In his classic “Economics in One Lesson,” Henry Hazlitt wrote: “The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy; it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups.” 1
Change “economics” to “healthcare,” and you have a useful guide for medical practices challenged to deliver quality care while controlling costs: Think about long-term consequences for all.
Whether you’re cutting into a juicy steak or biting into a crisp apple, food safety metrics were established to keep you safe and feeling healthy. Meeting all of these requirements can feel overwhelming, so tools have been created to make the process easier and more efficient for food and beverage manufacturers.
The same could be said about quality measures in the healthcare system.
Dinosaurs get a bad rap. Conventional wisdom says they were cold-blooded, had small brains, and were incapable of adapting to rapid climate change following a cataclysmic asteroid impact. The lessons for businesses? Move faster. Work smarter. Adapt.
But let’s face it: Keeping up with the rapidly changing climate in the world of healthcare is hard. Regulations change, reporting requirements grow, and healthcare consumers demand high-quality, convenient, and affordable care — or they’ll potentially take their business elsewhere.
What’s a practice to do? How about learning from the dinosaurs!
As organizations are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with their Electronic Health Record (EHR), many are beginning to make the switch for better healthcare IT. A recent Medical Economics’ study found 62% of practices have already switched EHRs at least once.
In a new EHR, the organizations are seeking increased efficiency and productivity, advanced functionality, unified solutions, and data analytics.
But ensuring success throughout the implementation process requires first understanding your practice’s actual needs and then working with a healthcare IT partner capable of meeting those needs quickly, efficiently, and affordably.
The healthcare industry is undergoing dramatic efforts to improve the delivery of care. Lots of changes have already occurred that have expanded access to quality care. Now, the challenge is to shift the conversation to focus on optimizing health that emphasizes patient-centered care.
A recent report by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determined consumers should remain at the center of care to keep them engaged and healthy. CMS describes an optimal patient-provider relationship as one that “[gives] consumers access to their records, [enabling] them to be more active participants in their care, making care more person-centered.”
Each year brings new advances in medical technology and new understanding of challenges in healthcare. The progress of science is so visible that it’s easy for physicians, patients, and public-policy experts to believe all the tools necessary to build a healthier society are already in hand.
In reality, many difficult and complex challenges remain. Conditions that have clear, adverse impacts on the quality of life — including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and poor nutrition — remain widespread.
Each year brings new technologies and breakthroughs in healthcare. But to ensure accurate understanding among patients, healthcare providers need to have and share realistic perspectives on technological advances. In short, what’s real and what’s hype?
The following four areas have seen real progress, are likely to see more, and are directly or indirectly promoting better care and outcomes.
To thrive in today’s healthcare environment, a strong online presence is vital for quality patient care.
“The health of our planet relies on the health of its people,” said the 1990s environmentalist superhero Captain Planet. Captain Planet advocated for the importance of a healthy community for people to live happy and fulfilling lives.
Health is described as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO). Community health, often overlooked, is essential to meeting this definition.
The CDC describes a healthy community as “one in which local groups from all parts of the community work together to prevent disease and make healthy living options accessible.”
This year is special. This year marks the 20th year since eClinicalWorks set out on its mission to improve healthcare together. Are you ready to learn, discuss, and celebrate with us as we honor 20 years and kick off our next 20? Then join us at the 2019 eClinicalWorks National Conference from October 18-20 at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Sign up before July 18 to take advantage of our Early Bird rate!
With value-based care the new standard in medicine, attention is increasingly focused on what healthcare organizations can do to improve Patient Engagement. A clear strategy for retaining patients and attracting new ones is a key part of delivering consistent, quality care.
An outstanding EHR is essential but not enough. Providers today must respond to patients’ demands for convenience and access — including online portals and telemedicine.
Successful engagement comes from a commitment to clear, effective communication. That requires paying attention to the technological and human sides of the patient encounter.
Mothers-to-be have always turned to their own mothers, friends, and their doctors for advice during pregnancy. Even in our tech-savvy age, women still reach out to those who have shared their experiences.
The rise of technology has, however, offered them still more. The wealth of reliable health information on the internet, along with the rise of healthcare IT tools such as patient portals and apps, means that moms-to-be today have more resources than ever before.
There are times when an expectant mother might not be able to reach her doctor immediately. Perhaps she doesn't want to bother family or friends. She might simply be feeling uncertain about something going on with her pregnancy and need a way to quickly access expert medical information.
Healthcare organizations have a significant opportunity to improve the outcomes with the advent of innovative delivery and payment models tapping into the advances in technology and its adoption. To do this, organizations need a solution.
Our enhanced Population Health solutions help practices understand disease patterns, better assess risk, and improve patients’ engagement and compliance. At eClinicalWorks, we are constantly driven to innovate and find ways to further benefit practices interested in Population Health.
Zalipie is a village in Poland with a population of 743 people. Vibrantly colored flowers are painted on many of the residents’ one-floored cottages and museum. As a tourist, if you miss the last bus, you’re six hours away by foot from your starting point in Tarnow. All that, and Polish may not be your first language.
Just as being in a remote part of a foreign country and not knowing the language can pose challenges, so too in healthcare providers and payers need ways to bridge communication gaps.
Twenty years after setting out on our mission of improving healthcare together, eClinicalWorks is not just surviving, but thriving. The numbers tell part of our success story: From five employees in the spring of 1999, we now have more than 5,100, and are continuing to seek out the best talent to strengthen our many teams.
Perhaps less appreciated is how remarkable it is for a privately held company to endure and grow as eClinicalWorks has. Fewer than 25% of private-sector healthcare organizations which began in 1999 still exist, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.