Describe the strategy a healthcare organization can use to lower its cost of care. What types of IT applications could they use to help them achieve this goal?

To lower the cost of healthcare, a healthcare company can utilize a number of different strategies. First, value-based reimbursement models are used. These models focus more on quality and outcomes than traditional fee-for service models. As providers are given incentives based upon the positive outcomes achieved by their patients, this encourages them to provide better care. A healthcare organisation should aim to increase operational efficiency and reduce redundancies. The automation of administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and processing claims can help to reduce costs without compromising accuracy.

There are many IT programs that can be used to help them reach this goal. EHRs allow for faster data exchange between providers, and can reduce the amount of paperwork required. This is a significant improvement over paper forms. The clinical decision support system (CDSSs), or clinical decision-support systems, provides clinicians with automated decision support. They can be based on laboratory and patient information. This allows for more accurate treatment planning while reducing errors. Health care organizations can use analytics tools to detect trends in population management and make effective plans for providing intervention at lower costs than what medical treatment would normally require. Telehealth platforms allow providers to offer virtual consultations via secure video conference. This reduces overheads and improves access for those who are unable to travel to a particular location because of financial or mobility constraints.