Question

At the hospital where Micah works, a new information system was implemented that allows a nurse to see what labs have been completed and patient history. This system is also accessible to the billing department, pharmacy, and primary care doctor and helps all employees work better together. This is an example of _____.

Answer 1

The new system at Micah's hospital exemplifies an integrated healthcare information system, which improves efficiency and coordination across various departments. It aligns with efforts to manage costs and quality in the U.S. healthcare system, while adhering to patient privacy regulations like HIPAA.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the hospital where Micah works, the new information system that allows various departments to access patient labs, history, and other important data is an example of an integrated healthcare information system. The integration of information across departments like nursing, billing, pharmacy, and primary care enables better coordination of care, and it exemplifies the push towards greater efficiency and the adoption of technology (telemedicine, healthcare informatics, artificial intelligence) in the healthcare sector. These advancements aim to address the challenges inherent in the U.S. healthcare system, which include managing high costs, ensuring quality care, and providing access to all citizens.

However, the sharing of digital records among health providers raises important questions about patient privacy and security, which are addressed by regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The system at Micah’s hospital must comply with such legal requirements to ensure the protection of patient information while optimizing healthcare delivery.