Physician Data Analytics – What are the benefits?

Last month, I presented four approaches for the data analytics “beginner” to get in the game. Once you begin to use data analytics in your practice, benefits will emerge.



Based on using a simple approach to data analytics, there are three ways to benefit from using this data in your practice (Healthcare IT News, 06/07/2013):

1. Data analytics will improve the patient experience.

One big benefit is to be proactive with patients and reach out directly to those who need wellness intervention. This includes immunizations, diet and exercise advice for diabetics, screening reminders, etc. This allows your practice to move from “sick care” to “healthy care.”

As mentioned in an earlier blog, a member of the health care team, other than the physician, can be the person actually making contact with your patients in a pro-active way. Just the act of contacting your patients will improve their “image” of your practice and, hence, improve their overall experience.

2. Data analytics will help reveal inconsistencies in your practice.

It is understood across industries that variability in production and/or service reduces overall quality and increases costs.

If your practice focuses on a particular specialty and group of patients, it is important to know of inconsistencies in treating the same type of patient. By knowing inconsistencies, you can take corrective action to eliminate them and improve the overall patient outcomes.

3. Data analytics will help identify best practices.

As you continue on the data analytics journey, more clinical data will become available for your physicians. This data can then be compared to industry “best practices” and reveal if your physicians are following best practices. Such practices shorten the care decision pathway, improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and improve revenue. Best practices will move the quality of your practice to a higher level.

Next month, I will provide case studies that have used data analytics to demonstrate these benefits.



For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the North Texas Regional Extension Center at 469-648-5140 or information@ntrec.org.