Computers in the Workplace: Healthcare Industry

 Hello Everyone,

In this blog, I will discuss computers in the workplace, focusing on the Healthcare Industry.  The healthcare industry is a trillion-dollar industry in the United States.  While health insurance is not mandatory at the federal level, in California and a few other states, there is still a tax penalty if you do not have health insurance.  The healthcare system is vital in the States.  Since the birth of the internet back in January 1983, the U.S. population has increased by 50%.  The healthcare industry currently serves around 300 million people.  Computers are essential to keep track of and provide reliable service to everyone.  Computers not only keep track of appointments and staff schedules, but they also maintain critical life-saving data.  Employees in this environment must be computer literate to keep this data updated and secured. 

With the latest cyberattack on Scripps, a health organization ranked the best hospital by the U.S. News and World Report, one can only wonder how other healthcare organizations are doing.  Scripps treats more than 700,000 patients annually through the dedication of over 15,000 employees.  Employees must learn to enter, save and retrieve data correctly and securely.  Healthcare industries are also responsible for compliance with rules and regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  Therefore, employees in this type of environment must be computer literate. 

Considering the historical computing trends, I believe the healthcare industry will rely tremendously on computers and networking systems.  Perhaps it will evolve into an integration of gadgets and wearable sensors connected to each individual and their healthcare provider.  This evolution in computer systems will force a deeper integration of healthcare systems and computers.  Perhaps in the next 10 years, computers will be able to diagnose, prescribe and administer treatment for many people. 

 

References:

A brief history of the internet.  (n.d.).  https://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit07/internet07_02.phtml#:~:text=January%201%2C%201983%20is%20considered,Protocol%20(TCP%2FIP)

Historical.  CMS.  (n.d.).  https://www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/statistics-trends-and-reports/nationalhealthexpenddata/nationalhealthaccountshistorical#:~:text=U.S.%20health%20care%20spending%20grew,spending%20accounted%20for%2018.3%20percent

Is health insurance required in your state? | ehealth.  (n.d.).  Retrieved from https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/individual-and-family/does-your-state-require-you-to-have-health-insurance