Technology platforms with an easy, interactive user interface are the wave of the future, says David Gruener, MD, a cardiovascular surgeon with NYC Surgical Associates, and healthcare is incorporating more technology than ever before.
Missed coding, linked documentation and scheduling inefficiencies cause lost income and providers are seeking a solution.
"As tech grows, what I see happening is mergers and groupings of healthcare applications such as scheduling, billing and coding into one seamless platform to avoid issues," says Dr. Gruener. "There are some options out there attempting to rectify this issue, but as of yet nothing ideal."
Documenting preoperative and postoperative radiographic studies with intraoperative photographs would be an ideal technology. Dr. Greuner uses these photographs in his practice for medico-legal reasons and physician information and documentation. This is especially true for minimally invasive cases which often don't leave physical evidence a procedure was done.
"An ideal software solution would have the capability to include documentation photographic, radiologic and transcription of all comprehensive patient care that was administered," Dr. Greuner says. "Adapt, utilize and evolve, or be left behind."
For now, here are a few of the most interesting technology trends for physicians to know:
1. GoPro — The GoPro and other similar mobile recording devices can document novel surgical techniques, manage challenging cases and facilitate patient understanding of their procedures before and after surgery.
2. Custom animations — Surgeons can develop animations to help patients understand their procedures and options available to them. The animations can help teach the intricacies of procedures without specific anatomy knowledge.
3. Faster wifi — The quicker speeds allow surgeons to pull complex real time radiographic studies such as MRI or CT and cardiovascular imaging directly to lap tops or iPads for intraoperative review. Surgeons don't need designated radiology equipment to view the images, and this can facilitate faster inter-physician communication.
4. Sonos — This is a universal music streaming source that can bring audio interface to multiple sources, including waiting rooms and operating rooms. The program customizes streams per room to allow for physician preference.
5. Google calendar — The calendar has real time and time zone-specific scheduling that updates immediately and globally for every change to ensure everyone is aware of changes.
6. Biometric locks — These locks are used to minimize areas with restricted access and the need for keys or ID passes. Access is often pre-programmed based on the individual's needs and remote opening or temporary access grants are available if the administrator isn't onsite. There is also high resolution camera surveillance and a secure workspace with documented access and time stamps.
But it's not always easy to incorporate new technology into your practice.
"There is a learning curve associated with all technology, and for groups consisting of older physicians or those refractory to the acceptance of widespread tech in their groups will encounter some difficulty with this process," says Dr. Gruener. "However, as with minimally invasive surgery, especially in markets such as the NYC metro area, I feel failure to utilize such advances will inevitably result in decreased productivity for these individuals in the future."