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Impact of Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Healthcare Industry

BINEESH MATHEW | December 15, 2020 | 1221 views

As medical science has improved rapidly, life expectancy around the world also has risen. Still, as longevity increases, healthcare systems are facing a growing demand for advanced services, increased costs, and a struggling workforce to meet various requirements of patients. Demand is driven by many unstoppable forces: a shift in lifestyle choices, shifting patient expectations, population aging, and the never-ending cycle of innovation are a few among others.

 

Challenges Faced by the Healthcare Industry

According to Mckinsey, one in four people in North America and Europe will be over the age of 65 by 2050. This shows that, soon, the healthcare industry will have to deal with a larger number of patients with more complex requirements. Catering to these patients is expensive and requires health systems for providing long-term focused and proactive care. To remain sustainable, healthcare systems need major transformational and structural changes.

The industry also needs a larger workforce because according to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally there is a shortfall of approximately 9.9 million nurses, physicians, and midwives. Apart from attracting, training, and retaining these healthcare professionals, you also have to ensure that their time and effort add value to patient care. Utilizing the solutions powered by modern technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry, will add perfection and more value to human efforts. 

AI in the healthcare industry has the potential required to transform and revolutionize healthcare by addressing the challenges in the industry mentioned earlier. AI can better the outcomes, improve efficiency, and augment productivity in healthcare delivery. This article takes an in-depth look at the impact of AI in healthcare.

 

Impact of AI in the Healthcare Industry

In the coming years, AI in the healthcare industry will improve the day-to-day life of healthcare practitioners, augment the patient experience, improve care delivery, and can even facilitate life-saving treatments and revolutionize the industry. Additionally, AI will improve population-health management, operations, and strengthen innovations.

According to Statista, the global AI healthcare market will increase to more than US$28 billion by 2025. Here is a detailed look into the areas where and how AI in the healthcare industry will be impactful.

 

Chronic Care Management

Chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, are the leading cause of disability and death in the US and the main drivers of the country’s annual health cost. Effectively managing various chronic diseases is an overarching and long-term process. But with the help of the right tool, healthcare providers can meet the needs of these patients without delay.

Artificial intelligence tools in the healthcare industry can help healthcare providers overcome the complexities of chronic disease management and make it more effective and provide quality treatment. AI in the healthcare industry is increasingly being leveraged by organizations to improve chronic disease management, enhance patient health, and drive down costs, which will also eventually result in data-driven and personalized care. AI in the healthcare industry is expected to move the industry toward proactive care delivery from a reactive one and lead the industry to provide more individualized treatments. This is just one of the ways AI in the medical industry is going to revolutionize chronic care management in hospitals.

 

Care Delivery

Artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry is changing the way care is delivered; it is expected to make healthcare more efficient, accurate, and accessible. Reducing costs and improving health outcomes are the values health systems and hospitals are trying to deliver to patients every day. Hospitals are increasingly incorporating technologies, which are powered by the use of AI in healthcare to meet the challenge.

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), AI in the healthcare industry has unlimited potential to solve most of the vexing challenges in the industry. They identify AI use cases in the healthcare industry in four broad areas, which are administrative, operational, financial, and clinical areas.

Administrative Use Cases for AI in the Healthcare Industry

• Admission procedures
• Appointment scheduling
• Customer service responses
• Discharge instructions
• Hiring and orientation protocols
• Licensure verification
• Patient check-in procedure
• Prior authorizations
• Quality measure reporting

Operational Use Cases of AI in the Healthcare Industry

• Inventory management
• Materials management
• Supply chain management
• Facilities management

Financial Use Cases for AI in the Healthcare Industry

• Billing and collections
• Claims management
• Insurance eligibility verification
• Revenue cycle management

Clinical Use Cases of AI in the Healthcare Industry

• Predictive technologies
• Interventional technologies

By incorporating and utilizing these scopes with AI in the healthcare industry, the industry can be transformed into a next-gen level in no time. It also allows healthcare practitioners to focus more on patients, which would eventually help in raising staff morale and improving retention.

 

Clinical Decision Support

Recent advancements in AI in the health industry are capable of enhancing the currently used clinical decision support (CDS) tools to have value-based imaging and to improve patient safety. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the synergy between CDS systems and AI in the healthcare industry will be able to:

• Reduce friction in radiology workflows
• Identify relevant imaging features easily
• Generate structured data to develop machine learning algorithms
• Enable an evolution toward decision support for a holistic patient perspective
• Suggest imaging examinations in complex clinical scenarios
• Assist in identifying appropriate imaging opportunities
• Suggest appropriate individualized screening
• Aid health practitioners to ensure continuity of care

AI in the healthcare industry is competent in making CDS a next-gen one, enhancing the experiences of radiologists and providers, and improving patient care.

 

Diagnostics

Slowly but surely, AI is improving almost every aspect of human life with innovations and advancements. The latest is that AI in the healthcare industry is impending a revolution in medical diagnostics by providing accurate risk assessments, accelerating disease detection, and boosting hospital productivity. By automatically prioritizing urgent cases and accelerating reading time, image recognition AI enhances the workflow of radiologists. It even helps in the prevention of diseases by the early detection of diseases.

In medical images such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, AI-driven software can efficiently be used to accurately spot signs of many diseases, especially in detecting many chronic diseases such as cancer.  According to the NIH, AI will be widely applied in the healthcare industry especially for various tasks such as patient engagement and adherence, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. So, there is no doubt that AI in healthcare will revolutionize the diagnostic process in the approaching years by detecting diseases, classifying diseases, and improving the decision-making process. The application of AI in the healthcare industry will make people live longer.

 

Triage and Diagnosis

AI can be effectively used to automatically triage cases. AI algorithms will analyze the cases and forward cases to pathologists after determining the priority based on the probability of cases according to the criteria set by labs. This makes the workflow of pathologists easier and efficient. Through the process the algorithm will be able to:

• Verify the digital images attached to the case belong to that case
• Validate the tests ordered and match the specimen type
• Identify cases marked as stat
• Determine the cases, which can be positive or are most likely to be negative

Moreover, AI technologies in the healthcare industry also can be effectively used to provide more accurate and faster diagnoses. This speeds up the entire process of triage and diagnosis and is expected to revolutionize the healthcare industry soon. 

 

The Future Outlook for AI in the Healthcare Industry

Over the next few years, AI in the healthcare industry has the best opportunities in hybrid models to support clinicians in diagnosis, identifying risk factors, and in treatment planning. This scope will result in faster adoption of AI technology in healthcare, which will show measurable improvements in operational efficiency and patient outcomes.

With a plethora of issues to overcome, which are driven by documented factors such as growing rates of chronic diseases and the aging population, it is obvious that the healthcare industry needs new innovative solutions. AI-powered solutions in the healthcare industry will achieve a clear impact on the global healthcare industry in a short time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Which is the best application of AI in the healthcare sector?

Cognitive surgical robotics is the best application of AI in the healthcare sector as it helps practitioners collect data from real surgical processes, which would help in improving existing surgical approaches. 

 

Why is artificial intelligence important in healthcare?

Artificial intelligence in healthcare is vital as it can help make decisions, analyze and manage data, and have conversations. So, AI will drastically change the everyday practices and roles of clinicians.

 

When was AI-first used in healthcare?

The term, Artificial intelligence (AI) was first described in 1950, but the limitations of the term prevented its acceptance. In the 2000s, these limitations were overcome and people started to accept the term.

 

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Top 15 EMR Conferences to Look Out for in 2023

Article | May 22, 2023

Electronic medical records (EMR) conferences are vital for professionals who wish to stay updated on latest healthcare innovations. Join industry experts to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. Contents 1. Significance of Global EMR Events 2. Best Electronic Medical Records Conferences in Healthcare 2.1 MedInfo 2023 2.2 e-Health 2023 Conference and Tradeshow 2.3 Digital Healthcare World Congress 2023 2.4 11th International Conference on Internal Medicine & Patient Care 2.5 openEHR Conference 2.6 Oracle Health Conference 2.7 Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp 2.8 The Healthcare Innovation Congress 2.9 Digital Health Transformation Summit 2023 2.10 World Medical Innovation Forum 2.11 Bits & Pretzels Healthtech 2.12 IHI Patient Safety Congress 2.13 Intelligent Health Conference 2023 2.14 HealthTech Innovation Days 2.15 Digital Health Innovation Summit 3. Wrapping Up 1. Significance of Global EMR Events Electronic medical records (EMR) are digital versions of patients’ medical information. These can be managed, accessed, and shared by authorized healthcare providers within a single healthcare organization. Staying informed with the latest updates on EMR conferences is crucial for healthcare providers, administrators, and IT professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining these systems. Attending these conferences offers the opportunity to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, network with experts, earn continuing education credits, and enhance professional development in the rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape. 2. Best Electronic Medical Records Conferences in Healthcare Explore the EMR conference schedule and highlights for the healthcare industry, featuring the best EMR conferences for medical professionals with a focus on digital health, electronic patient records, and other notable advancements. Attend these top events to stay informed and connect with industry experts: 2.1MedInfo 2023 July 8 to 12 | Sydney MedInfo, a health informatics event with the theme ‘The Future is Accessible’, will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC). The conference aims to explore digital healthcare beyond borders and will feature 700 keynote speakers addressing over 3,000 delegates from more than 50 countries. The event will cover a diverse range of topics, with particular emphasis on nursing and digital health. 2.2e-Health 2023 Conference and Tradeshow May 28 to 30 | Toronto e-Health, a premier event for Canadian digital health professionals, will be held at Beanfield Centre. Committed to making a difference in health and healthcare delivery, this annual conference & tradeshow has remained a vital epicenter of digital health discussion and debate since 2000, attracting a diverse line-up of in-demand speakers, expert panelists, presenters, and leading-edge exhibitors. Attendees can expect a wonderful platform to learn, connect, and engage with peers both nationally and globally, along with networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. 2.3 Digital Healthcare World Congress 2023 May 23-24 | London Digital Health World Congress 2023, slated to take place at Kensington Conference & Event Centre, will feature discussions on various medical and mobile technologies such as e-health, m-health, telehealth, telemedicine, genomics, biotech, life sciences, healthtech, genetics, pharma, and healthcare IT. This event will be crucial for healthcare professionals looking to gain insights into the latest developments in electronic medical records. 2.4 11th International Conference on Internal Medicine & Patient Care July 20-21 | Florida The conference aims to explore the latest developments and advancements in the field of internal medicine through the theme of ‘Current Research and Advances in Internal Medicine’. It will cover topics such as dermatology, cosmeceuticals, and laser treatments, with a significant scientific session on ‘Electronic Medical Record and Disease Management’. Attendees can take advantage of opportunities to present their research, learn about career development, and gain insights into the latest tools & technologies. The conference promotes collaboration among young researchers and offers a chance to interact with peers and established leaders globally. 2.5 openEHR Conference June 6 | Barcelona openEHR aims to bring together healthcare professionals, medical informatics experts, care providers, researchers, authorities, regulators, and service providers. The event's theme 'No time to waste: building the lifelong, patient-centric EHR,' emphasizes raising awareness about the current state of semantic interoperability in healthcare. The objective is to enable different healthcare systems and applications to share and utilize patient data seamlessly and accurately, irrespective of the technology used, to create patient-centric electronic records that can be accessed and used throughout a patient's lifetime. 2.6 Oracle Health Conference September 18-20 | Las Vegas Attend the Oracle Health Conference to discover how Oracle Health is revolutionizing healthcare technology. Formerly known as the Oracle Cerner Health Conference, this event features innovative product demos, education sessions on industry challenges, and networking opportunities with like-minded peers. Gain insights into how technology can improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical efficiency, and drive innovation in healthcare organizations. 2.7 Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp August 21-22 | Virtual The upcoming Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp invites attendees to gain valuable insights into biostatistical methods for analyzing EMR data. This intensive two-day program features seminars and hands-on analytical sessions, providing attendees with an overview of electronic health data opportunities, statistical challenges, and the latest techniques related to electronic medical records. The program aims to help attendees leverage electronic medical records for better healthcare outcomes. 2.8 The Healthcare Innovation Congress June 20 – 22, 2023 | Washington, DC The Healthcare Innovation Congress (thINc360), formerly known as The World Health Congress, aims to bring together executives from a wide range of healthcare sectors. Over the course of three days, the conference will offer tailored educational experiences specifically designed for executives representing healthcare professionals, health plans, and hospitals. 2.9 Digital Health Transformation Summit 2023 May 22-24 | Chicago This event aims to highlight how innovation is driving change across the healthcare industry, leading to gains in quality, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. The panel of Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Innovators will discuss the latest innovative projects, products, and developments in healthcare, including the use of AI to leverage the abundance of patient data from EHRs and digital tools for improved diagnoses, treatments, and disease prevention. 2.10 World Medical Innovation Forum June 12-14 | Boston World Medical Innovation Forum (WMIF) is a global event that brings together leaders in healthcare investment, technology, manufacturing, and regulation at Westin Boston Seaport District. The forum, presented by Mass General Brigham and Bank of America, aims to advance patient-benefitting technologies by exploring the promise of new patient care and addressing the challenges to their development and investment. The ultimate goal is to find solutions to medical, operational, and economic challenges to benefit patients, providers, and healthcare organizations at the earliest feasible time. 2.11 Bits & Pretzels Healthtech June 20-21 | Munich he conference will focus on technology-driven healthcare innovation and its potential to enhance patient outcomes. The conference will explore the patient journey from prevention to aftercare, with a focus on technology's role in driving innovation. Attendees will examine how new technologies such as AI, bio 2.0, and IoT ingestible can improve healthcare delivery. 2.12 IHI Patient Safety Congress May 22-24 | Maryland Organized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the event, which will take place at National Harbor, aims to bring individuals together who are passionate about ensuring safe and equitable care for patients in all settings, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, and homes. It will feature engaging speakers who will share their vision for smarter, safer care, and attendees will have access to practical workshops, which will provide real-world insights that can be implemented within their organizations. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in shaping the future of patient safety. 2.13 Intelligent Health Conference 2023 June 14 | Pilestredet The Intelligent Health Conference 2023 is an event organized by Intelligent Health Initiative at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University to provide an update on the latest developments & research in the field of digital health. The event will bring together experts & researchers in the field to discuss the use of digital technologies such as AI and wearable devices for improved health services. The conference will focus on various technologies that are becoming an integrated part of daily life, including mobile health and applications, electronic medical records, and telehealth as well as telemedicine. 2.14 HealthTech Innovation Days October 24-25 | Paris October 27 | Virtual The fifth edition of HealthTech Innovation Days (HTID) event, organized by the non-profit organization HealthTech Care and initiated by France Biotech, aims to facilitate faster delivery of innovative products to patients by providing a platform for European life sciences stakeholders. The HTID event provides various activities to facilitate the progress of innovation, such as the chance to engage with knowledgeable professionals, participate in panel discussions led by experts from around the world, and obtain valuable insights into critical subjects. 2.15 Digital Health Innovation Summit June 6-7, 2023 | California The 23rd rebranded edition of Digital Health Innovation Summit, organized by World BI, will take place at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Embarcadero Waterfront Hotel. The event aims to provide a unique opportunity for professionals in the pharma, healthcare, and medtech industries to connect with thought leaders, explore the latest trends in digital health technologies & advancements in electronic medical records, and gain valuable insights to enhance patient care. With the participation of clinicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, biomedical engineers, patient advocates, and top technology providers, this summit will serve as a crucial gathering for professionals driving innovation in healthcare. 3. Wrapping Up Participating in electronic medical records conferences can facilitate professional development, accrue continuing education credits, and help individuals stay abreast of the rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape. EMR conferences frequently offer focused conference tracks or sessions dedicated to various EMR-related topics such as implementation, data analytics, interoperability, privacy and security, and patient engagement. Participating in these specialized tracks can provide attendees with a more targeted and comprehensive learning experience, and can contribute significantly to improving the quality of healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and driving innovation in the healthcare industry.

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HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

Boost Your Lab's Efficiency with LIMS Software

Article | December 8, 2022

Contents 1. Getting Started with LIMS Software 2. Benefits of Incorporating LIMS Software into Lab Management 3. LIMS Software Classification 4. Selecting the Right LIMS Software: A Comparison of Variants 5. How LIMS Software Revolutionized Laboratory Management 6. Future Scope 1. Getting Started with LIMS Software Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software automates laboratory operations, improves productivity, and ensures the accuracy as well as reliability of laboratory data. It can be implemented in clinical laboratories, research & development labs, and environmental testing labs and tailored to meet specific needs. LIMS software seamlessly integrates with other laboratory systems, such as electronic lab notebooks and scientific data management systems. LIMS class software enables storing and managing all information in one place, improving day-to-day work. Yet, research reveals that still 40% of industry leaders 'had not embarked on applying digital to research and development or quality control labs'. (Source: Accenture) 2. Benefits of Incorporating LIMS Software into Lab Management By implementing LIMS software, laboratories can significantly reduce time spent locating samples and records, entering data, and generating reports. LIMS software also offers additional advantages when integrated into laboratory management, such as 1. Optimizing: LIMS automates laboratory processes, allowing for a paperless environment and increased productivity. It also ensures accurate test results by preventing the use of outdated instruments. 2. Automating: LIMS facilitates the input of essential sample information, including its source, date, time, and location of the collection as well as processing data. 3. Compliant: LIMS helps labs follow FDA regulations by creating an audit trail that tracks all activities, including record creation, modification, and deletion. It also enables electronic signatures to authenticate key activities and keep data secure and traceable. 4. Collaborative: LIMS streamlines inter-laboratory collaboration through the option to share data access. This allows lab technicians from disparate laboratories to be seamlessly assigned to different projects and obtain the required information without disruption. 5. Security: LIMS systems offer various mechanisms for managing user access, such as an in-built user management system with a unique username and password, integration with LDAP or Active Directory for user authentication, and access through an Identity Server. 3. LIMS Software Classification Laboratory Information Management System software can be classified based on several criteria, including functionality, deployment model, industry focus, and the laboratory's needs. Here is a list of critical features that can be considered while classifying LIMS software: 1. Functionality: Different LIMS software may have varying functionality, including sample tracking, data management, instrument integration, quality control, workflow management, and reporting. 2. Deployment Model: LIMS software can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. On-premises deployment means that the software is installed and run on the laboratory's own servers, while cloud-based deployment means that the software is hosted and maintained by a third-party provider. 3. Industry Focus: LIMS software can be designed for specific industries or applications, such as pharmaceutical research, clinical laboratories, food and beverage testing, environmental testing, and more. 4. Open-Source vs. Proprietary: LIMS software can also be classified as either open-source or proprietary. Open-source software is freely available and can be modified by users, while a company owns proprietary software and requires a license to use it. 5. Scalability: The size of the laboratory and the number of users accessing the LIMS software can also be a factor in classification. Some LIMS software may be more scalable, allowing for easy expansion as the laboratory grows. 6. Integration Capabilities: LIMS software can also be classified based on its ability to integrate with other software or instruments. Some LIMS software may be more flexible and have better integration capabilities than others, allowing for seamless data exchange between different systems. 4. Selecting the Right LIMS Software: A Comparison of Variants While selecting the most appropriate LIMS variant, the wide range of available options can pose a challenge for laboratory decision-makers. To aid in this selection process, a comprehensive comparative analysis of LIMS variants is presented below: 1. Lab managers can adopt an objective approach for evaluating and comparing different LIMS solutions by creating a grading rubric. This involves designing a table with separate columns for each LIMS vendor and rows listing the desired features as well as functionalities. To provide a more comprehensive evaluation, advanced rubrics may include rating each functionality on a particular LIMS using a scale of 1 to 5. 2. Next, it is crucial to review how LIMS solutions are structured and stored. This includes determining whether the solution is on-premise or cloud-based, either as a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) or software-as-a-service (SaaS). For optimal flexibility in the laboratory's computing structure, choosing a vendor that offers LIMS as a comprehensive solution is advantageous. 3. Data access must be controlled by using unique user IDs and passwords. Furthermore, data security standards such as HIPAA compliance and SSL encryption will likely be mandatory across many laboratory industries. It is thus imperative to carefully consider and ensure the security features of any potential LIMS solution. 4. To assess the level of support that can be expected with a particular LIMS, one effective method is to directly inquire with the software vendor about outages, response time, and plans of action to address any glitches preemptively. Managing expectations around the LIMS requires asking about the frequency of LIMS updates, including how often the platform is updated, how updates are announced and deployed, and the expected duration of any update-related outages. 5. While selecting a LIMS solution, laboratories must establish a target go-live date, especially when implementing the system in response to, or preparation for, an audit. Software vendors should provide a deployment and implementation timeline, which can be used to compare with the laboratory's objectives and goals. This helps to ensure that the LIMS solution is implemented in a timely and efficient manner. 5. How LIMS Software Revolutionized Laboratory Management LIMS software has fundamentally revolutionized the laboratory management system in several ways. Before the advent of LIMS, laboratory operations were often paper-based and highly manual, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and inconsistencies. However, with the implementation of LIMS, laboratories have become more efficient, accurate, and compliant. LIMS has also improved laboratory productivity, allowing scientists to focus on higher-value tasks like data analysis and interpretation. It has enabled collaboration between different laboratories, facilitating communication and knowledge sharing between scientists, researchers, and analysts, and is also leading to more significant innovation and progress in the field of science and research. 6. Future Scope The future scope of Laboratory Information Management System software is promising as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of laboratory management. Potential developments include integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, cloud-based solutions for scalability and accessibility, IoT integration for automation and safety, enhanced data analytics for improved decision-making, and mobile applications for on-the-go access. Moreover, with SaaS LIMS, there are no license costs, minimal installation fees, and no need for in-house servers or databanks, resulting in reduced IT maintenance costs for hardware and software.

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DIGITAL HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL DEVICES

The Top Wellness Programs Most Employees Prefer: Weight Management, Smoking Cessation, and Mental Health

Article | May 17, 2023

It’s no secret that the working world has changed these past few years, but employees have also undergone a lot of personal transformation due to these shifts. Struggles with health, home life, or personal issues can make it hard for them to work. Burnout is increasing worldwide, with 40% of desk-job workers feeling mentally distanced from work, depleted of energy, and increased negativity. Younger workers are already becoming drained by work life, which could spell trouble for future generations of employees. Despite these challenges, the workplace is the best place to help staff improve their wellness, especially since they spend most of their time working or in the office. Wellness programs can be implemented to help employees feel rejuvenated and respected, which will boost their performance at work. Here are some examples of programs your workers might enjoy Weight Management Programs The idea of a weight management program at work may seem like something employees could be offended by, but it can help workers build healthy habits and assess their lifestyle to help them achieve better health. Employees can learn to manage their diet better, leading to weight loss and a lowered risk of certain health conditions. These programs can also identify the need for medical weight loss strategies. For employees struggling with pre-obesity—a complex disease influenced by several factors often out of an individual’s control—personalized lifestyle changes and FDA-approved medications can be recommended. With chronic weight issues, doctors can prescribe medications that can help produce an average of 15% weight loss, especially when individual biology makes doing so harder. Employees can look for the help they need for wellness and weight loss, which can help them feel cared for by the company. When workers are at their peak physically, they can enjoy a healthier lifestyle and will be more efficient at work. Quit Smoking Programs Smoking is usually a means for employees to reduce stress, but it can greatly impact their personal and professional lives. Smokers tend to be more absent or disengaged at work than non-smokers. Presenteeism at work is also associated with heavy smoking. Employees coming to work despite health issues can lead to subpar performances. This can cost workplaces a lot of money in lost productivity, and workers will also suffer from health consequences. Smoking cessation programs can help employees reduce their tobacco consumption and quit smoking for better health and productivity. These programs can include counseling, suggesting smoking cessation products or nicotine replacement therapy, or other initiatives tailored to individuals. Your staff may need more motivation when trying to quit, so having more support and a community to confide in can help. Mental Health Programs Mental health in the workplace was largely ignored for many years, as many saw it as a personal issue. However, work can contribute significantly to employees’ mental health problems or exacerbate mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Improving these conditions is vital to improving many aspects of life for employees. Workers will better enjoy work and perform well when they know they’re being supported. Mental health is also paramount to sustainable development and plays a significant role in transforming the world as a whole. Treating and monitoring mental wellness should be prioritized at work and beyond. Though companies may not have the means to properly diagnose or treat workers’ mental illnesses, mental health programs can help give employees and managers the education and resources to help improve mental wellness. Education and training on mental health can aid people in spotting issues and having them addressed or equip people with the ability to provide proper support or encouragement. These programs can also help the business take the initiative and offer other resources to improve mental health. That can be through mental health sick leaves, adding napping or gaming areas to the office, or offering mental health apps or counseling in benefits packages. When your staff is appreciated and taken care of, it’ll improve their overall well-being and life at work and home.

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DIGITAL HEALTHCARE

Ways to Drive Practice Revenue and Reduce Your Accounts Receivable

Article | March 29, 2023

Managing accounts receivable (A/R) in private practice is a constant battle for physicians. Though most understand that lowering their A/R is critical for improving their practices’ efficiency and profitability, physicians often do not know how to address issues like lengthy collection periods and insurance claim denials. It can be complex to manage A/R, as doing so involves various parties, including insurance carriers, the patient, the front office and billing staff, and the provider. All must work together to achieve a clean claims rate and avoid denials. The best way to improve medical billing A/R is to reduce claim denials and speed up the patient collections process. In addition, you’ll need to ensure that patients and staff are filling out paperwork correctly and submitting claims on time. Other areas to manage are the follow-ups to correct errors and past-due accounts. Accounts receivable is a collaborative effort Each member of the practice staff plays an integral role in reducing claims denial rates. Take an all-hands-on-deck approach in order to identify issues and develop solutions. Start by making every team member privy to the A/R management process. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and involved. It will also help to increase efficiency, avoid redundancies, and eliminate mistakes that could waste time or profitability. The front office staff is the front line of A/R. They are the first to verify and update patients’ insurance and personal details like address and contact information. They must also ensure that patients sign certain documents, like financial policies. Providers are the next line of A/R. Providers select current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, and must be mindful of tedious details such as bundling correctly in order to ensure that claims are approved. A conscientious provider should not only select appropriate billing codes but also double-check the patient information that the front office staff provide. The billing office is a final line of defense and should triple check that the patient’s information and the CPT codes are correct. Billing office staff are also responsible for ensuring the claims are submitted on time and that duplicates are not submitted. Establish financial policies Every practice needs clearly defined financial policies around patients or clients. Having these policies in place helps to clarify financial details and creates workflows and processes for staff to follow. Here are a few elements to consider: State whether the practice will accept personal checks and, if so, what charges or actions are in place for bounced checks. Consider implementing technologies that convert paper checks to electronic transactions and verify them before patients leave the office. Include a financial responsibilities section with information about who is responsible for the claim(s) if a patient’s insurance carrier partially or fully denies their claim. Define the debt collection process. Patients should quickly know how long they have to pay their bills and at what point you may sell their debt to a third-party debt collectors agency. Medical records can be copious, and practices often need to make physical copies of them. Consider implementing a policy that covers a pay-per-page cost associated with medical records. Automate patient statements and payments Offer different payment options for patients by implementing technologies and creative solutions that make it easier for them to pay their bills. Look for solutions that reduce manual work and provide reporting that tracks efficacy across delivery modes. Here are a few approaches to consider: Automate sending statements via text message or email to help improve the rate of online payments. Add QR codes to online and paper statements to help patients quickly access payment portals. Offer payment plans, especially with low to no interest, to make it easier for patients to pay down balances. Establish a written collections process Not collecting patient payments at the time of service is the biggest challenge to patient collections. Establishing a written collections process can help to alleviate that pain point and clarify the practice’s policies and procedures so that patients can understand them more clearly and easily. Here are some guidelines to follow when creating your policies: Include when, how, and how often bills are sent. Provide information on payment plans and assistance programs, if available. Explain the different available payment options and whether patients can pay over the phone, online through a payment portal, etc. Clarify which extraordinary collection actions may be used, including selling the debt or taking legal action. One of the most important processes to develop with collections is to respond to patients’ behavior. Communication should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Patients expect personalization, and reaching out to them based on their preferred means of communication leads to optimal results. Perseverance is vital when it comes to collections. By establishing clear policies and implementing integrated technology throughout your processes, you can improve the patient experience by eliminating confusion while streamlining workflow to reduce the administrative burden on billing and administrative staff. Although implementing these steps can help your practice lower your accounts receivables, sometimes choosing to outsource to a medical billing company can help you save time, money, and resources. Medical billing companies can provide medical practices with specialized expertise, technology, and infrastructure to efficiently manage the revenue cycle and ensure timely payments. Outsourcing medical billing can also free up staff time and resources, allowing healthcare providers to focus on patient care and other essential aspects of running their practice. Whether you choose to outsource or to keep your medical billing in-house, these tips will help you to reduce your costs and increase your revenue.

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HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, MEDICAL DEVICES

Maximizing Efficiency in Hospital Management Systems with EMRs

Article | May 22, 2023

Electronic medical records (EMR) conferences are vital for professionals who wish to stay updated on latest healthcare innovations. Join industry experts to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. Contents 1. Significance of Global EMR Events 2. Best Electronic Medical Records Conferences in Healthcare 2.1 MedInfo 2023 2.2 e-Health 2023 Conference and Tradeshow 2.3 Digital Healthcare World Congress 2023 2.4 11th International Conference on Internal Medicine & Patient Care 2.5 openEHR Conference 2.6 Oracle Health Conference 2.7 Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp 2.8 The Healthcare Innovation Congress 2.9 Digital Health Transformation Summit 2023 2.10 World Medical Innovation Forum 2.11 Bits & Pretzels Healthtech 2.12 IHI Patient Safety Congress 2.13 Intelligent Health Conference 2023 2.14 HealthTech Innovation Days 2.15 Digital Health Innovation Summit 3. Wrapping Up 1. Significance of Global EMR Events Electronic medical records (EMR) are digital versions of patients’ medical information. These can be managed, accessed, and shared by authorized healthcare providers within a single healthcare organization. Staying informed with the latest updates on EMR conferences is crucial for healthcare providers, administrators, and IT professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining these systems. Attending these conferences offers the opportunity to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, network with experts, earn continuing education credits, and enhance professional development in the rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape. 2. Best Electronic Medical Records Conferences in Healthcare Explore the EMR conference schedule and highlights for the healthcare industry, featuring the best EMR conferences for medical professionals with a focus on digital health, electronic patient records, and other notable advancements. Attend these top events to stay informed and connect with industry experts: 2.1MedInfo 2023 July 8 to 12 | Sydney MedInfo, a health informatics event with the theme ‘The Future is Accessible’, will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC). The conference aims to explore digital healthcare beyond borders and will feature 700 keynote speakers addressing over 3,000 delegates from more than 50 countries. The event will cover a diverse range of topics, with particular emphasis on nursing and digital health. 2.2e-Health 2023 Conference and Tradeshow May 28 to 30 | Toronto e-Health, a premier event for Canadian digital health professionals, will be held at Beanfield Centre. Committed to making a difference in health and healthcare delivery, this annual conference & tradeshow has remained a vital epicenter of digital health discussion and debate since 2000, attracting a diverse line-up of in-demand speakers, expert panelists, presenters, and leading-edge exhibitors. Attendees can expect a wonderful platform to learn, connect, and engage with peers both nationally and globally, along with networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. 2.3 Digital Healthcare World Congress 2023 May 23-24 | London Digital Health World Congress 2023, slated to take place at Kensington Conference & Event Centre, will feature discussions on various medical and mobile technologies such as e-health, m-health, telehealth, telemedicine, genomics, biotech, life sciences, healthtech, genetics, pharma, and healthcare IT. This event will be crucial for healthcare professionals looking to gain insights into the latest developments in electronic medical records. 2.4 11th International Conference on Internal Medicine & Patient Care July 20-21 | Florida The conference aims to explore the latest developments and advancements in the field of internal medicine through the theme of ‘Current Research and Advances in Internal Medicine’. It will cover topics such as dermatology, cosmeceuticals, and laser treatments, with a significant scientific session on ‘Electronic Medical Record and Disease Management’. Attendees can take advantage of opportunities to present their research, learn about career development, and gain insights into the latest tools & technologies. The conference promotes collaboration among young researchers and offers a chance to interact with peers and established leaders globally. 2.5 openEHR Conference June 6 | Barcelona openEHR aims to bring together healthcare professionals, medical informatics experts, care providers, researchers, authorities, regulators, and service providers. The event's theme 'No time to waste: building the lifelong, patient-centric EHR,' emphasizes raising awareness about the current state of semantic interoperability in healthcare. The objective is to enable different healthcare systems and applications to share and utilize patient data seamlessly and accurately, irrespective of the technology used, to create patient-centric electronic records that can be accessed and used throughout a patient's lifetime. 2.6 Oracle Health Conference September 18-20 | Las Vegas Attend the Oracle Health Conference to discover how Oracle Health is revolutionizing healthcare technology. Formerly known as the Oracle Cerner Health Conference, this event features innovative product demos, education sessions on industry challenges, and networking opportunities with like-minded peers. Gain insights into how technology can improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical efficiency, and drive innovation in healthcare organizations. 2.7 Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp August 21-22 | Virtual The upcoming Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp invites attendees to gain valuable insights into biostatistical methods for analyzing EMR data. This intensive two-day program features seminars and hands-on analytical sessions, providing attendees with an overview of electronic health data opportunities, statistical challenges, and the latest techniques related to electronic medical records. The program aims to help attendees leverage electronic medical records for better healthcare outcomes. 2.8 The Healthcare Innovation Congress June 20 – 22, 2023 | Washington, DC The Healthcare Innovation Congress (thINc360), formerly known as The World Health Congress, aims to bring together executives from a wide range of healthcare sectors. Over the course of three days, the conference will offer tailored educational experiences specifically designed for executives representing healthcare professionals, health plans, and hospitals. 2.9 Digital Health Transformation Summit 2023 May 22-24 | Chicago This event aims to highlight how innovation is driving change across the healthcare industry, leading to gains in quality, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. The panel of Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Innovators will discuss the latest innovative projects, products, and developments in healthcare, including the use of AI to leverage the abundance of patient data from EHRs and digital tools for improved diagnoses, treatments, and disease prevention. 2.10 World Medical Innovation Forum June 12-14 | Boston World Medical Innovation Forum (WMIF) is a global event that brings together leaders in healthcare investment, technology, manufacturing, and regulation at Westin Boston Seaport District. The forum, presented by Mass General Brigham and Bank of America, aims to advance patient-benefitting technologies by exploring the promise of new patient care and addressing the challenges to their development and investment. The ultimate goal is to find solutions to medical, operational, and economic challenges to benefit patients, providers, and healthcare organizations at the earliest feasible time. 2.11 Bits & Pretzels Healthtech June 20-21 | Munich he conference will focus on technology-driven healthcare innovation and its potential to enhance patient outcomes. The conference will explore the patient journey from prevention to aftercare, with a focus on technology's role in driving innovation. Attendees will examine how new technologies such as AI, bio 2.0, and IoT ingestible can improve healthcare delivery. 2.12 IHI Patient Safety Congress May 22-24 | Maryland Organized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the event, which will take place at National Harbor, aims to bring individuals together who are passionate about ensuring safe and equitable care for patients in all settings, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, and homes. It will feature engaging speakers who will share their vision for smarter, safer care, and attendees will have access to practical workshops, which will provide real-world insights that can be implemented within their organizations. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in shaping the future of patient safety. 2.13 Intelligent Health Conference 2023 June 14 | Pilestredet The Intelligent Health Conference 2023 is an event organized by Intelligent Health Initiative at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University to provide an update on the latest developments & research in the field of digital health. The event will bring together experts & researchers in the field to discuss the use of digital technologies such as AI and wearable devices for improved health services. The conference will focus on various technologies that are becoming an integrated part of daily life, including mobile health and applications, electronic medical records, and telehealth as well as telemedicine. 2.14 HealthTech Innovation Days October 24-25 | Paris October 27 | Virtual The fifth edition of HealthTech Innovation Days (HTID) event, organized by the non-profit organization HealthTech Care and initiated by France Biotech, aims to facilitate faster delivery of innovative products to patients by providing a platform for European life sciences stakeholders. The HTID event provides various activities to facilitate the progress of innovation, such as the chance to engage with knowledgeable professionals, participate in panel discussions led by experts from around the world, and obtain valuable insights into critical subjects. 2.15 Digital Health Innovation Summit June 6-7, 2023 | California The 23rd rebranded edition of Digital Health Innovation Summit, organized by World BI, will take place at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Embarcadero Waterfront Hotel. The event aims to provide a unique opportunity for professionals in the pharma, healthcare, and medtech industries to connect with thought leaders, explore the latest trends in digital health technologies & advancements in electronic medical records, and gain valuable insights to enhance patient care. With the participation of clinicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, biomedical engineers, patient advocates, and top technology providers, this summit will serve as a crucial gathering for professionals driving innovation in healthcare. 3. Wrapping Up Participating in electronic medical records conferences can facilitate professional development, accrue continuing education credits, and help individuals stay abreast of the rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape. EMR conferences frequently offer focused conference tracks or sessions dedicated to various EMR-related topics such as implementation, data analytics, interoperability, privacy and security, and patient engagement. Participating in these specialized tracks can provide attendees with a more targeted and comprehensive learning experience, and can contribute significantly to improving the quality of healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and driving innovation in the healthcare industry.

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HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

Components and Relevance of EHRs in Rural Hospitals

Article | December 8, 2022

Contents 1. Getting Started with LIMS Software 2. Benefits of Incorporating LIMS Software into Lab Management 3. LIMS Software Classification 4. Selecting the Right LIMS Software: A Comparison of Variants 5. How LIMS Software Revolutionized Laboratory Management 6. Future Scope 1. Getting Started with LIMS Software Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software automates laboratory operations, improves productivity, and ensures the accuracy as well as reliability of laboratory data. It can be implemented in clinical laboratories, research & development labs, and environmental testing labs and tailored to meet specific needs. LIMS software seamlessly integrates with other laboratory systems, such as electronic lab notebooks and scientific data management systems. LIMS class software enables storing and managing all information in one place, improving day-to-day work. Yet, research reveals that still 40% of industry leaders 'had not embarked on applying digital to research and development or quality control labs'. (Source: Accenture) 2. Benefits of Incorporating LIMS Software into Lab Management By implementing LIMS software, laboratories can significantly reduce time spent locating samples and records, entering data, and generating reports. LIMS software also offers additional advantages when integrated into laboratory management, such as 1. Optimizing: LIMS automates laboratory processes, allowing for a paperless environment and increased productivity. It also ensures accurate test results by preventing the use of outdated instruments. 2. Automating: LIMS facilitates the input of essential sample information, including its source, date, time, and location of the collection as well as processing data. 3. Compliant: LIMS helps labs follow FDA regulations by creating an audit trail that tracks all activities, including record creation, modification, and deletion. It also enables electronic signatures to authenticate key activities and keep data secure and traceable. 4. Collaborative: LIMS streamlines inter-laboratory collaboration through the option to share data access. This allows lab technicians from disparate laboratories to be seamlessly assigned to different projects and obtain the required information without disruption. 5. Security: LIMS systems offer various mechanisms for managing user access, such as an in-built user management system with a unique username and password, integration with LDAP or Active Directory for user authentication, and access through an Identity Server. 3. LIMS Software Classification Laboratory Information Management System software can be classified based on several criteria, including functionality, deployment model, industry focus, and the laboratory's needs. Here is a list of critical features that can be considered while classifying LIMS software: 1. Functionality: Different LIMS software may have varying functionality, including sample tracking, data management, instrument integration, quality control, workflow management, and reporting. 2. Deployment Model: LIMS software can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. On-premises deployment means that the software is installed and run on the laboratory's own servers, while cloud-based deployment means that the software is hosted and maintained by a third-party provider. 3. Industry Focus: LIMS software can be designed for specific industries or applications, such as pharmaceutical research, clinical laboratories, food and beverage testing, environmental testing, and more. 4. Open-Source vs. Proprietary: LIMS software can also be classified as either open-source or proprietary. Open-source software is freely available and can be modified by users, while a company owns proprietary software and requires a license to use it. 5. Scalability: The size of the laboratory and the number of users accessing the LIMS software can also be a factor in classification. Some LIMS software may be more scalable, allowing for easy expansion as the laboratory grows. 6. Integration Capabilities: LIMS software can also be classified based on its ability to integrate with other software or instruments. Some LIMS software may be more flexible and have better integration capabilities than others, allowing for seamless data exchange between different systems. 4. Selecting the Right LIMS Software: A Comparison of Variants While selecting the most appropriate LIMS variant, the wide range of available options can pose a challenge for laboratory decision-makers. To aid in this selection process, a comprehensive comparative analysis of LIMS variants is presented below: 1. Lab managers can adopt an objective approach for evaluating and comparing different LIMS solutions by creating a grading rubric. This involves designing a table with separate columns for each LIMS vendor and rows listing the desired features as well as functionalities. To provide a more comprehensive evaluation, advanced rubrics may include rating each functionality on a particular LIMS using a scale of 1 to 5. 2. Next, it is crucial to review how LIMS solutions are structured and stored. This includes determining whether the solution is on-premise or cloud-based, either as a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) or software-as-a-service (SaaS). For optimal flexibility in the laboratory's computing structure, choosing a vendor that offers LIMS as a comprehensive solution is advantageous. 3. Data access must be controlled by using unique user IDs and passwords. Furthermore, data security standards such as HIPAA compliance and SSL encryption will likely be mandatory across many laboratory industries. It is thus imperative to carefully consider and ensure the security features of any potential LIMS solution. 4. To assess the level of support that can be expected with a particular LIMS, one effective method is to directly inquire with the software vendor about outages, response time, and plans of action to address any glitches preemptively. Managing expectations around the LIMS requires asking about the frequency of LIMS updates, including how often the platform is updated, how updates are announced and deployed, and the expected duration of any update-related outages. 5. While selecting a LIMS solution, laboratories must establish a target go-live date, especially when implementing the system in response to, or preparation for, an audit. Software vendors should provide a deployment and implementation timeline, which can be used to compare with the laboratory's objectives and goals. This helps to ensure that the LIMS solution is implemented in a timely and efficient manner. 5. How LIMS Software Revolutionized Laboratory Management LIMS software has fundamentally revolutionized the laboratory management system in several ways. Before the advent of LIMS, laboratory operations were often paper-based and highly manual, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and inconsistencies. However, with the implementation of LIMS, laboratories have become more efficient, accurate, and compliant. LIMS has also improved laboratory productivity, allowing scientists to focus on higher-value tasks like data analysis and interpretation. It has enabled collaboration between different laboratories, facilitating communication and knowledge sharing between scientists, researchers, and analysts, and is also leading to more significant innovation and progress in the field of science and research. 6. Future Scope The future scope of Laboratory Information Management System software is promising as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of laboratory management. Potential developments include integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, cloud-based solutions for scalability and accessibility, IoT integration for automation and safety, enhanced data analytics for improved decision-making, and mobile applications for on-the-go access. Moreover, with SaaS LIMS, there are no license costs, minimal installation fees, and no need for in-house servers or databanks, resulting in reduced IT maintenance costs for hardware and software.

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DIGITAL HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL DEVICES

Top 15 EMR Conferences to Look Out for in 2023

Article | May 17, 2023

It’s no secret that the working world has changed these past few years, but employees have also undergone a lot of personal transformation due to these shifts. Struggles with health, home life, or personal issues can make it hard for them to work. Burnout is increasing worldwide, with 40% of desk-job workers feeling mentally distanced from work, depleted of energy, and increased negativity. Younger workers are already becoming drained by work life, which could spell trouble for future generations of employees. Despite these challenges, the workplace is the best place to help staff improve their wellness, especially since they spend most of their time working or in the office. Wellness programs can be implemented to help employees feel rejuvenated and respected, which will boost their performance at work. Here are some examples of programs your workers might enjoy Weight Management Programs The idea of a weight management program at work may seem like something employees could be offended by, but it can help workers build healthy habits and assess their lifestyle to help them achieve better health. Employees can learn to manage their diet better, leading to weight loss and a lowered risk of certain health conditions. These programs can also identify the need for medical weight loss strategies. For employees struggling with pre-obesity—a complex disease influenced by several factors often out of an individual’s control—personalized lifestyle changes and FDA-approved medications can be recommended. With chronic weight issues, doctors can prescribe medications that can help produce an average of 15% weight loss, especially when individual biology makes doing so harder. Employees can look for the help they need for wellness and weight loss, which can help them feel cared for by the company. When workers are at their peak physically, they can enjoy a healthier lifestyle and will be more efficient at work. Quit Smoking Programs Smoking is usually a means for employees to reduce stress, but it can greatly impact their personal and professional lives. Smokers tend to be more absent or disengaged at work than non-smokers. Presenteeism at work is also associated with heavy smoking. Employees coming to work despite health issues can lead to subpar performances. This can cost workplaces a lot of money in lost productivity, and workers will also suffer from health consequences. Smoking cessation programs can help employees reduce their tobacco consumption and quit smoking for better health and productivity. These programs can include counseling, suggesting smoking cessation products or nicotine replacement therapy, or other initiatives tailored to individuals. Your staff may need more motivation when trying to quit, so having more support and a community to confide in can help. Mental Health Programs Mental health in the workplace was largely ignored for many years, as many saw it as a personal issue. However, work can contribute significantly to employees’ mental health problems or exacerbate mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Improving these conditions is vital to improving many aspects of life for employees. Workers will better enjoy work and perform well when they know they’re being supported. Mental health is also paramount to sustainable development and plays a significant role in transforming the world as a whole. Treating and monitoring mental wellness should be prioritized at work and beyond. Though companies may not have the means to properly diagnose or treat workers’ mental illnesses, mental health programs can help give employees and managers the education and resources to help improve mental wellness. Education and training on mental health can aid people in spotting issues and having them addressed or equip people with the ability to provide proper support or encouragement. These programs can also help the business take the initiative and offer other resources to improve mental health. That can be through mental health sick leaves, adding napping or gaming areas to the office, or offering mental health apps or counseling in benefits packages. When your staff is appreciated and taken care of, it’ll improve their overall well-being and life at work and home.

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DIGITAL HEALTHCARE

Ways to Drive Practice Revenue and Reduce Your Accounts Receivable

Article | March 29, 2023

Managing accounts receivable (A/R) in private practice is a constant battle for physicians. Though most understand that lowering their A/R is critical for improving their practices’ efficiency and profitability, physicians often do not know how to address issues like lengthy collection periods and insurance claim denials. It can be complex to manage A/R, as doing so involves various parties, including insurance carriers, the patient, the front office and billing staff, and the provider. All must work together to achieve a clean claims rate and avoid denials. The best way to improve medical billing A/R is to reduce claim denials and speed up the patient collections process. In addition, you’ll need to ensure that patients and staff are filling out paperwork correctly and submitting claims on time. Other areas to manage are the follow-ups to correct errors and past-due accounts. Accounts receivable is a collaborative effort Each member of the practice staff plays an integral role in reducing claims denial rates. Take an all-hands-on-deck approach in order to identify issues and develop solutions. Start by making every team member privy to the A/R management process. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and involved. It will also help to increase efficiency, avoid redundancies, and eliminate mistakes that could waste time or profitability. The front office staff is the front line of A/R. They are the first to verify and update patients’ insurance and personal details like address and contact information. They must also ensure that patients sign certain documents, like financial policies. Providers are the next line of A/R. Providers select current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, and must be mindful of tedious details such as bundling correctly in order to ensure that claims are approved. A conscientious provider should not only select appropriate billing codes but also double-check the patient information that the front office staff provide. The billing office is a final line of defense and should triple check that the patient’s information and the CPT codes are correct. Billing office staff are also responsible for ensuring the claims are submitted on time and that duplicates are not submitted. Establish financial policies Every practice needs clearly defined financial policies around patients or clients. Having these policies in place helps to clarify financial details and creates workflows and processes for staff to follow. Here are a few elements to consider: State whether the practice will accept personal checks and, if so, what charges or actions are in place for bounced checks. Consider implementing technologies that convert paper checks to electronic transactions and verify them before patients leave the office. Include a financial responsibilities section with information about who is responsible for the claim(s) if a patient’s insurance carrier partially or fully denies their claim. Define the debt collection process. Patients should quickly know how long they have to pay their bills and at what point you may sell their debt to a third-party debt collectors agency. Medical records can be copious, and practices often need to make physical copies of them. Consider implementing a policy that covers a pay-per-page cost associated with medical records. Automate patient statements and payments Offer different payment options for patients by implementing technologies and creative solutions that make it easier for them to pay their bills. Look for solutions that reduce manual work and provide reporting that tracks efficacy across delivery modes. Here are a few approaches to consider: Automate sending statements via text message or email to help improve the rate of online payments. Add QR codes to online and paper statements to help patients quickly access payment portals. Offer payment plans, especially with low to no interest, to make it easier for patients to pay down balances. Establish a written collections process Not collecting patient payments at the time of service is the biggest challenge to patient collections. Establishing a written collections process can help to alleviate that pain point and clarify the practice’s policies and procedures so that patients can understand them more clearly and easily. Here are some guidelines to follow when creating your policies: Include when, how, and how often bills are sent. Provide information on payment plans and assistance programs, if available. Explain the different available payment options and whether patients can pay over the phone, online through a payment portal, etc. Clarify which extraordinary collection actions may be used, including selling the debt or taking legal action. One of the most important processes to develop with collections is to respond to patients’ behavior. Communication should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Patients expect personalization, and reaching out to them based on their preferred means of communication leads to optimal results. Perseverance is vital when it comes to collections. By establishing clear policies and implementing integrated technology throughout your processes, you can improve the patient experience by eliminating confusion while streamlining workflow to reduce the administrative burden on billing and administrative staff. Although implementing these steps can help your practice lower your accounts receivables, sometimes choosing to outsource to a medical billing company can help you save time, money, and resources. Medical billing companies can provide medical practices with specialized expertise, technology, and infrastructure to efficiently manage the revenue cycle and ensure timely payments. Outsourcing medical billing can also free up staff time and resources, allowing healthcare providers to focus on patient care and other essential aspects of running their practice. Whether you choose to outsource or to keep your medical billing in-house, these tips will help you to reduce your costs and increase your revenue.

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MEDICAL DEVICES

IntakeQ Debuts Medical E-Prescribing Within its PracticeQ Platform for U.S. Healthcare Professionals

Businesswire | June 02, 2023

IntakeQ and its PracticeQ practice management system, which includes best-in-class customizable intake forms and software for healthcare, today announced the launch of electronic medical prescribing (e-prescribing) within its PracticeQ platform for clinicians in the United States. The new feature is made possible through a direct integration with ScriptSure Cloud ERX (ScriptSure) on the Surescripts platform. “Integrated solutions like e-prescribing help providers save time by enabling them to remain on a single familiar platform,” said Keith Pirkle, general manager of IntakeQ. “Our primary goal is to create a secure, integrated and affordable platform that any allied health or medical professional can use to help their practice succeed. This collaboration with an esteemed partner like ScriptSure affirms our commitment to elevating the standard of care through technology. Ultimately, alongside the clinicians we serve, we are elated to enable this integrated and enhanced capability that will do what matters most: deliver a seamless patient experience.” Integrated prescribing provides several benefits including Improved patient safety with a reduction in prescription errors and checks for medication interactions Elimination of CMS e-prescribing penalties Formulary compliance and reduced costs for patients Single-click access to First Databank (FDB) and Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR) drug information Saved time through direct integration in PracticeQ Validated and error-free prescriptions, including controlled substances Pirkle added, “Our customers help drive the direction of IntakeQ and PracticeQ’s continued evolution in relation to technology and partnerships. We never see our software as complete in an ever-changing healthcare landscape. Listening to our customers, advisory board and our employees is our north star and our inspiration for continued development and innovation.” ScriptSure Cloud ERX is a 10-time winner of the Surescripts network White Coat Award, and most recently, the recipient of the 2022 Surescripts White Coat Award™ for highest accuracy of prescription transactions. About PracticeTek PracticeTek is an alliance of innovative software solutions that deliver exceptional patient experiences, attract new patients, and make the business of healthcare easier for clinicians.

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DIGITAL HEALTHCARE

CarepathRx Health System Solutions and Evernorth Health Services Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Specialty Care for Patients

PRNewswire | June 02, 2023

CarepathRx Health System Solutions, a CarepathRx company and portfolio company of Nautic Partners (Nautic), and Evernorth Health Services, a subsidiary of The Cigna Group announced a new strategic partnership and investment by Evernorth in CHSS. The strategic partnership brings together Evernorth's diverse specialty and care expertise with CHSS' robust pharmacy and infusion management capabilities, technology solutions, and health system relationships to improve, expand, and accelerate pharmacy care delivery for the growing number of patients with chronic and complex care needs. The CHSS and Evernorth partnership will deliver integrated specialty pharmacy care to CHSS' growing base of 600-plus hospitals, health systems, and physicians – helping diversify the services they offer to best support patients. This includes enhanced coordinated infusion services, virtual care capabilities, value-based care arrangements, and site of care flexibility. Evernorth's expansive suite of services, including Accredo's specialty care and pharmacy expertise and CuraScript SD's specialty medication distribution across 12,000 physicians, is highly complementary to CHSS' capabilities that help health systems expand in-house specialty pharmacies, infusion and polypharmacy services. "Forging deeper relationships with physicians and other specialty and infusion pharmacies – a critical point of care for people with chronic and complex needs – is a key priority as we work to increase access to care and improve affordability," said Eric Palmer, President and CEO, Evernorth. "Specialty care continues to be a focal point for hospital, health system, and physician partners, and our collaboration with CHSS is an important step in delivering on our commitment to bring them even more patient care services to improve overall outcomes." Together, over time, CHSS' and Evernorth's expertise will help enable simpler, faster connections to care for patients managing chronic and complex specialty conditions. As many of these patients need specialty or acute drug therapies, the partnership will focus on continuity of care for specialty drugs, management of infusion services across sites of care – from ambulatory to physician office to home settings – and value-based site-of-care strategies. The intent is to drive optimal patient treatment plans and deepen physician engagement, resulting in better patient experiences, more care extensions, and greater affordability. "At CarepathRx, we believe health systems, hospitals, and physicians play the most important roles in providing the best care to patients with chronic and complex diseases," said John Figueroa, Chairman and CEO, CarepathRx. "Through specialty and infusion pharmacy partnerships, CHSS has created a model for health systems to extend their reach to alternate sites of care and into the home. This partnership with Evernorth is truly unique and will accelerate CHSS' mission by creating payer-physician connections and leveraging Evernorth's specialty and care services." Centerview Partners acted as lead financial advisor and Cantor Fitzgerald is also acting as financial advisor to CarepathRx and Nautic. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to CarepathRx and Nautic. Greenhill & Co. acted as financial advisor to Evernorth. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Quarles & Brady LLP acted as legal advisors to Evernorth. About CarepathRx CarepathRx is transforming pharmacy care delivery for health systems and hospitals, delivering improved patient outcomes that drive clinical, quality, and financial results. Through the industry's most comprehensive, end-to-end hospital pharmacy care delivery model, CarepathRx is turning hospital pharmacy into an active care management strategy and revenue generator while providing support across the patient's complete healthcare journey. The company takes an enterprise approach, providing a powerful combination of technology, market-leading clinical pharmacy services, and wrap-around services that optimize pharmacy performance across the enterprise for fully integrated pharmacy operations, expanded healthcare services, improved ambulatory access, minimized clinical variation, and new health system revenue streams. Today, CarepathRx serves more than 25 health systems and 600 hospitals, with more than 1,500 employees nationwide.

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HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS

XRHealth Announces its Virtual Therapeutic Care Solution for the Lenovo VRX Utilizing Snapdragon Spaces

PRNewswire | June 01, 2023

XRHealth, a Boston-based developer and operator of virtual treatment rooms, announces today their adoption of Snapdragon Spaces™ XR Developer Platform for the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX. The integration will enable XRHealth developers to create immersive experiences in AR/VR/MR for the healthcare industry. Lenovo's ThinkReality VRX is one of the first headsets launched with Snapdragon Spaces to empower developers to expand the XR ecosystem. Lenovo ThinkReality VRX will now be preloaded with XRHealth therapeutic solutions. "Snapdragon Spaces is created to provide application developers the software tools to build immersive XR solutions and innovate using immersive technology," said Martin Herdina, Senior Director, Product Management, XR. "XR Health brings impressive technology to the table in their virtual healthcare and therapy solution, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is excited to work with them as part of its rapidly growing XR enterprise ecosystem." Lenovo and Qualcomm Technologies have long worked together to expand the enterprise metaverse and virtual workspaces. With XRHealth's adoption of Snapdragon Spaces, developers will be able to create immersive VR healthcare experiences on devices powered by Snapdragon®, offering developers the option to develop VR, AR, or MR experiences on the leading headsets for training and collaboration in 3D. Lenovo's ThinkReality VRX headset that will support both Snapdragon Spaces and XRHealth will be available in Q3 of 2023. "We are excited to integrate our solution on Snapdragon Spaces and Lenovo ThinkReality VRX to enable developers to build innovative experiences that will revolutionize therapeutic care," says Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth. "We are honored to join Qualcomm Technologies' first cohort of companies developing on VRX using Snapdragon Spaces technology." This announcement comes at the heels of XRHealth announcing a merger with Amelia Virtual Care which has created a XR therapeutic powerhouse, addressing both physical and mental health issues. XRHealth will demonstrate the headset at AWE in Santa Clara, CA during May 31-June 2 at Lenovo's booth #219 and Qualcomm's booth #205 at Hall A. About XRHealth XRHealth operates state-of-the-art therapeutic care Virtual Rooms, utilizing proprietary FDA and CE-registered medical Extended Reality (XR) technology (virtual and augmented reality). XRHealth integrates immersive XR technology, licensed clinicians, and advanced data analytics on one platform, providing a comprehensive therapeutic care solution for patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their home. The company offers a variety of patent-pending solutions from rehabilitation services to cognitive assessment and training to pain management. XRHealth works with several world-renowned U.S. healthcare providers, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Founded in 2016, XRHealth is headquartered in Boston,

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MEDICAL DEVICES

IntakeQ Debuts Medical E-Prescribing Within its PracticeQ Platform for U.S. Healthcare Professionals

Businesswire | June 02, 2023

IntakeQ and its PracticeQ practice management system, which includes best-in-class customizable intake forms and software for healthcare, today announced the launch of electronic medical prescribing (e-prescribing) within its PracticeQ platform for clinicians in the United States. The new feature is made possible through a direct integration with ScriptSure Cloud ERX (ScriptSure) on the Surescripts platform. “Integrated solutions like e-prescribing help providers save time by enabling them to remain on a single familiar platform,” said Keith Pirkle, general manager of IntakeQ. “Our primary goal is to create a secure, integrated and affordable platform that any allied health or medical professional can use to help their practice succeed. This collaboration with an esteemed partner like ScriptSure affirms our commitment to elevating the standard of care through technology. Ultimately, alongside the clinicians we serve, we are elated to enable this integrated and enhanced capability that will do what matters most: deliver a seamless patient experience.” Integrated prescribing provides several benefits including Improved patient safety with a reduction in prescription errors and checks for medication interactions Elimination of CMS e-prescribing penalties Formulary compliance and reduced costs for patients Single-click access to First Databank (FDB) and Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR) drug information Saved time through direct integration in PracticeQ Validated and error-free prescriptions, including controlled substances Pirkle added, “Our customers help drive the direction of IntakeQ and PracticeQ’s continued evolution in relation to technology and partnerships. We never see our software as complete in an ever-changing healthcare landscape. Listening to our customers, advisory board and our employees is our north star and our inspiration for continued development and innovation.” ScriptSure Cloud ERX is a 10-time winner of the Surescripts network White Coat Award, and most recently, the recipient of the 2022 Surescripts White Coat Award™ for highest accuracy of prescription transactions. About PracticeTek PracticeTek is an alliance of innovative software solutions that deliver exceptional patient experiences, attract new patients, and make the business of healthcare easier for clinicians.

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DIGITAL HEALTHCARE

CarepathRx Health System Solutions and Evernorth Health Services Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Specialty Care for Patients

PRNewswire | June 02, 2023

CarepathRx Health System Solutions, a CarepathRx company and portfolio company of Nautic Partners (Nautic), and Evernorth Health Services, a subsidiary of The Cigna Group announced a new strategic partnership and investment by Evernorth in CHSS. The strategic partnership brings together Evernorth's diverse specialty and care expertise with CHSS' robust pharmacy and infusion management capabilities, technology solutions, and health system relationships to improve, expand, and accelerate pharmacy care delivery for the growing number of patients with chronic and complex care needs. The CHSS and Evernorth partnership will deliver integrated specialty pharmacy care to CHSS' growing base of 600-plus hospitals, health systems, and physicians – helping diversify the services they offer to best support patients. This includes enhanced coordinated infusion services, virtual care capabilities, value-based care arrangements, and site of care flexibility. Evernorth's expansive suite of services, including Accredo's specialty care and pharmacy expertise and CuraScript SD's specialty medication distribution across 12,000 physicians, is highly complementary to CHSS' capabilities that help health systems expand in-house specialty pharmacies, infusion and polypharmacy services. "Forging deeper relationships with physicians and other specialty and infusion pharmacies – a critical point of care for people with chronic and complex needs – is a key priority as we work to increase access to care and improve affordability," said Eric Palmer, President and CEO, Evernorth. "Specialty care continues to be a focal point for hospital, health system, and physician partners, and our collaboration with CHSS is an important step in delivering on our commitment to bring them even more patient care services to improve overall outcomes." Together, over time, CHSS' and Evernorth's expertise will help enable simpler, faster connections to care for patients managing chronic and complex specialty conditions. As many of these patients need specialty or acute drug therapies, the partnership will focus on continuity of care for specialty drugs, management of infusion services across sites of care – from ambulatory to physician office to home settings – and value-based site-of-care strategies. The intent is to drive optimal patient treatment plans and deepen physician engagement, resulting in better patient experiences, more care extensions, and greater affordability. "At CarepathRx, we believe health systems, hospitals, and physicians play the most important roles in providing the best care to patients with chronic and complex diseases," said John Figueroa, Chairman and CEO, CarepathRx. "Through specialty and infusion pharmacy partnerships, CHSS has created a model for health systems to extend their reach to alternate sites of care and into the home. This partnership with Evernorth is truly unique and will accelerate CHSS' mission by creating payer-physician connections and leveraging Evernorth's specialty and care services." Centerview Partners acted as lead financial advisor and Cantor Fitzgerald is also acting as financial advisor to CarepathRx and Nautic. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to CarepathRx and Nautic. Greenhill & Co. acted as financial advisor to Evernorth. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Quarles & Brady LLP acted as legal advisors to Evernorth. About CarepathRx CarepathRx is transforming pharmacy care delivery for health systems and hospitals, delivering improved patient outcomes that drive clinical, quality, and financial results. Through the industry's most comprehensive, end-to-end hospital pharmacy care delivery model, CarepathRx is turning hospital pharmacy into an active care management strategy and revenue generator while providing support across the patient's complete healthcare journey. The company takes an enterprise approach, providing a powerful combination of technology, market-leading clinical pharmacy services, and wrap-around services that optimize pharmacy performance across the enterprise for fully integrated pharmacy operations, expanded healthcare services, improved ambulatory access, minimized clinical variation, and new health system revenue streams. Today, CarepathRx serves more than 25 health systems and 600 hospitals, with more than 1,500 employees nationwide.

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HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS

XRHealth Announces its Virtual Therapeutic Care Solution for the Lenovo VRX Utilizing Snapdragon Spaces

PRNewswire | June 01, 2023

XRHealth, a Boston-based developer and operator of virtual treatment rooms, announces today their adoption of Snapdragon Spaces™ XR Developer Platform for the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX. The integration will enable XRHealth developers to create immersive experiences in AR/VR/MR for the healthcare industry. Lenovo's ThinkReality VRX is one of the first headsets launched with Snapdragon Spaces to empower developers to expand the XR ecosystem. Lenovo ThinkReality VRX will now be preloaded with XRHealth therapeutic solutions. "Snapdragon Spaces is created to provide application developers the software tools to build immersive XR solutions and innovate using immersive technology," said Martin Herdina, Senior Director, Product Management, XR. "XR Health brings impressive technology to the table in their virtual healthcare and therapy solution, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is excited to work with them as part of its rapidly growing XR enterprise ecosystem." Lenovo and Qualcomm Technologies have long worked together to expand the enterprise metaverse and virtual workspaces. With XRHealth's adoption of Snapdragon Spaces, developers will be able to create immersive VR healthcare experiences on devices powered by Snapdragon®, offering developers the option to develop VR, AR, or MR experiences on the leading headsets for training and collaboration in 3D. Lenovo's ThinkReality VRX headset that will support both Snapdragon Spaces and XRHealth will be available in Q3 of 2023. "We are excited to integrate our solution on Snapdragon Spaces and Lenovo ThinkReality VRX to enable developers to build innovative experiences that will revolutionize therapeutic care," says Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth. "We are honored to join Qualcomm Technologies' first cohort of companies developing on VRX using Snapdragon Spaces technology." This announcement comes at the heels of XRHealth announcing a merger with Amelia Virtual Care which has created a XR therapeutic powerhouse, addressing both physical and mental health issues. XRHealth will demonstrate the headset at AWE in Santa Clara, CA during May 31-June 2 at Lenovo's booth #219 and Qualcomm's booth #205 at Hall A. About XRHealth XRHealth operates state-of-the-art therapeutic care Virtual Rooms, utilizing proprietary FDA and CE-registered medical Extended Reality (XR) technology (virtual and augmented reality). XRHealth integrates immersive XR technology, licensed clinicians, and advanced data analytics on one platform, providing a comprehensive therapeutic care solution for patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their home. The company offers a variety of patent-pending solutions from rehabilitation services to cognitive assessment and training to pain management. XRHealth works with several world-renowned U.S. healthcare providers, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Founded in 2016, XRHealth is headquartered in Boston,

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