Different Types of Software Used in Healthcare Industry

Some Statistics About Healthcare Software

Here are some of the statistics on different types of software used in healthcare industry:

• According to a McKinsey & Company report, the number of primary care telehealth visits increased by 50% during the pandemic.
• The FCC estimates that using telehealth technologies could save the U.S. healthcare industry an impressive $305 billion annually.
• According to Statista, across Europe, the average EHR usage among doctors reached 81%, while in the United States, it stood at 92% in 2018.
• In 2023, 2.5 billion e-prescriptions were processed in the United States.
• Global revenue from digital fitness and well-being reached 110 billion USD in 2024.

These statistics reflect a shift towards technology-driven healthcare that enhances accessibility, efficiency, and personalized care on a global scale.

Most Popular Types of Healthcare Software

There are many different types of medical software, here are the 15 most widely-used:

Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems

An electronic health record is a real-time digital version of a patient’s health information, offering more than just basic clinical data. EHR systems often include a patient’s medical history, lab results, radiology reports, allergies, medications, and treatment plans.

Unlike paper charts, EHRs provide immediate, secure access to information for authorized users. This instant availability is critical when patients need quick action, allowing medical professionals to see the full picture of a patient’s health and make informed decisions right away.

Practice Management Software

Cleveland Clinic implemented practice management software as part of its broader digital transformation strategy. With over 66,000 caregivers worldwide and a vast network of facilities, the provider faced the challenge of managing patient interactions efficiently while ensuring high-quality care. Here is what they’ve managed to achieve with their software for hospitals:

• Scheduling and appointment management have reduced wait times for patients and improved overall satisfaction.
• By optimizing billing processes and minimizing claims denials, Cleveland Clinic has boosted revenue cycle performance.
• Patient information became accessible and up-to-date, as a result, better communication and collaboration among healthcare teams.
• Integrated analytics tools monitor key performance metrics, enabling continuous improvement in clinical and operational practices.
• Patients reported improved quality of care as healthcare providers could spend more time with patients due to administrative tasks automation.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Software

Remote patient monitoring software allows healthcare providers to track patients' vital signs outside of traditional clinical settings, making it easier for those who can’t attend in-person visits regularly. For example, these digital solutions are especially valuable for patients with chronic conditions, the elderly, and those recovering from surgery who need continuous monitoring.

RPM technology automatically analyzes real-time patient data, helping providers make timely, accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. Many of these systems work with wireless medical devices that transmit patient data, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure remotely, reducing the need for physical check-ups.

For example, inVerita developed a tablet app that displays and interprets data from advanced mechanical ventilators. Using evidence-based practices, the app tracks essential parameters such as oxygen, heart rate, and PEEP/CPAP settings, giving medical staff real-time insights to adjust ventilator settings as needed. This continuous remote monitoring keeps patient care efficient and responsive.

Medical Billing Software

Medical billing software automates billing and payment workflows such as patient invoicing, insurance claim submissions, and payment tracking.

There are two main types of medical software: standalone billing software systems, which focus solely on billing (ideal for smaller practices), and integrated practice management software systems, which combine billing with scheduling, patient records, and reporting for a more comprehensive solution.

Some advanced systems even predict the likelihood of claim success based on past data, helping healthcare providers submit claims more strategically for faster reimbursement.

Telemedicine Software

Modern telemedicine software offers a secure platform for virtual consultations. It enables physicians to manage patient medical records, consult with other doctors, track visits, and even handle billing and financial operations—all from a single platform.

The demand for remote consultations surged during the pandemic and has remained strong ever since. In fact, various sources predict continued growth for telemedicine applications.

Patient Scheduling Software

Patient scheduling software is one of the most widely used types of healthcare software. It’s especially useful for clinics that struggle to optimize resources and enhance patient satisfaction.

In comparison to more complex types of healthcare software such as EHRs, clinical decision support systems, etc., these intuitive apps are less expensive to develop as scheduling software typically has fewer backend complexities and doesn’t handle as much sensitive clinical or diagnostic data as other types.

This software for healthcare often includes automated reminders, real-time scheduling updates, and patient self-scheduling options, which help reduce the rate of missed appointments. 

For example, Zocdoc allows patients to find doctors, book appointments online, and receive automatic reminders about upcoming appointments, while DrChrono integrates scheduling with other types of healthcare software such as electronic health records, letting providers view patient history alongside appointment details.

According to Software Advice, 89% of users report that automated reminders decrease patient no-shows by up to 36%.

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Laboratory information management systems aim at organizing and automating each step: from logging samples to generating final reports.

It often integrates directly with lab equipment to automate data capture, requiring precise calibration for various instruments. This kind ofdedicated  software for healthcare has to support lab-specific workflows, handle large volumes of sensitive data, and meet strict compliance requirements like HIPAA and CLIA, therefore, is costly and time-intensive to build and requires a healthcare software development company with a lot of experience in the medical app industry.

Pharmacy Management Software

Pharmacy management software is a digital tool that streamlines pharmacy operations, helping manage medication dispensing, inventory tracking, prescription processing, and patient information.

This software supports pharmacists by maintaining detailed patient profiles, monitoring drug interactions, managing refill schedules, and automating billing.

Due to the increasing need for precise medication tracking, the pharmacy management software market is projected to reach $12.03 billion by 2028.

E-Prescribing Software

E-prescribing software simplifies the process of writing and managing prescriptions by allowing healthcare providers to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies electronically. This software eliminates the need for paper prescriptions, which can be prone to issues like misinterpretation or loss, and reduces the risks associated with manual entry errors. By enabling seamless data sharing between doctors, pharmacies, and insurance providers, e-prescribing software supports safer and more efficient medication management.

One of the key advantages of e-prescribing is its ability to check for potential drug interactions and allergies in real time, enhancing patient safety. The software can also improve prescription accuracy and adherence by offering options for medication history access, dosage guidelines, and refill tracking, making it easier for patients to get the correct medications at the right times.

For example, Surescripts—a major e-prescribing network, reported that e-prescribing significantly reduces prescription errors and helps avoid potential adverse drug eventsology is increasingly adopted: in 2021, 98% of all U.S. pharmacies could accept e-prescriptions, demonstrating its effectiveness and broad acceptance among other types of healthcare software.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

Clinical decision support systems are specialized healthcare tools designed to assist healthcare providers in making more accurate and efficient clinical decisions. Using patient data, CDSS systems analyze information and provide evidence-based recommendations, alerts, and insights at critical points in the treatment process. This support can be vital in areas such as accurate diagnosis, medication management, and treatment planning, as the systems provide real-time assistance that aids providers in improving patient outcomes and reducing medical errors.

CDSS solutions often feature a range of functionalities, such as alerting clinicians to potential drug interactions, recommending preventive measures, and suggesting diagnostic options based on patient data and historical information. 

For instance, they may alert a physician if a prescribed medication has potential adverse reactions with other medications a patient is taking. In recent years, advanced CDSS tools have started to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can analyze vast data sets to provide highly specific, personalized insights.

Health Information Exchange (HIE) Software

The primary purpose of HIE software is to enable doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to access and exchange patient data seamlessly, regardless of location.

Security protocols, like encryption and access controls, are essential components of HIE software to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA, protecting sensitive patient data during exchange.

An example of HIE software in action is Epic’s Care Everywhere, which allows healthcare organizations using the Epic system to securely access records from other systems.

Population Health Management Software

This software utilizes data from various sources, such as electronic health records, claims data, and social determinants, to identify trends and prioritize interventions for high-risk patients. 

Through predictive analytics, PHM software highlights areas for potential health improvement and cost reduction, helping organizations meet value-based medical care objectives.

By implementing such software, some organizations have achieved measurable impacts, like Health Catalyst’s reported $2.3 million in savings within 12 months from a 9.1% reduction in per-member-per-month costs​.

Hospital Information Systems (HIS)

HIS integrates various functions, such as patient registration, scheduling, billing, and medical records management, into a centralized system accessible to healthcare staff.

Clinical modules within HIS are very complex and enable seamless access to patient records, tracking treatment progress, and sharing data with other medical practices, thus improving care coordination.

Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Software

Revenue cycle management software focuses on managing the financial processes associated with patient care, from initial appointment scheduling to final payment collection. Its core functions include verifying patient insurance eligibility, billing, claims submission, payment processing, and revenue reporting. 

RCM solutions are designed to reduce administrative burdens and ensure accurate, timely financial management, which is crucial for a healthcare facility’s financial stability. By automating billing workflows, RCM software minimizes errors, reduces claim denials, and speeds up the reimbursement cycle.

Technology-enabled RCM processes reportedly reduce the time spent on tasks such as claims processing, billing, and coding by as much as 41% to 50% for revenue cycle staff, due to automation reducing repetitive tasks and human error.

Patient Engagement Software

Patient engagement software allows patients to access their personal health information, communicate directly with healthcare professionals, manage appointments, and receive reminders, all in one convenient platform. 

The main goal of these healthcare apps for patients is to engage patients actively in their care, which is shown to improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction levels significantly.

Optimize Your Healthcare Operations with the Right Software

The process of designing high-functioning and well-run software for healthcare companies is challenging but for sure pays off.