Why do hospitals need a software packages?
Software packages are important in the operating and running of hospitals. Software packages can be used in a variety of areas such as patient care management, pharmaceutical management and accounting of hospital transactions. In-patient flow management, software packages can enhance patient flow and ensure that patient wait time is reduced. Patient beds can be allocated more effectively as compared to using manual methods of bed allocation. In general, the use of different software packages is aimed at improving patient satisfaction and providing high-quality services in the hospitals while ensuring that cost is reduced.
What are the characteristics of the hospital’s cost structure and cost problems which would require a software program?
The hospitals cost structure will vary from patient to patient. Additionally, the type of treatment plans and type of insurance that the patient has will ultimately influence the cost structure of the hospital. Medicaid or Medicare payments reduce as payments from private insurers increase. Errors emanating from medical costing and billing systems result to loss of billions of money. Additionally, problems emanate from the billing errors and may result to delays in reclaiming finances. Furthermore, doctors need to stay up to date with changing medical costing and billing rules.
How will the software program solve a hospital’s cost accounting problems?
The software program will be used to ensure that precise costing is being done by ensuring that accurate information on costing is provided. Additionally, it will also ensure that the information provided from patients and also billing information is accurate.
What did you learn from the review of the material that you did not know before?
Software systems on their own cannot guarantee the efficiency of application of technology in hospital systems. It is necessary to have a well-integrated and coordinated system where doctors or physicians and information system experts collaborate to ensure that systems function effectively.
Why type of hospitals is the software program being marketed to?
The software program is being marketed to medium sized and small medical facilities.
Second Question
San Martino Hospital has a very high number of inpatient admissions and handles a substantial number of cardiac and neurologic cases hence the need to ensure proper management of clinical risk. The hospital has implemented information technology systems to ensure that costs such as insurance costs are minimized.
Management starts with movement of people and things to reduce the risk in the hospital, which involves patients, biological materials and reports. Allocation of resources is essential to ensure that risk is minimized. Previously, allocation of resources was done manually using records, but this proved to be generating budget deficits. By using information technology, San Martino management was better placed to assign resources for proper budget planning.
The lack of good analysis of cost to individual processes is significant. Breakdown of costs to get specific data on costs of product and drugs is critical for proper cost analysis. The use of SAS Cost and Profitability Management allows for analysis of production costs, by ensuring they are referenced to admissions and other services in the hospital. SAS runs effectively by conducting system monitoring, auditing and risk management are done for both staff and patients. Tracking of drugs is critical to ensure cost accountability
