15 Types of Healthcare Software

The Healthcare Software Ecosystem

According to an estimation by Meticulous Research in 2019, the healthcare IT market would see a CAGR growth of 13.8% from the year 2019 until 2027, growing to $511 billion. Of course, those figures came prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and are arguably higher at the moment considering the increased surge in the adoption rate of healthcare applications across the COVID-19 pandemic phase.

This blog explores 15 prominent types of healthcare software available on the market. It highlights examples of widely used medical software by institutions and healthcare apps catering to individuals focused on their health and well-being.

Fifteen of the Most Popular Types of Healthcare Software

1. Electronic Health Record (EHR) Software

EHR software also features as one of the most implemented systems in both hospitals and clinics. Much like how a CRM would work, EHR software provides a version specifically for medical professionals, compiling data regarding patient medications, doctors’ suggestions, and prior procedures into a single entity.

Many EHR programs also feature financial modules for billing and a patient portal, enabling users to access consultation history, medical records, and prescriptions.

Types of EHR Software:

• Electronic Patient Record (EPR): Used internally by hospitals to manage patient information.
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR): Focused on tracking medication, procedures, and patient recovery data.

2. Medical Database Software

Medical database software stores patient histories and treatment plans but organizes data by disease rather than individual profiles. This software aids doctors by:

• Enhancing treatment decisions through case cross-referencing.
• Facilitating education via clinical case reviews.

For example, a dermatologist can use this software to examine cases of Atopic Dermatitis, comparing symptoms, treatments, and recovery plans.

3. Medical Research Software

Medical research software serves two primary purposes: education and information sharing within the medical community. It supports:

• Training medical personnel.
• Assisting in diagnoses when internal clinical cases are insufficient for reference.

4. Medical Diagnosis Software

Medical diagnosis software enables doctors to share anonymized patient records, filling gaps that might hinder accurate diagnoses. Often powered by artificial intelligence (AI), this software analyses patient data to generate potential diagnoses.

For Individuals:

Medical diagnosis apps allow users to assess symptoms and determine if hospital visits are necessary. These apps gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Medical Imaging Software

Medical imaging and visualization software is essential for processing MRI, CT, and PET scans, as well as for designing 3D models.

Capabilities of Medical 3D Imaging Software:

Human Anatomy 3D Modeling: Technicians use this software to create customized models for individual patients. For example, orthodontists print out real-to-life models of teeth from patients before treatment.

Designing and printing equipment or body parts: It is also used in designing and printing medical equipment or artificial body parts, like prosthetic limbs or coronary stents for cardiovascular procedures.

6. E-Prescribing Software

With the global shift towards electronic prescriptions, e-prescribing software has become indispensable for medical professionals. It allows doctors to:

• Track, renew, and cancel patient prescriptions.
• Access integrated national drug reference databases for accurate prescribing.

7. Telemedicine Software

Telemedicine software is a rapidly growing sector, with the U.S. market alone projected to reach $64 billion by 2025. Its success lies in its convenience for both patients and healthcare providers.

Features of Telemedicine Software:

• Enables online appointments via web browsers or mobile apps.
• Often includes video conferencing, e-prescriptions, and billing modules for a seamless healthcare experience.

8. Appointment Scheduling (Booking) Software

Appointment scheduling software simplifies managing patient bookings for hospitals, clinics, and medical practices. It typically includes:

• A patient panel for scheduling appointments online through apps or websites.
• Automated reminders and email notifications for upcoming appointments, ensuring timely communication between doctors and patients.

9. Medical Billing Software

Medical billing software supports hospital accounting departments by managing patient invoices, payments, and other financial operations. Frequently, it is integrated into larger systems like EHR or hospital management software for streamlined financial management.

10. Hospital Management Software

Hospital management software is designed to assist with administrative tasks in healthcare facilities. It automates various operations, including:

• Accounting, medical billing, claims, and inventory management.
• Outpatient tracking, bed management, and more.

11. Medical Equipment Management Software

Medical equipment management software aims to reduce the manual effort of stocktaking and maintenance in hospitals and medical practices. By automating processes like maintenance scheduling and inventory tracking, it ensures the smooth operation of clinics. This software is essential for maintaining the reliability of medical equipment and preventing stock shortages.

12. Health Tracking Apps

In 2019 alone, the mobile health application market reached $37 billion. It is predominantly a market for fitness applications such as 8fit, diet applications including Fitatu Calorie Counter and Diet, and meditation applications such as Calm and Shine. Nowadays, many health-monitoring apps merge with IoT to collect and analyze the health data from there. Examples include wristbands for sleep, such as FitBit, and jewelry for general health, such as the Oura Ring, while specialized tools like glucometers and thermometers are also used in service of menstrual cycle tracking via apps such as Kindara. The applications empower users to take their health into their hands by offering data-driven insights, together with personalized recommendations.

13. Personal Health Record Software (Medical Diaries)

Personal Health Record (PHR) software differs from health-tracking apps as it focuses on disease monitoring rather than general well-being. Acting as a medical diary, it can be stored on the patient’s device or integrated with hospital systems. For example, the Tulipa app, designed for Parkinson’s patients, allows users to record symptoms, sensations, medications, and treatments. Patients can generate detailed reports for their doctors, aiding in recovery or alerting medical professionals to early signs of complications. PHR software bridges the gap between patients and medical staff, supporting better disease management.

14. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) has transformed healthcare by enabling data collection outside traditional healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics. This technology gained significant momentum during the pandemic, addressing disruptions in routine health management. RPM uses devices such as heart rate monitors, blood pressure meters, and wearable ECG tools to track patient health in real-time. It also facilitates remote diagnoses and alerts healthcare providers of abnormalities. Particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions, post-surgery recovery patients, and the elderly, RPM technology has made in-home healthcare more effective and accessible.

15. Mobile Health (mHealth) Apps

Once considered disruptive by many health professionals, today mHealth applications have become essential to present-day health care. They make administrative tasks, such as paying bills, scheduling appointments, and conducting consultative engagements with doctors and nurses, so much easier. High-performing mHealth apps seamlessly integrate with EMR/EHR systems, enabling healthcare professionals to access patient records during consultations with the necessary consent. This integration enhances efficiency, allowing for swift sharing of data for referrals, prescriptions, and other critical tasks. When effectively connected to local or international healthcare systems, mHealth apps redefine how patients access and manage their healthcare, setting new benchmarks for digital healthcare solutions.

Digital Acceleration in Healthcare

The healthcare software market is flourishing, driven by the digitalization of medical services. This transformation delivers numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, cost reduction, and better control of finances and patient data. With the growing adoption of health-tracking apps and the ongoing digital acceleration of healthcare services globally, the industry is poised for sustained growth and innovation.