Health Care Management Technology: Tools and Tips

Health care managers may manage large organizations with wide-ranging operations. Emerging technologies allow them to help care providers perform at the highest level.

To learn more, check out the infographic created by Appalachian State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management.

Core Concepts of Health Care Management Technology

Health care managers implement policies and procedures that improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency and support clinical staff. The technology they use is often customized for the field.

Internet of Medical Things

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) describes the networks that connect software, medical devices and hardware infrastructure.

Inside the hospital, internet-connected sensors and trackers provide data on how and where devices are used. Outside the hospital, remote patient monitoring systems allow doctors to track their patients’ health and wellness. These include continuous glucose monitors, telehealth platforms, wearable devices, mobile and emergency units, and makeshift field hospitals.

The global Internet of Things (IoT) in health care market, which closely overlaps with the IoMT, is projected to reach $169.99 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research.

Zero Trust

Zero Trust is a network security framework that implements enhanced security measures across a health care organization’s devices and networks. It helps with threat prevention because every device is identified and recorded before being granted access.

Another method of enhanced security is least-privilege access. For example, each device is granted only the minimal access needed to perform functions.

In addition, multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring each device to connect to the network with more than one form of authentication, such as personal identification numbers (PINs), tap cards or biometric data.

Standardized Interoperability

Standardized interoperability facilitates communication and data sharing among essential systems. The United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) is defined by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) as a “standardized set of health data classes and constituent data elements for nationwide, interoperable health information exchange.”

It facilitates data sharing across departments, data storage over time, and collaboration with other organizations. Other interoperability standards for medical information and technology include the Interoperability Standards Platform (ISP), Health Level Seven (HL7), and Interoperability Standards Advisory (ISA).

Examples of Health Care Technology Tools

Developers have designed a range of health care management applications to streamline operations and improve patient care.

RealTime Location Solutions

RealTime Location Solutions (RTLS) uses sensor-based tracking to identify places, objects, patients and staff. Organizations can automate activities and help staff coordinate and collaborate in real time. Patient data can be aggregated to produce live views and real-time information.

OnWatch

OnWatch provides 24/7 medical equipment monitoring. Automatic alerts notify technicians of issues, prompting either remote repairs or in-person visits.

Syngo Virtual Cockpit

Syngo Virtual Cockpit centralizes scanning and imaging technology, allowing authorized in-house users to see scans and images. Less-experienced staff can consult with others to provide accurate, fast results. It also offers live support that connects staff to experts in the field.

Crucible

Crucible allows organizations to test systems for HL7 and other interoperability standards. The testing process uploads synthetic data to an organization’s system and network and tracks how it moves and is accessed. It also determines whether an organization is using its technology to its full potential.

OneDesk

OneDesk provides help-desk and ticketing services, customer portals, and online chat. Emails from users become tickets that are sorted and prioritized for review. Support apps can be added to allow patients to search for information or interact with a chatbot. It tracks billable hours, routes tickets through triage and communicates with patients about their tickets.

Health Care Technology Tips

Different areas of health care management require unique strategies.

Operational and Tactical Data Management

A good way to manage operational and tactical data is to consolidate the data repository, centralize information and ease access. It’s also important to invest in ongoing staff training and review data governance policies to meet current requirements. Finally, collaborate across departments to keep everyone on the same page and up to the same standards.

Patient Relations Management

Patient relations management involves analyzing existing processes to identify unmet needs. This analysis should include key stakeholders. Research the best product for the organization, depending on the budget and the desired return on investment (ROI).

Profile-Based Health Care Management

Profile-based management involves engaging end users to build an intuitive platform that tracks access and training and identifies personnel needs. Establish data management teams to maintain systems and databases.

Ticket-Based Health Care Activity Management

Ticket-based activity management uses centralized support platforms to reduce communication gaps between departments. This allows an organization to respond quickly to departmental requests, reducing patient frustration and ensuring efficient support. It also allows staff to submit tickets for the maintenance and repair of medical equipment.

On-Demand Hospital Staffing

On-demand staffing begins when an organization assesses and recognizes staffing needs and gaps. The organization then selects a platform that connects human resources (HR) with potential hires. Once identified, on-demand staff can be hired, providing flexibility and streamlining the staffing process to improve employee retention.

Billing and Claim Management

Billing and claim managers implement automation and technology to accelerate payments and reimbursements. They create consistent workflows to handle surges in patient volume and standardize routine tasks.

These managers also regularly train staff on payer rules, policy changes, coding updates and new technologies. They track performance indicators and align workflows and claim management systems across departments to reduce friction and secure data.

Leverage Technology for Effective Health Care Management

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for health care managers to grow 29% between 2023 and 2033 as demands on the health care system continue to escalate. These managers will increasingly rely on health care management technologies to oversee administrative operations and improve care delivery.

Source

American Medical Association, EHR Transitions: Best Practices for Implementing a New EHR System

Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy / Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, Interoperability Standards Platform

Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy / Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI)

Blaze, Health Data Management in 2025

Blaze, HIPAA Compliance in No-Code App Development

Experian, Claims Management 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlining Healthcare Billing

GE HealthCare, OnWatch

Grand View Research, Internet of Things in Healthcare Market to Reach $169.99 Billion by 2030

Health Level Seven International, HL7 Standards

LeadSquared, “A Complete Guide to Patient Relationship Management (PRM)”

OneDesk