April 6, 2010 - Once healthcare reform goes into effect, radiology information systems (RIS) may be a good model for showing other departments in hospitals how to streamline workflow, indicated Christopher McCord, principal at Healthcare Growth Partners.
A panel that met last week at Health Technology Investment Forum concluded new business models will emerge as a result of regulatory changes in healthcare reform law. With approximately 32 million uninsured people required to purchase health insurance under the new law, patients can expect long wait times for service in emergency departments and for appointments, as experienced in Massachusetts since it adopted statewide health coverage.
According to McCord, new business models that address scheduling throughput, efficiency in patient flow, and over-use will likely thrive. He also indicated the care and use management space as seen in radiology is a good example of how to providing the most effective best practices.
Also, look to consumer devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the iPhone, which enable consumers to access healthcare information, as consumers assume the role of their own healthcare advocates.
For more information: www.ihealthtran.com/healthtechforum and www.healthcaregrowth.com