There are many different forms of technology in healthcare. From MRI scanners to Virtual reality devices to telehealth, technology is changing the way healthcare is provided. Whether it’s using the latest in medical equipment or improving the way we communicate with family and friends, there are new ways to stay informed and make better decisions about your health. From telemedicine to electronic health records, there is a technology to suit your needs. Whether you’re in the market for a new medical device, you can be sure that these innovations will enhance the quality of care and help you stay on top of your game.
Telehealth
One of the earliest patterns of telehealth technology in healthcare is the use of store-and-forward technology, in which medical data can be transferred electronically from one provider to another. For example, a therapist could send a laboratory scientist blood test results via email, and vice versa. This technology has many benefits, including the reduction of time barriers in a healthcare setting. While there are state regulations regarding telemedicine reimbursement, this technology is already common in many medical settings worldwide.
One significant hurdle for telehealth adoption is the inconsistent payer landscape. In October last year, a study by KLAS-CHIME found that over half of respondents reported that limited reimbursement limits the ability of their organizations to expand their telehealth services. Further, Medicare and Medicaid offer varying levels of flexibility, as do private payers. While the benefits are clear, barriers to telehealth adoption remain. If Congress continues to ignore these concerns, the technology may remain an expensive novelty for decades.
MRI scanners
MRI scanners are often used to diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions, including cancer and brain damage. These scans take between 30 and 50 minutes and are painless. However, some patients may experience anxiety or claustrophobia, which can result in panic attacks. While the procedure itself is not dangerous, MRI scanners are noisy and confined spaces, and people who are afraid of enclosed spaces should consider getting a headset.
MRI is also known as magnetic resonance imaging. This diagnostic technique doesn’t use radiation and relies on radio waves to re-align hydrogen atoms in the body. This doesn’t alter the body’s chemical makeup and the radio waves are detected by a computer. The images produced are then converted into three-dimensional images, helping doctors pinpoint where the problem lies. The images can be as detailed as a photograph of a cell or a bone.
Virtual reality devices
VR is becoming increasingly popular for a variety of medical applications, including rehabilitation and treatment for chronic pain. The new technology can be used for both training and visual distraction. Healthcare professionals should consider using it in their practice, according to Dr. Adriaan Louw, co-founder of the International Spine & Pain Institute, and adjunct professor at several universities. VR headsets are easily transferable from physical therapy sessions to the delivery room. Patients can view a 3-D model of their own skull to better understand what they are about to undergo.
Aside from being useful for medical training, VR can help patients learn new skills and improve their familiarity with various medical procedures. For example, patients who are afraid of surgery can experience the procedure without feeling scared or frightened. A VR system can also be used to improve the safety of surgical procedures. It is possible to train staff members on surgical techniques by using simulations in a virtual environment and adjusting their behavior based on what they see and experience.
Electronic health records
Electronic health records (EHRs) connect all the members of a patient’s care environment, including physicians, nurses, and other health-care workers. They allow physicians to update patient information in real time and allow health-care professionals to collaborate with each other. The benefits of an EHR go beyond improving care. They also reduce medical errors, prevent duplication of tests, and delay in treatment by empowering physicians with accurate patient information.
Using electronic health records has many benefits, including increased patient involvement in their care, improved communication, and better documentation and monitoring. They also offer real-time clinical decision support. Some different bodies have begun using electronic health records in healthcare as a way to track patients and develop criteria for reimbursement. The benefits of implementing an EHR system cannot be understated. So how do electronic health records work? Let’s look at some of them.