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As hospitals, health systems, and patients increasingly relied on digital health technologies for quality care during COVID. At this stage payers and providers are looking for ways to minimize costs, enhance care, create awareness, and broaden relationships.

To understand better where the medical technology industry is headed, examining key technology trends is paramount.

Let’s have a look at healthcare technology trends in 2021. 

1. Real-Time Use Of Data and Advanced Analytics

With the rise in technology, the future of healthcare will be characterized by the re-engineering of clinical care and digital health operations with the wide use of real-time data and analytics.  

Real-time analytics will help hospitals to have a 360-degree view of the patient. With the use of real-time data and advanced analytics, the healthcare industry can deliver proactive care, improve healthcare outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve all-round efficiency.

2. Cloud-Based Technologies

The current environment of healthcare has underlined the value of improving workflows, achieving greater efficiencies, and better-integrating data across organizations by the use of important resources such as remote process automation, national language processing, and cloud-based technologies. 

With the use of cloud-based technologies, the efficiency of the industry can be increased while reducing the costs. This technological trend has made medical record sharing easier and safer than before. In addition, it also automates backend operations to make the industry efficient. 

3. Build a Multi-Channel Digital Experience Portfolio

Today, more than ever, healthcare organizations need to develop a portfolio of multi-channel digital services to offer customized, consumer-centric services that promote engagement and reduce costs.

4. Advanced APIs and Interoperability

As the healthcare industry is now relying more on cross-platforms such as EHR, EMR, CMS, CRM, and virtual health, etc. Advanced APIs and Interoperability can ensure safe and efficient sharing of data to reduce inefficiency, confusion, and ultimately patient experience. 

Healthcare APIs act as a bridge to allow seamless communication and help to increase efficiency and productivity so that you can deliver better patient care. 

5. Telehealth and Remote Care Expansion

While CMS and large payers have relaxed telehealth regulations to help providers continue to provide care safely during a pandemic, hospitals and health systems will continue to consider how to incorporate virtual care as part of their long-term post-pandemic public health care strategy.

The pandemic also accelerated progress in remotely managed care for both patients with chronic conditions and those who have COVID-19 but do not need hospitalization. 

These advances signal a shift toward a hybrid model of care that will largely replace in-person visits with both telehealth visits and in-person visits for services ranging from the follow-up to acute care.

6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technology

By having greater access to healthcare data, artificial intelligence and machine learning technology can provide faster and deeper insights to assess and predict outcomes that help improve patient care.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are not new in the healthcare industry. Many organizations already used AI and machine learning in hospital administration and operations for years, more specifically in the revenue cycle process.

By combining wearables and other biomedical devices, combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence, it will continue to transform clinical research, treatment protocols, and increase the virtual care capabilities of medical professionals.

Moreover, it also enables healthcare to bring data to the forefront and improve patient care outcomes. 

7. Social Determinant of Health Strategies

Organizations will continue to look for social determinants of health strategies to help understand health disparities – including those highlighted by COVID-19 infections – and to mitigate some of the financial strains of providing high-quality care.

8. Greater Price Transparency

Moving towards greater market transparency will put healthcare organizations in compliance and also help satisfy patient demand, increase patient engagement, and even point to services. By encouraging transparency about price and quality, health plans can promote more cost-effective use of health care services by both patients and providers.

With the rise in transformation, it’s important to know new healthcare trends in order to increase the efficiency and productivity of the healthcare industry. If you need help, our experts are helping the largest providers and payers with comprehensive solutions.