Healthcare technology for imaging and image storage As imaging technology advances, the medical information technology used to manage those clinical images is keeping pace.

I recommend:  OptiMed Technologies’ OptiCor System is a cardiac imaging and image storage system that lets you acquire, review, exchange and archive cardiac images at full diagnostic image resolution. HealthCenter Information Systems provides healthcare information technology that includes data storage and clinical image delivery capabilities, such as scalable image archive systems for large healthcare practices, disaster recovery services and web servers to distribute images and results.

Information technology for healthcare streamlines medical office functions Healthcare IT solutions extend to the office where it takes most of the paperwork out of functions like billing and medical records management.

I recommend:  Incorporate Practice Partner’s Total Practice Partner software into your medical information technology system for sophisticated electronic medical records management as well as appointment scheduling and billing applications. Waiting Room Solutions' practice management system includes web-based electronic medical records as well as billing, scheduling, electronic prescription processing and other capabilities. For more medical software providers, visit Business.com.

Healthcare information technology in your hand Healthcare technology providers are taking notice that more physicians are relying on their BlackBerry or other handheld device to stay in touch with the office and respond to patient needs.

I recommend:  BlackBerry Business Solutions includes software and services that allow healthcare professionals to access medical records, write electronic prescriptions and take care of other responsibilities via their BlackBerry. Palm Pilot users can leverage healthcare technology in the form of Caremark’s iScribe electronic prescribing tools, which include formulary searching and a drug interaction checker.

Keep up with healthcare IT solutions and policies Government initiatives and technological advances can impact the way you use medical information technology.

I recommend:  Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s health information technology website for a wealth of resources, including listings of conferences and seminars on technology for healthcare information. Care to talk to fellow physicians who have already implemented new healthcare information technology? Members of the American Academy of Family Physicians can contact doctors with similar practices to discuss implementing healthcare IT solutions.