Technology helping health care improve

With the advancement of technology, the health care industry is making great strides in saving lives and helping Americans improve their health.

Imagine what life would be like if body scans weren't available to detect swelling, tumors or blood clots happening in hidden places inside your body. Or scanning technology that is being developed to determine something as simple as blood sugar levels in the blood stream without having to poke a finger or draw blood.

Health care providers are using new software to schedule appointments, write prescriptions or handle billing - making it easier for patients to get quicker access to their doctor, records and even better explanation of bills.

When doctors use electronic medical records to access your last medical visit, your medication information, your family health history and even the results of your last blood test, you don't have to try and remember the details of your medical history, or spend hours filling out (and refilling out) health history forms.

The government is supporting clinics and medical practices of all sizes to pursue EMR software by providing stimulus money as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This stimulus money is available for a five year period.

Medical billing and practice management software systems can be customized to fit the size of the medical practice you use. You can find them in chiropractic offices, medical offices and even when you visit your podiatrist. By connecting billing, insurance, scheduling and health records for yourself into one program, your doctor or medical specialist won't have to chase down paper records, and the support staff won't have to leave you on hold for hours while they attempt to dig through files to address a billing question you might have.

With technology improvements in both the medical procedures and software fields, going to the doctor can be a little bit easier, and if your doctor has all your history right at his fingertips, a lot less time-consuming.

Courtesy of ARAcontent