Healthcare IT: Challenges of the Small Practice
Posted on Wed, Nov 16, 2011
It may seem like the main focus of IT in healthcare has been on the large practices; the hospital systems, the ACOs, the facilities with many providers. Well, lets take a moment and give some attention to the smaller practices and the solo physicians out there. They have unique trials and challenges that many IT vendors and government entities may not recognize.
Competing with public medical websites
The internet has added a new challenge to the world of healthcare by making a vast amount of medical theories available to the public. While physicians are pleased that people are taking such an active approach to educating themselves, they are struggling to convince patients that these sites are not a substitute for the years of training and personalized care that they provide.
Many patients like knowing their doctor has embraced technology. They appreciate knowing electronic healthcare records and knowledge data bases are being utilized, drug interaction checks are automatically being run, and that they are being provided with accurate education for their conditions.
New policies and regulations
Many large practices and hospital systems have an influence in government policy and decision making that smaller practices do not. Sometimes their voice can get drowned out in the politics.
Implementing policies and regulations can cause headaches for the smaller clinics that do not have the IT infrastructure that is required.
Specific IT needs
Not all health IT (HIT) systems are created equal. Software developed for hospitals and large practices will not work effectively for smaller ones. IT solutions are rarely one-size-fits-all. Systems specifically tailored to the needs of small group or solo practices will be more efficient and will fit their budgets.
Many of these needs can be met by outsourcing IT to a company that specializes in healthcare and has the resources to give smaller practices the services and support they need.
To learn how CCS can help, please contact us toll free at 1-877-998-4227 or by email at info@callccs.net.
We want to know what you think!
Do you agree or disagree? What specific challenges does your practice face?