Transforming Your Health Facility: The Essential Role of Healthcare IT Consulting
As a healthcare facility owner or manager, you face the pressing challenges of today’s healthcare industry—staff shortages, rising costs, the need for improved patient care, and more. Digital transformation can bring solutions to many of these issues.
However, how are things going with the digitalization of your medical facility? According to a recent Chartis survey of health system executives, a quarter of organizations use digital technologies unsystematically. Digitization in 70% of these organizations is still in the experimental or planning phase. It often seems that many healthcare facilities cannot cope with the implementation and use of emerging technologies on their own.
Healthcare IT consulting has become a vital lifeline for medical institutions striving to keep pace with technological advancements. From small private practices to large hospital chains, the need for expert guidance in navigating the complex world of digital healthcare technology has never been greater. Whether you’re looking to streamline your IT infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, or ensure regulatory compliance, healthcare IT professional services can provide the expertise you need.
In this article, you’ll explore how healthcare IT consulting can boost your facility, helping you overcome obstacles, cut costs, and deliver better patient outcomes.
The Considerable Potential of Medical IT Consulting in Healthcare Organizations
Healthcare software consulting services can offer tailored solutions to address the problems faced by medical facilities of all sizes, striving to stay competitive and provide top-notch patient care. Providing healthcare IT consulting begins with understanding your healthcare organization’s needs and identifying its pain points.
Here are examples of areas where an IT consultant with strong healthcare expertise can help a hospital or clinic define a strategy and specific steps:
- Digital transformation and process automatization: Digitizing paper processes and electronic document flow can significantly facilitate the daily activities of a healthcare facility. At the same time, your organization’s digitalization may go beyond improving existing processes and help fundamentally transform them. Through the case studies presented in this article, you will be able to see how clinics and hospitals are transferring more and more aspects of their activities exclusively to digital form, gaining from this in the quality of healthcare services and profitability.
- Healthcare app development: For a healthcare organization, it is essential to determine which types of medical software systems, comprehensive or specialized, will have the greatest positive effect on its activities. Healthcare IT consulting services can guide you through the development of custom desktop, web, and mobile apps that enhance the patient experience and improve overall healthcare delivery.
- Modernization of existing software systems: Many healthcare facilities still rely on legacy systems, which can be outdated, hindering efficiency and posing security risks. In real life, there may even be situations where vendors who once supplied software packages have already stopped supporting them. Healthcare IT experts can help you assess your programs and develop a modernization strategy.
Addressing Common Healthcare Challenges with IT Consulting
Healthcare facilities face numerous challenges. Healthcare IT consulting services offer innovative solutions to address these issues effectively.
Significant healthcare challenges are widely recognized and often shared across various medical facilities and countries. For instance, a 2023 survey found that 46% of adults globally cited limited access to treatment and long wait times as the top issues in their healthcare systems, while another 46% pointed to staffing shortages as a major problem.
The high cost of healthcare is a primary concern in the United States. Additionally, staff shortages, burnout, and excessive bureaucracy affect both patients and healthcare workers, highlighting the complexity of healthcare issues in the country.
At the same time, a global survey by Philips highlights that digitalization in healthcare introduces new challenges. Many healthcare leaders are frustrated by slow progress in integrating data across care pathways, with 51% citing data silos as a major barrier. Nearly 25% report that limited tech infrastructure hinders effective data use, while 32% of late tech adopters struggle to get staff on board with new tech investments. As a result, healthcare facilities may increasingly turn to health IT professionals to address these gaps and leverage technology effectively.
How can healthcare information technology consulting services help tackle some of the most pressing concerns in the healthcare industry?
Overcoming healthcare staff shortages with advanced software systems
Advanced scheduling and workforce management systems help to combat staff shortages. For example, doctor appointment apps, patient portals, and various telemedicine solutions optimize staff allocation, reducing doctors’ and nurses’ workloads and improving patient care quality.
Reducing medical staff burnout through automation
IT healthcare consulting services assist in implementing AI-powered decision support systems and automated documentation tools. These innovations help alleviate administrative burdens, allowing medical professionals to focus more on patient care.
Cutting healthcare costs with digital solutions
Healthcare IT professional services introduce cost-effective solutions like telemedicine platforms and remote patient monitoring systems. These technologies reduce operational expenses while maintaining high-quality care standards.
Simplifying administration to decrease documentation burden and bureaucracy
Medical IT companies can design streamlined electronic health record (EHR) systems and automated billing operations. These solutions significantly reduce paperwork and administrative tasks, freeing up more time for patient care.
Enhancing access to healthcare services via IT solutions
Healthcare information technology consulting services help build patient flow optimization systems and virtual queuing solutions, as well as comprehensive telehealth platforms. These systems help reduce waiting times and improve access to care, especially in underserved areas.
Reducing drop (no-shows) rates with scheduling, reminder, and communication tools
To address this issue, healthcare software consulting services help develop automated appointment reminder systems and doctor-patient engagement apps. These solutions help reduce no-show rates and improve overall clinic efficiency.
Increasing patient engagement via feature-rich apps
Health IT companies design user-friendly patient portals and mobile apps. These systems empower patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey, improving engagement and treatment adherence.
Staff assistance using training and tutorials
Effective staff training is an essential area of health care IT consulting. Such services can include comprehensive training programs tailored to different user groups within healthcare facilities. These programs often involve creating job aids, written documentation, and interactive tutorials to help staff members adapt to new digital systems efficiently.
Streamlining Your IT Infrastructure with Healthcare Information Technology Consulting
Healthcare IT consulting firm services may help optimize your facility’s technological infrastructure. A comprehensive IT audit may be the first step in streamlining your infrastructure. The healthcare information technology consulting team can thoroughly assess your current systems, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential risks.
For instance, one of the critical decisions in streamlining your IT infrastructure is choosing between on-premise and cloud-based server solutions. The approach to the server arrangement is strategic and has far-reaching consequences for the healthcare organization. With a medical software consultant, you can consider all essential factors, such as data security, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.
On-premise solutions offer total control over your data, making it easier to comply with privacy standards like HIPAA. However, they require significant investment in IT infrastructure and personnel. Cloud solutions, on the other hand, provide convenience and flexibility, allowing remote access to data and instruments.
For example, small family medicine clinics or solo practices often opt for cloud-based server solutions due to their lower initial costs, adaptability, and ease of setup without the need for significant IT in-house infrastructure and related investments. On the other hand, large hospitals and healthcare networks, with greater investment possibilities and prioritizing control of IT systems, data security, interoperability, and customization, may favor on-premise solutions for managing their servers.
Similarly, when comparing cloud vendors, healthcare IT professional services can assist you in evaluating options like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or others. That way, your chosen solution will align with your goals, whether it’s enhancing cybersecurity, improving data accessibility, or optimizing costs.
Achieving Seamless Integrations Through Healthcare Software Consulting Services
In the healthcare sector, there are many cases where integration with third-party information systems benefits medical facilities. For example, EHR integration significantly contributes to the validity of patients’ diagnoses and treatment decisions. Healthcare IT consulting services can offer a full cycle of solutions for out-of-the-box and vendor integrations, helping healthcare facilities navigate the complex picture of medical software integration.
Assistance in comparing market offers and justifying decisions
Healthcare software consulting teams provide valuable guidance in evaluating various market offerings. They help healthcare facilities make informed decisions by comparing solutions and justifying their choices based on specific needs and constraints. Thus healthcare facilities invest in the most suitable IT solutions for their unique requirements.
Integration recommendations
Medical IT consultants can make recommendations for integrating various healthcare software systems. They focus on creating seamless connections between different platforms, such as electronic health records (EHRs), practice management systems, and other healthcare software systems. By leveraging health data standards like HL7, FHIR, and C-CDA that facilitate interoperability, consultants help ensure effective communication between critical healthcare IT systems.
Enhancing Cybersecurity in Medical Facilities with Healthcare IT Professional Services
Healthcare IT professional services address various challenges faced by medical facilities. One significant issue is data security and privacy. With the increasing digitization of patient records, protecting sensitive information has become paramount.
The healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable to cybersecurity risks, with the stakes for patient care and safety being exceptionally high. Below, you can see, according to the HIPAA Journal, how many patients have been affected by health data security incidents.
Health IT experts can propose comprehensive solutions addressing health data security challenges. They provide expertise in developing robust incident management and response plans, incorporating properly tested business continuity and disaster recovery guidelines. These services also help establish IT security frameworks that encompass enterprise policies, data governance practices, and ongoing security education.
Healthcare IT consulting experts also conduct thorough IT security and risk assessments to identify security gaps and uncover areas for improvement. They review, test, and audit integrated security practices to ensure resiliency.
Today, many technologies for data protection are available. It is enough to mention at least multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and more. At the same time, advisory support should be valuable for implementing cyber security measures in healthcare information systems without incurring excessive costs and inconvenience for users.
Medical facilities can significantly enhance cybersecurity by leveraging healthcare information technology consulting services. This not only protects sensitive patient data but also ensures compliance with regulations like HIPAA, which will be discussed below.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance Through Health IT Consulting
IT consulting for healthcare can play a prominent role in helping organizations navigate the complex regulatory compliance environment. With stringent regulations like HIPAA, FDA guidelines, GDPR, and ISO standards, and more governing the healthcare sector in different countries, healthcare institutions must ensure they meet all requirements.
Moreover, the regulatory environment can change rapidly. Healthcare IT consultants stay abreast of the latest standards and guidelines, ensuring that medical facilities remain compliant while implementing new technologies or updating regulations.
For example, for HIPAA compliance, consultants conduct privacy gap assessments to identify areas of improvement and realign programs with requirements. They also assist in implementing robust security measures to protect patient data and ensure compliance with HIPAA’s Privacy and Security Rules.
In another instance, GDPR compliance is crucial for organizations handling EU patient data. IT healthcare consulting services help you implement stringent controls to protect sensitive health data, craft clear consent forms, and ensure proper data transfer mechanisms are in place.
Audits and certifications of healthcare facilities for compliance with regulations and standards are responsible procedures that require careful preparation. Healthcare IT consulting experts provide valuable support in preparing for regulatory audits and certifications, including comprehensive reviews of policies, procedures, and documentation.
How to Engage a Medical Software Consultant for Your Facility
Engaging a medical software expert can significantly enhance your healthcare facility’s IT infrastructure and operations. These specialists bring valuable insights and experience to help you navigate the complex health technology environment.
When selecting a consultant, consider their experience in the healthcare sector and their understanding of healthcare regulations. A well-proven approach is that healthcare consulting IT services are provided by a software development company specializing in innovative healthcare solutions. With such an IT partner, you can count not only on professional advice but also on turnkey implementation of proposed solutions.
Available Forms of IT Expert Support for Healthcare Organizations (on the Example of Riseapps)
Riseapps has been developing custom software products for various healthcare facilities since 2016. The company`s healthcare IT consulting services may include project-based consultations, ongoing support, or comprehensive digital transformation initiatives. Given the diversity of the experience and requests of organizations that need healthcare IT advisory services, Riseapps offers flexible forms for starting cooperation.
Here are some of them:
Free consulting session with the CTO
During a question-answer session, you can clarify the vision of your software product, including its architecture, compliance management, tech stack, AWS infrastructure, etc.
Product workshop
An intensive dialogue with solution architect, design, and engineering experts certified at ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and HIPAA standards will allow you to get closer to your MVP development and launch. As a result of the workshop, you receive a product roadmap, regulatory compliance guidelines, risk planning, tailored infrastructure schemes, etc.
CTO-as-a-Service
CTO-as-a-Service with a monthly fee includes, in particular, an audit of your in-house resources, the creation of a customized IT strategy for your healthcare facility, as well as assistance in risk management per ISO 31000.
Also, you can use healthcare IT consulting company services through flexible cooperation models tailored to your specific requirements.
Adopting AI in Health Facilities with Healthcare Software Consulting
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare facilities is rapidly gaining momentum. Among the primary areas of healthcare where AI technologies are making an impact are diagnostics and personalization of medical services.
AI algorithms can analyze patient data to predict health risks and suggest personalized treatment plans, enabling early intervention and better management of chronic diseases. Additionally, AI-powered systems can assist in pre-assessing the patient’s condition, accurately diagnosing, and making treatment recommendations, reducing the likelihood of human error.
According to a recent survey, three-quarters of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical professionals believe AI-related technologies will be widespread in the next three years. However, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges for healthcare institutions. Medical facilities need IT healthcare consulting services through the complexities of AI implementation.
As a result of combining medical and engineering expertise, AI-based functionality significantly boosts the capabilities of healthcare apps. For example, while developing the Black Doctor 24/7 telemedicine platform, Riseapps built the 24/7 AI assistant Amina. This healthcare virtual assistant has been clinically tested and has helped with the following:
- Ensure 24/7 availability of clinic-patient communication
- Automate the provision of assistance to patients
- Minimize missed diagnoses
- Reduce patient service time by 65%
Riseapps, an AI consulting services company, assists healthcare facilities in adopting artificial intelligence. This cooperation covers both strategic AI consulting and product AI consulting.
Available service packages include, in particular, the following:
Free AI consulting session with CTO
This format allows you to consider the strategy and specific ways of applying AI in your healthcare organization. You will learn more about AI capabilities and hear expert opinions on using it to achieve your business goals.
AI strategy workshop
This session with experts will help create your AI strategy. You will receive a strategic AI roadmap that aligns with your business goals.
AI R&D prototyping
Healthcare IT experts help you with a technical feasibility study, calculating TCO (the Total Cost of Ownership), and provide the insights you need for predictive analytics and model training. AI services include end-to-end development from Proof of Concept to solution deployment and development cost estimation.
Client Success Stories: Riseapps’ Healthcare IT Consulting Services
Riseapps has a proven track record of delivering IT healthcare consulting services to various clients. Since it is a software development company, its cooperation with medical facilities is often not limited to consultations but continues with the development and maintenance of digital healthcare platforms. You may explore some of these success stories.
Case Study: Black Doctor 24/7 – Enhancing Telemedicine Accessibility
Product Description:
Black Doctor 24/7 is a telemedicine app focused on connecting African-American patients with African-American healthcare professionals, improving accessibility and outcomes through AI and virtual assistance.
Customer Request:
Dr. Bill Releford sought a cross-platform telemedicine solution with AI, video calling, secure data handling, and seamless patient-doctor interaction, to be delivered in six months.
Challenges:
Black Doctor 24/7 required launching a full-fledged HIPAA-compliant cross-platform solution with AI integration within a tight six-month deadline.
Riseapps Solutions:
Riseapps developed an AI-enabled mobile and web platform, integrating third-party services for video and chat, all while ensuring HIPAA standards.
Project Results:
The platform launched within six months, achieving 100% HIPAA compliance and providing access to screening for individuals across underserved communities. This initiative has helped address healthcare disparities and improve access to culturally competent care for underserved communities. A 24/7 telemedicine app with personal AI assistance reduced patient service time by 65%.
Case Study: SkinPick – Supporting Mental Health Through Technology
Product Description:
SkinPick is a mental health platform designed to support individuals with body-focused repetitive behaviors, offering interactive tools and teletherapy options.
Customer Request:
The client wanted a comprehensive web app to facilitate remote therapy sessions and include user-friendly tracking tools for behavior management.
Challenges:
Shift from a legacy website with desktop-only user experiences to a modern solution that provides an intuitive user experience for patients and therapists across mobile and web platforms.
Riseapps Solutions:
Riseapps developed a mobile-first platform with integrated video therapy, behavior tracking, and secure data storage, all compliant with HIPAA.
Project Results:
The solution enabled users to access therapy and behavior tracking, improving their management and engagement. A mental health mobile-first platform delivers highly personalized therapy programs and ensures intuitive interactions. The project resulted in a 300% faster clinical improvement compared to traditional treatment, 400% more therapy tools in the app, and twice as many active monthly users.
Case Study: BrainMD – Personalized Mental Health Solutions
Product Description:
Amen Clinics’ mental health app offers users mental wellness tools, personalized assessments, and educational resources.
Customer Request:
Amen Clinics needed a comprehensive app to engage users with mental health education, self-assessments, and customized treatment suggestions.
Challenges:
Re-development of an outdated mental health app for improved performance, scalability, and enhanced functionality in a short time frame.
Riseapps Solutions:
Riseapps created an app with a user-friendly interface, educational content, self-assessment features, and HIPAA-compliant data management.
Project Results:
Riseapps rebuilt an existing mental health app for Amen Clinics in 6 months. The project team implemented 30 new features, including personalized assessments, daily check-ins, and appointment booking. The app increased user engagement, supported personalized mental health strategies, and improved access to Amen Clinics’ resources.
Case Study: InteliWound – Improving Wound Care Management
Product Description:
InteliWound is a healthcare platform that facilitates wound care management by providing clinical data and imaging tools to aid in wound assessment and treatment.
Customer Request:
The client needed a telemedicine solution to enhance remote wound assessment capabilities for healthcare providers.
Challenges:
The purpose of the new wound care software solution was to help healthcare professionals deal with pressing issues such as rising costs, clinical staff shortages, poor oversight, and complex regulations.
Riseapps Solutions:
Riseapps developed a HIPAA-compliant platform with secure image processing, real-time data sharing, and integration with EMR systems, tailored to meet wound care needs. The solution includes a mobile iPad app and web portal, powered by a scalable platform built on Amazon Web Services.
Project Results:
The HIPAA-compliant platform improved wound care assessments, streamlined clinician workflows, and enhanced telemedicine capabilities. Riseapps` software solution helps decrease physician visits and improve patient outcomes while strengthening the financial health of healthcare facilities.
Case Study: The Wound Pros – Customized EHR System for Wound Care
Product Description:
TheWoundPros is a specialized EHR system for wound care that assists clinicians in managing patient data and treatment plans effectively.
Customer Request:
The client sought a customized EHR system to streamline wound care documentation and improve patient management.
Challenges:
Building a cross-platform design system architecture that ensures compatibility with various devices, including tablets, and allows embedding complex ex-SmartSheet data management logic. Development of 120+ new wound care management modules to enrich the platform’s functionality.
Riseapps Solutions:
Riseapps developed an intuitive, HIPAA-compliant EHR platform with real-time data access, easy documentation tools, and telemedicine integration to support wound care workflows. For The Wound Pros, Riseapps redesigned a complex multi-component medical data management system. The project also involved creating a scalable design system architecture and developing a feature-rich mobile application for nurses.
Project Results:
Riseapps’ team redesigned the system, creating a comprehensive cloud-based automated platform with advanced functionality, including 120+ newly developed modules, that operates seamlessly across multiple devices. The EHR platform enhances care coordination, improves clinical documentation, and facilitates efficient wound treatment, allowing medical consultants and healthcare management teams to perform daily tasks in 3x less time.
Kego Case Study: KEGO – Secure Telemedicine for Urgent Care
Product Description:
KEGO is a HIPAA-compliant telemedicine platform offering virtual urgent care, connecting patients with doctors for immediate medical consultations.
Customer Request:
The client needed a secure, multi-platform app that supports video conferencing, manages appointments, and streamlines payments, all while maintaining patient data privacy.
Challenges:
Creation of a software solution that is available on various platforms, has an exclusive set of functions and ensures the security of confidential patient data at a high level.
Riseapps Solutions:
Riseapps developed iOS, Android, and web apps, integrating secure video chat, appointment scheduling, and a Django backend for fast, protected data transfer.
Project Results:
The HIPAA-compliant virtual healthcare platform built from scratch enables secure video conferencing, easy visit management, and integrated documentation while ensuring robust performance and seamless doctor-patient communication across iOS, Android, and web platforms.
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