What are the benefits of IT in medical practices?
From practice management system to software for medical devices — IT in medical practices should Make administrative processes more efficient. Ideally, this reduces the workload of practice staff, reduces costs and increases the quality of patient care.
Digitalization in medical practices has once again picked up steam, particularly as part of the Digital Health Act. Today, many processes that used to be carried out manually are automated and paperless by software. Some of the key benefits of IT solutions in medical practices include:
- Automating routine tasks: IT in medical practices enables the automation of recurring administrative tasks, such as billing, appointment reminders, and updating patient data. This reduces administrative effort.
- Quick access to patient information: Immediate access to patient data through technologies such as electronic health records facilitates all processes in practice and is decisive in emergencies when quick decisions have to be made.
- Interoperability: Certified IT systems ensure a smooth and secure exchange of data between various healthcare facilities. This is particularly important when making transfers or when communicating with health insurance.
- Telemedicine applications: The integration of telemedicine enables virtual consultations and remote monitoring of patients. This can improve access to medical care, particularly in rural areas.
What is the practice management system?
The practice management system (PVS) is the The heart of the IT infrastructure a doctor's office. Probably the most important function of a PVS is to keep electronic health records. As part of this, it manages patient data — from master data to anamnesis, findings and diagnosis to medication management.
In addition, the PVS serves as Interface for laboratory devices and data from external laboratories. But billing with the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and electronic communication with health insurance companies and colleagues are also largely represented via PVS. Last but not least, PVS regulates appointment management.
How do I choose the right PVS?
A PVS must certified by the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) to require a certain safety standard and a basic range of functions. For example, the ability to connect to the government telematics infrastructure (TI) and to a KIM service is an important prerequisite. However, there are a variety of providers, which does not make the decision easy. When choosing a PV, the following aspects should be considered, among others:
- Practice size
- Department
- functionality
- expenses
In addition, the KBV provides stats available, which show which PVS are used most frequently in which specialist areas. These give an indication of particularly field-proven systems.
What is a KIM service?
KIM stands for Communication in the medical sector. It is a uniform standard for securely sending sensitive documents via email. For example, the KIM service is used to send medical letters electronically or to forward the electronic certificate of incapacity for work (eAU) from the practice to health insurance.
KIM services are approved by gematik — the National Agency for Digital Medicine. Any KIM service must be compatible with every PVS.
What is the telematics infrastructure?
While the KIM service acts as executing software, the telematics infrastructure provides the basic Server structure for secure data transfer available. It is operated by Gematik and is therefore state-owned. Typical applications that are handled via the telematics infrastructure using a practice management system are:
- Electronic health records (EPa)
- Electronic prescription (E-prescription)
- Electronic certificate of incapacity for work (eAU)
- Electronic doctor's letter (eArztBrief)
- Insurance Master Data Management (VSDM)
- Electronic medication plan (eMP)
- Electronic health card (eGK)
What is the doctor information system?
The doctor information system (AIS) is a alternative name for the practice management system. Other common synonyms in German-speaking countries include practice management software, ordination management software and primary system (PS). In addition, the terms are Medical practice software or simply use practice software. However, in addition to AIS, these also refer to the entirety of the software solutions used in a medical practice, which is why confusion can occur.
Integrating medical devices
From a wireless keyboard to an X-ray device, the doctor's office is a sensitive ecosystem of various devices. The more seamless communication there is between individual devices and software applications, the more efficient everyday practice becomes.
If, for example, the software from ECG or blood pressure monitors can be connected to the PVS, there is no need to manually transfer this data. Even the transfer of App-based self-measurementsthrough patients is technically possible and could enable significantly more cost-effective 24-hour monitoring of blood sugar or blood pressure levels, for example.
What is a PACS?
PACS stands for Picture Archiving and Communication System — i.e. a Image data archiving and communication system. A PACS is traditionally associated with X-ray or ultrasound devices. However, it is not only relevant for imaging methods, but can also be used in dermatology practice, for example, to securely store photo documentation of skin changes.
Which tools still optimize my day-to-day practice?
In addition to medically relevant devices and necessary software to comply with legal obligations, there are also a number of IT solutions for medical practices that simply simplify everyday practice or enable more efficient communication with patients.
This includes modern appointment management systems that give your patients a Online scheduling of appointments enable and send automated appointment reminders. Video consultations with a KBV-certified video service provider can also be a useful addition to your offer in times of overcrowded waiting rooms.
On the other hand, tools that are particularly easy to integrate into everyday practice are existing processes such as anamnesis and invoice management Digitalize completely.
Our IT tip for your medical practice
Despite major advances in managing patient data, many manual processes have been retained. The transfer of handwritten documents to digital documentation systems and Unpaid bills take time and nerves.
Here can Nelly Significantly relieve your practice team. In addition, the software offers many other attractive features:
- Patient portal: Without logging in, patients can only access documents and invoices via their telephone number and still comply with GDPR.
- Digital patient recording: Without additional hardware, patients can store their master data online and medical history sheets fill out — conveniently from home or on site at your practice.
- Digital information forms: Individualize Information forms during the conversation and have the form signed with a click.
- Digital billing: Send cost estimates, offer installment payments and integrate invoices into the patient portal for easier payment.
- Scoring & Factoring: Even during patient admission, Nelly automatically checks the patient's creditworthiness. With factoring, you never have to recreate outstanding receivables again because you can simply assign them to Nelly.
Conclusion: Without IT, nothing works in a doctor's office
IT has become an integral part of medical practice — from managing patient data to efficient scheduling and billing to integrating medical devices. IT is not just a supporting element, but an indispensable tool in daily practice. Digitalization not only optimizes administrative processes, but also improves the quality of patient care.
It is expected that the role of IT in medical practice will continue to gain in importance in the future. Keeping pace can sometimes be a challenge, but it offers Significantly more comfort in the long term for routine tasks and administrative processes. Now you too can create a digital workflow in your practice. We advise you non-binding and free to your individual case!
The personal names used in this article always refer equally to all persons. Dual naming and alternate names are omitted in order to improve readability.
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