APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT OF INFORMATICS TO PATIENT-SPECIFIC DATA BY HEALTH CARE DELIVERY ORGANIZATIONS: EXPLORING THE ISSUE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF COST
This paper explored the application of the concept of Informatics to patient-specific data by health care delivery organizations. The focus of this exploration was on the issue of cost-effectiveness.
Medical Informatics is intended to apply technology in a way that will both enhance the quality of patient and lower the cost/medical effectiveness ratio. The application of Medical Informatics by a health care organization involves the placing of a greater emphasis on the business aspects of health care than has been true in the past.
Medical technology is assuming an increasingly important treatment role in the contemporary period. An example of the application of Medical Informatics in health care institutions is advanced medical imaging technology. Major enhancements of existing computerized systems in most health care institutions are required to support the developing collaborative delivery systems and the support functions these system require.
To succeed under managed care, health care organizations must integrate clinical and financial information. Such integration can help minimize financial risk to the institution by improving the ratio of operating costs to clinical outcomes. Under a fee-for-service payment system, no real link exists between the clinical and financial aspects of health care delivery. A capitated payment system requires health care providers to accept the financial risk for health care services provided that either are not as effective as are others or that are harmful to patients. Under managed care, both clinical providers and financial managers have a financial interest in patient outcomes and both groups must make care decisions cooperatively.
Examples of the cost-effective application of Medical Informatics are included in the re...