physicians to select a local server or cloud-based architectural approach by keeping in view the scalability of their practice.

Features of Otolaryngology (ENT) EHR Software

To have a good understanding of how the software works, it is advisable to learn about the different features and functionalities of the software. Before choosing an Otolaryngology (ENT) EHR software, we should check if the software has the following key features:

Template Notes – Otolaryngology EHR software should offer customizable templates for SOAP note-taking.

ICD/CPT Codes – To ensures accurate claims, easier billing, and overall faster processing  ENT EHR Software should provide unique and updated ICD-10 codes for the medical practice

Workflow Management – ENT EHR software should be able to manage, document and maintain all the ENT related workflows and provide Clinical Decision Support

Equipment Integration – ENT Electronic Medical Records Software Software (EMR) should be integrated with devices and equipment that helps in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment (e.g. auriscopes, laryngoscopes, etc.)

Lab Interface – Otolaryngology Software should have a built-in lab interface for automatic lab result availability

Real-time Dashboard – Otolaryngology (ENT) EMR software must feature a real-time dashboard that will help physicians to clearly view patient charts, profiles, billing processes, scheduling, etc.

Allergy & Medication Management – ENT software with secure messaging allows data sharing between a patient’s immunologist and otolaryngologist. This way, ENT specialists can keep track of patient allergies and prescribe medication that won’t result in a reaction.

Sleep Studies – ENT Software should be able to assist in tracking, and assessing data for sleep apnea, snoring or other otolaryngology-related sleep disorders.

Top 10 Otolaryngology (ENT) EHR Software by EMRSystems

EMRSystems values its customers and has compiled a list of the 10 best and Top-Ranked ENT Software solutions for physician practices in 2020. The list is completely based on authentic customer reviews and ratings:

• Epic EMR Software

• PrognoCIS EMR Software

• drchrono EMR Software

• Modernizing Medicines Healthcare IT Suite

• NextGen Healthcare EHR Software

• ChartLogic EHR Suite

• AllegianceMD EHR Software

• Practice Fusion EMR Software

• AdvancedMD EMR Software

• Praxis EMR Software

Make sure the software you’re going to purchase is certified. For ENT Software, the certification you should be looking out for is by the ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Body (“ONC-ATCB”). They are responsible for making sure your vendor meets Meaningful Use objectives and is HIPAA compliant. Many ENT Software vendors offer a lot of features but providers mostly find them redundant or perceive them as a marketing gimmick. Some of these features are actually very helpful as they are advertised, but what you should be concerned with is whether they are relevant to your particular practice or not. You really need to look at your financial workflow. It is highly imperative that the software you choose is compatible with that of the rest of the practice and with the existing EMR Software if you are opting for a stand-alone option. Please do consult your provider to ensure that the software you are choosing only provides those features and not more than what you need.