An insight into the complex world of “big data” !
This is the age of big data. The healthcare industry has finally realized what the IT world knew all along, that it is information that makes the world go ‘round ! EHRs have always faced scathing criticism for being highly proprietary and rigid. Despite regulations and sophisticated electronic medical record systems, huge chunks of data is still lying in some corner, gathering dust.
This is data that can be of immense help to researchers. Data that can help policy makers formulate better and more patient-centric compliance regulations and control epidemics. Yet, very few EMR vendors have upped their game, to meet the expectations of a more connected and data-driven healthcare industry.
An “Insight” that can help millions of care givers !
Practice fusion is widely regarded as being one of the most comprehensive and less rigid systems around. The recent release of “Insight” a clinical database that derives real-time information from 81 health records is seen as a huge step and precedent, towards a healthcare landscape driven by data analytics.
Insight can help providers, patients, researchers and policy makers track disease outbreaks, view the healthcare data of specific patient populations, and diagnosis trends. It can empower patients and deliver updated medical care information right into their hands.
OMG time for that flu shot !
The biggest advantage of Insight is that patients will become more engaged in their health. It will drive more participation as big data ceases to become just a fancy term but a word that prevents patients from being backseat drivers. It will rein in disease outbreaks as patients take better care, and yes, get those flu shots on time !
Will the others follow suit ?
Practice fusion has been instrumental in lighting the way for a more systematic and information centred healthcare industry. Several other big names have joined the fray. Leading pharmaceutical companies and other EMR vendors are slowly working towards more extensive yet highly directional healthcare information.
Meeting future demands !
Accessible big data is the need of the hour ! It can empower patients and providers, and help them take better informed, quicker medical decisions. Pertinent information should no longer be kept in cold storage and secret vaults.
EMR billing companies, healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies, who form the holy triumvirate of the healthcare industry, should work together and towards a much more transparent, accountable and connected healthcare world.
