Data Extraction Use Cases in Healthcare

Data extraction is a very important tool in the healthcare industry. It is the easiest and fastest method of digitizing healthcare records. By extracting data from medical records, the cost of file keeping and the tedious process of searching for data is eliminated. Additionally, data extraction simplifies data collection and analysis. It simplifies both administrative and medical issues that arise within the day-to-day activities in a typical medical environment. Likewise, it facilitates medical information sharing all around the world. In general, data extraction use usually occurs under four circumstances, which are listed and discussed below.

Digitization of Medical Records,
Management of Electronic Health Record (EHR),
Telemedicine,
Medical Monitoring Devices.

Digitization of Medical Records

Several medical centers still have physical medical files that are kept away in filing rooms. Having such types of medical information in this day and age is ineffective and counterproductive to the effective delivery of healthcare to patients. As a result, data extraction is used in such medical institutions as a tool for the conversion of medical records and administrative documentation from paper to digital documents. Once a medical file is successfully scanned, data extraction techniques can quickly convert such documents into user-friendly versions, which can be used for other uses.

Management of Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Data extraction is key for the successful operation of EHR. EHR is an electronic system that simplifies the collection and categorization of medical information for patients, which is derived from multiple sources. In basic terms, it makes diagnostics and the administration of medical interventions easy. At the core of the operation of EHR is data extraction. Data extraction techniques automate the coalition process of data generated from various sources onto the centralized EHR database. For example, a patient that requires surgery may likely have to undergo several tests from various departments before the operation occurs. With the help of advanced data extraction techniques, the results from each department are automatically coalited once available. Therefore, the time taken to physically gather each result is eliminated, which saves time and, in many cases, saves lives.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is nothing but medical consultation over the internet. Data extraction is also instrumental in the operations and advancement of telemedicine. Now, patients and physicians can easily communicate via the internet with the relevant medical documentation at their disposal. Additionally, medical issues, diagnoses, therapies, and results can automatically be updated onto the medical records of the patient with ease. All this is possible because of the effective utilization of data extraction methods in the healthcare industry.

Medical Monitoring Devices

The utilization of wearable medical monitoring devices is completely dependent on data extraction techniques. Such medical monitoring devices may include ECG monitors, pacemakers, sleep monitors, and much more. The information that is gathered by these devices is usually collected and presented using data extraction. Once a patient visits the clinic, the data gathered from such devices can easily be examined by the physician, which leads to the development of an appropriate diagnosis.

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