Technology Advances in the Provider Community

Friday, December 19, 2008 by Eric Tinsley
Technology is pervasive in the provider community, but still relatively undeveloped in the areas of patient communication and knowledge management.  We've all seen the amazing technical devices to assist providers in diagnosing and treating diseases.  Likely, you're familiar too with the use of technology in claims processing, billing, and so on.

In the area of informatics and knowledge management the use of systems is still very new.  Some of the key initiatives in this area include:
  • Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
  • Health Information Exchange
  • Disease Management
  • Patient Information Portals
For Geriatric Care Management, specifically, we could add Case Management and Decision Support Systems.  Case Management has been used for some time by payers to control costs, but recently have been used to improve and coordinate care.  There are a handful of case management systems emerging for the non-clinical dimension of Geriatric Care. 

Decision Support is very new.  SCANS, mentioned in earlier blogs, is an example of such a system.  This is unique in the class in that it focuses on care rather than improving reimbursement.

Comments for Technology Advances in the Provider Community

Saturday, December 20, 2008 by Laurie Orlov:
It is my experience that independent geriatric care managers have little interest in technology, but even more worrisome than lack of use of case management a lack of demonstrated advocacy (or interest) in technology to help seniors age in their own home: this could include recommending (to family of seniors)use of medication reminders, PERS devices, motion sensors, web cameras, or technologies to keep minds active and people engaged. For more on this technology, see www.ageinplacetech.com.
Monday, December 22, 2008 by Eric Tinsley:
Laurie, Thanks for your comment. I share your concern about the interest in technology for independent GCMs. My hope is that as the market becomes more aware of technology aides that GCMs will be pulled in tow. I’m glad to say that some GCMs do care about these approaches and are even involved in creating them. - ET

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