5 Different Types Of Software Used In Healthcare Industry

From keeping track of patient records to cutting-edge diagnostic tools and even telemedicine, healthcare software is making a major difference in how doctors and nurses do their jobs and how patients receive care.

Whether you’re a healthcare pro, a patient, or just someone curious about the tech side of medicine, understanding these software types is a must to get a grip on the digital healthcare revolution that’s happening right now.

In this article, we’re going to dive into five types of Software used in the healthcare industry. We’ll break down what each of them does, why they’re so important, and how they’re changing the game regarding providing top-notch healthcare. 

5 Different Types Of Software Used In Healthcare Industry

Here are the five different types of Software that make healthcare professionals work more efficiently and less time-consuming.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) software:

Electronic Health Record (EHR) software is the powerhouse behind the scenes in hospitals and clinics. Think of it as a supercharged system, much like a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool, but customized for the medical field.

This Software is all about collecting and organizing patient information. It keeps track of things like the medicines patients are taking, the advice given by doctors, and records of past medical procedures. 

It can even help with the financial side of things, making invoicing and payments smoother. Plus, there’s a separate part just for patients, where they can see their consultation history, access medical records, and view their prescriptions.

In the world of EHR software, there are two major players:

Electronic Patient Record Software (EPR): 

• This is like the hospital’s private diary for patient info. It’s all about safely storing and efficiently managing patient data so doctors and nurses can provide top-notch care.

Electronic Medical Record Software (EMR): 

• EMR software is like a super-detailed medical file for each patient. It tracks medication specifics, past and planned procedures, and recovery progress. 
• This is crucial for keeping patients on the path to good health.

The List Of EMR Systems In Healthcare

Here is a list of some of the best EMR systems in healthcare:

• AdvancedMD EHR
• EpicCare EMR
• Nextech EMR
• SoftClinic
• OmniMD

Practice Management Systems (PMS):

The second and one of the most commonly used Software in the Healthcare industry. This multifaceted Software takes charge of crucial administrative tasks, including patient registration, scheduling, billing, claims processing, and reporting. 

For example, it can store patient records securely and also keep them organized. 

That’s not it; it can also simplify appointment scheduling and rescheduling, streamline the billing process, expertly manage insurance claims, and generate detailed reports covering various aspects of the practice.

These capabilities collectively make PMS an indispensable tool, which enables healthcare providers to efficiently manage their administrative duties while maintaining a focus on delivering top-quality patient care.

Types Of Practice Management Systems

Here are the types of PMS software facilitating the healthcare industry with different tech options. 

Stand-alone PMS:

• Stand-alone PMS software handles tasks like patient registration, scheduling, billing, claims processing, and reporting.
• Operate within the practice’s own network.
• Offer more control but require dedicated infrastructure and maintenance.

Hosted PMS:

• Hosted PMS are web-based applications hosted by a software vendor.
• Accessible through a web browser from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Reduce the need for in-house server maintenance.
• Convenient for smaller practices.

EHRs with PMS Features:

Some Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems have integrated PMS features.

• They combine clinical and administrative functions in a single software package.
• Healthcare providers can manage patient records, appointments, billing, and more in one place.
• Streamline operations and data sharing for increased efficiency.

Telemedicine Solutions:

Telemedicine solutions are revolutionizing healthcare delivery by enabling the provision of medical services remotely to the patient where they are needed. 

This technology holds the power to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. The best thing about this tech is that it is accessible to everyone. Patients can receive the right treatment through live phone or video consultations with healthcare professionals. Also, it allows for real-time diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 

It also offers you secure messaging, email, and file exchange that offer a platform for patients to communicate with their healthcare providers, share medical information, and seek guidance conveniently and securely. Remote monitoring of vital health data, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, ensures continuous patient care without the need for physical visits, which also makes healthcare cost-effective. 

Furthermore, the store-and-forward of medical information, like scans, images, videos, and text-based patient data, permits asynchronous consultations and expert opinions. 

Here are the three major types of Telemedicine Systems

Real-time Video Communication: 

• This type of telemedicine involves live, live, and video consultations with healthcare professionals. 
• You can talk to a doctor or specialist in real time using video calls. 
• In turn, doctors can provide you with immediate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Remote Monitoring: 

• Remote monitoring includes the continuous tracking of health data, such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and respiratory rates. 
• Healthcare providers can fetch this information for assessment and can ensure their ongoing care without the need for in-person visits.

Store-and-Forward:

• Store-and-forward telemedicine entails storing and sharing medical information like CAT scans, MRIs, X-rays, photos, videos, and text-based patient data. 

• Specialists or primary caregivers can fetch all the related data for asynchronous consultations and expert opinions.

Revenue Cycle Management (RCM): 

This one is also a wide type of medical billing software in the healthcare society but for financial purposes. It handles patient service revenue from appointment scheduling to the last payment. This process combines administrative and clinical tasks, including checking eligibility, providing care, documenting, coding, billing, submitting claims, and managing denials. 

Its goal is to make the claims process easier, reduce errors, enhance staff efficiency, improve the patient experience, and optimize revenue. There is no type of RCM software for writing this article. However, we can discuss the different stages of this Software, which are as follows:- 

• Front End: This is where patients start. They schedule appointments, register, provide information, and talk about finances.
• Middle: This happens after you get your medical care. It’s about recording, coding, billing, sending claims, and dealing with any issues with insurance companies.
• Backend: This is the final step. It’s about getting paid, either from insurance or from the patients. Any money owed is managed here.

Patient Management Systems: 

The patient management system is a powerful and advanced software handling patient data in healthcare settings. It acts as a central hub, collecting and organizing patient information for authorized healthcare professionals to access from anywhere, ensuring efficient patient care.

Key functions include storing patient profiles with personal details, medical history, allergies, and contact information. It helps manage patient appointments, making healthcare services smoother. Treatment plans can be created and updated for continuous care.

Crucially, it maintains electronic health records (EHRs) with medical history, test results, and treatment data. EHRs empower healthcare providers to make informed decisions and maintain data security, complying with regulations like HIPAA in the U.S.

These systems can integrate with other tools, like billing and insurance, streamlining administrative tasks. They also offer reporting and analytics, allowing organizations to use patient data for quality improvement.

The different types of the Patient Management Systems: 

PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)

• Streamlines the storage and sharing of medical images like X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, improving diagnostics and collaboration.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

• Utilizes medical devices and wearables to transmit real-time patient data to healthcare providers. 
• It enhances care for chronic conditions and reduces in-person visits.

Medical Devices with Data Transmission

• Modern medical devices transmit patient data directly to electronic health records, improving patient monitoring and care adjustments.

NextGen

• A comprehensive system for ambulatory care centers, offering patient management, appointment scheduling, billing, and telehealth integration.

eClinicalWorks

• This supports clinicians in managing clinical aspects, including scheduling, billing, prescription management, and communication, streamlining patient care and administrative tasks.

How These Software Are Changing HealthCare Forever?

• Healthcare software makes it easy for doctors to find and update your medical records. This helps them know you better and provide better care.
• With this Software, patient involvement has improved. You can see your medical history and appointments. This makes you more involved in your healthcare and helps you and your doctor communicate better.

• Using telemedicine, you can talk to your doctor through video calls and messages. This means you don’t always need to visit the clinic, making healthcare more accessible and convenient.
• This software helps doctors manage appointments and bills so they can spend more time with patients and less on paperwork. No more hassle with appointments and billing.

• The Software also helps with billing and insurance, making it easier for patients to deal with healthcare costs and improving their experience.

Conclusion

Overall, healthcare software is changing how doctors and patients get and give medical care. Things like Electronic Health Records and Practice Management Systems, Telemedicine Solutions, Revenue Cycle Management, and Patient Management Systems are super important in this digital healthcare revolution. They help with paperwork, make patients healthier, and connect doctors and patients better. It’s really important for everyone in healthcare to know about this Software because they’re making healthcare better and easier to get.