Healthcare Technology
Technology is used throughout healthcare to help collect information, support treatment, improve communication, and keep track of your care.
You may notice computers, scanners, monitors, pumps, patient portals, and other devices during a clinic visit or hospital stay.
Understanding what these tools do can make healthcare feel less confusing.
What Is Healthcare Technology?
Healthcare technology includes the tools and systems your care team uses to collect information, support treatment, and communicate about your care.
Some technology is visible at your bedside, such as monitors, pumps, and scanners. Other technology works in the background, such as electronic records and laboratory equipment.
This guide introduces electronic records and patient portals, bedside equipment, testing technology, telehealth, prescriptions, safety alerts, and ways to protect your health information.
Technology That Manages Your Health Information
Your Electronic Medical Record
Healthcare organizations use electronic systems to keep health information. An electronic medical record (EMR) is a digital chart used by a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare organization. An electronic health record (EHR) may bring together information from different parts of a person’s care.
People sometimes use these terms in similar ways. Your care team can explain how your organization uses its record system.
Your care team uses the record to document care and review information entered by other members of the team.
For example, a doctor may order a blood test, the laboratory may enter the result electronically, and the care team can review it in the record.
Electronic records help healthcare professionals document and review care. However, information may not be available immediately across every clinic, hospital, or healthcare organization.
Patient Portals
A patient portal is an online service, often a website or app, where you may be able to see some of your health information.
Depending on the healthcare organization, a portal may let you:
- View test results
- Review medications
- Read visit summaries
- Send messages to your care team
- Manage appointments
Portal features vary. Ask your healthcare organization which features are available to you.
Patient portals are useful for routine communication, but urgent medical concerns require prompt assistance rather than waiting for a portal reply.
Learn more: Medical Records ExplainedWith an electronic prescription, a healthcare professional sends the prescription to a pharmacy through a computer system.
Before you leave an appointment, ask which pharmacy received the prescription and when you should expect to get the medication. If it is not available or you have a question about it, contact the pharmacy or your healthcare professional.
An electronic prescription being sent does not always mean the medication is ready for pickup. Contact your pharmacy to confirm availability.
Learn more: Medications SimplifiedTelehealth lets you meet with a healthcare professional using technology, such as a video visit, phone call, or online service.
Depending on the service, telehealth may be used for follow-up visits, discussing test results, or other healthcare needs. It may not be right for every concern. Ask your healthcare organization how to connect and what to do if you need help during the visit.
Before a video visit, check your connection, camera, and microphone when possible. Have your medication list and questions available.
Some health concerns still require an in-person assessment.
Technology Used at Your Bedside
In many hospitals, a nurse scans your identification wristband and the medication barcode before giving a medication. You may also see monitors near your bed and an IV pump that controls fluids or medications. Tap each card to learn more.
When an Alarm Sounds
Some alarms are caused by movement, equipment issues, or temporary changes. Others may indicate a condition that needs prompt attention. Tell your healthcare team when an alarm sounds or if you feel unwell. Not every alarm means an emergency, but do not try to silence, adjust, or move equipment yourself. Let staff know about concerning symptoms or equipment problems.
If you experience a new or worsening symptom, alert your healthcare team even if the monitor numbers appear unchanged.
Bedside equipment helps healthcare professionals monitor your condition and deliver treatments, but it does not replace nursing assessment or professional judgment.
Technology That Supports Testing and Safety
Imaging equipment—such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound machines—creates pictures that help your care team look inside the body.
Different imaging tests provide different types of information. Your care team can explain which test you are having and why.
Laboratories use equipment to examine samples such as blood or urine. The test results can help your care team look for health changes, evaluate a condition, or monitor treatment.
Your healthcare professional interprets the results along with your symptoms and other health information. Ask what the results mean for you and whether you need to do anything next.
Healthcare systems may use alerts to remind staff to review important information. For example, an alert may flag a possible medication interaction or a change that needs attention.
Automated alerts provide information for healthcare professionals to evaluate. Alerts support the care team’s work, but they do not replace professional judgment or communication. If you have a concern about a medication, test, or treatment, speak with your healthcare team.
Some systems may use AI-assisted tools to help organize information or identify patterns. These tools support clinical work and do not replace appropriate professional assessment and patient communication.
Technology, Communication, and Your Privacy
Technology helps collect, organize, and share information. Your healthcare team still needs to listen to you, explain your care, and answer your questions.
You can ask:
- “What is this device or test for?”
- “What information is it showing?”
- “Who can explain this result to me?”
- “What should I do if the device alarms?”
Use your healthcare organization’s official website or app to access your patient portal. Keep your password private, and sign out if you use a shared device.
If you receive a message or link that seems unexpected, contact your healthcare organization using a phone number or website you already know is correct. Ask your organization how it protects your information and who can access your portal.
- Use your healthcare organization's official patient portal or app.
- Use a strong password and multifactor authentication when available.
- Be cautious with unexpected messages asking you to open links or provide login information.
Your Care in Real Life — Technology During a Hospital Visit
Follow Henry as healthcare technology helps his care team organize information, monitor his condition, and provide treatment.
Step 1
Electronic Records
Henry arrives at the hospital for a planned procedure.
His healthcare team reviews available information in his electronic medical record, including his medical history, medications, and care orders.
Henry confirms important information and tells the team about any changes.
Who may be involved
- Nurses and providers use monitors, scanners, and records to support your care.
- Technical or portal support staff can help you get connected.
- Your care team reviews information from devices and decides next steps.
What you can do
- Ask staff to explain what a device or screen is showing.
- Practice logging in to your portal or telehealth app before a visit.
- Tell your team if a device alarm or reading worries you.
Common questions
- Does an alarm always mean something is wrong?
- Not always. Alarms can sound for many reasons, such as movement. Your nurse can explain.
- Is a telehealth visit as good as an in-person visit?
- It can work well for many concerns. Your provider may ask you to come in when an exam is needed.
- Why do they scan my wristband?
- Scanning helps confirm the right medicine goes to the right patient. It's a safety step.
Knowledge Check
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Great job! Understanding the technology around you can help you take part in your care with confidence.
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