4 Critical Factors to Check Before Selecting a Hospital Information System - Nice HMS

Points to Consider Before Subscribing to a New Health Information Management System (HIMS)/Health Information System (HIS)/Hospital Management System (HMS) as required by NHA and its flagship program ABDM:

1. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):

Health Information Provider (HIP) or Health Repository Provider (HRP): Ensure that the system aligns with NHA specifications, as patient data should stay under the control of the health facility where it is generated. However, the health facility must send a digital copy of the health record to the patient and other health facilities with the patient's digital consent. Check the official ABDM website for a list of certified vendors available at https://abdm.gov.in/our-partners.

NHA has established three milestones for certification. Make sure the vendor has completed all of them and implemented them in their production environment. Key points to consider are ABHA creation, health data linking, and the ability of the Health Information Unit (HIU) to retrieve data from other health facilities.

2. Universal Health Interface (UHI)

Evaluate the system's ability to facilitate online booking for physical and teleconsultations, as well as laboratory tests. Improving patient convenience and access to healthcare services is crucial. UHI aims to eliminate silos in healthcare, similar to those seen in companies like Amazon or Flipkart. Existing healthcare aggregators will need to transition to UHI and adopt a more democratic approach to survive.

3. Personal Health Records (PHR) App and End User Application:

Consider patient-side applications offered by super apps like Paytm or small vendors that provide secure storage of health records in digital lockers. Patients should have the freedom to choose doctors and health facilities through these applications in a democratic manner. Ensure that existing aggregator apps adhere to the guidelines set by NHA and the recent data protection bill to avoid penalties.

4. Health Claim Exchange (HCX):

Determine if the system offers a unified portal for claim management, integrating with the HIMS. This simplifies the processes involved with multiple Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) and government schemes, reducing errors and financial losses.

Summary:

when subscribing to a new HIMS/HIS/HMS, thoroughly assess the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), including the roles of HIP/HRP, the advantages of integrating UHI, the benefits of the PHR app, and the functionality of the Health Claim Exchange (HCX). This comprehensive evaluation will help you choose a system that meets your requirements, optimizes health information management, and ensures the controlled sharing of patient data.