The other day while on my drive to work, I found myself thinking about the tremendous responsibility that I and the entire team at Anexio holds in their hands. While most people probably wouldn’t think of I.T. in this way, it can really mean life or death. Managing I.T. for the medical industry is truly unique – in a way, we assume a very similar responsibility that doctors have to keep their patients healthy (and well, alive). Not that we are operating on a patient or performing a medical analysis – but we are in fact, managing the technology that enables them to successfully perform operations.
While it’s a really great honor to be working with a few select medical providers, it amazes me at how many providers are hesitant (or unaware) to improve their current I.T. environments. This can be scary – because this isn’t car sales – people’s lives are at stake. Billions of dollars are also at stake. According to a study released by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 1 in 10 patients who died within 90 days of surgery did so because of a preventable error. After all is said and done, this costs employers over 1.5 billion dollars a year.
The cost of medical errors affect everyone: patients, doctors, the government and tax payers. Just this Tuesday, The Obama Administration announced a new patient safety program based upon the recent Health Affairs Journal study showing that one in three people admitted to hospitals suffers a medical error or accident. In the video below, Margaret Warner talks with Heath Affairs’ Susan Dentzer about the study and the new plan.
Watch the full episode. See more PBS NewsHour.
Additionally, in a recent article by the MSPMentor, John Moore writes about the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently proposed rule regarding Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Essentially the program provides financial incentives to hospitals and practitioners that adopt electronic records.
So what does this mean – exactly? The ongoing trends clearly indicate that legislation is beginning to demand higher expectations from healthcare organizations. Ideally, medical providers will readily partner with an accredited MSP who can successfully manage their I.T. at all times and best optimize systems to ensure that medical error does not take place. What it really boils down to? People’s lives! In the end – the proper I.T. infrastructure saves lives. Anexio understands this level of responsibility and is proud to ensure that hospitals, offices, and practices are running optimally.
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