Patient portals, data warehousing and radiology barcoding apps poised for growth

Patient portals, clinical data warehousing and radiology barcoding applications are well positioned for rapid growth among hospitals, according to a report from HIMSS Analytics.

The report, “Essentials of the U.S. Hospital IT Market, Winter 2013 Edition,” focused on the market profile of the applications considered in HIMSS Analytics’ EMR Adoption Model (EMRAM)—a framework that assesses the maturation of EMR adoption as reflected in 5,407 hospitals as of Sept. 30, 2013.

Looking at the projected five-year sales trajectory for applications of the EMRAM report, first-time purchases of patient portals, clinical data warehousing and radiology barcoding applications are expected to greatly increase within U.S. hospitals.

The patient portal market is the only application clearly linked to Meaningful Use Stage 2 requirements. Market growth for clinical data warehousing and mining applications may stem from efforts to extract value from EHR investments, and sales increases in radiology barcoding applications are likely associated with patient safety initiatives, according to HIMSS Analytics.

Also, several foundational applications— including laboratory barcoding, pharmacy management systems and information systems for radiology and laboratory departments—have already saturated the market but will drive a high volume of IT replacement sales, the report found.

“The findings presented in this report suggest there is an opportunity for vendors and consultants to assist hospital leaders in their efforts to improve care by helping them realize their full EMR capabilities,” said Lorren Pettit, vice president of market research, HIMSS Analytics.