Question

Write a paragraph each on how computers have affected the following:

3. Insurance claims

4.Accounting done in the medical office (e.g. pegboard system versus current methods of financial management)

5. Ethical considerations related to technology

Answer 1

3. Insurance Claims

In today's world, computers and information technology (IT) has had an impact on all facets of life - be it personal, professional, educational or governance. Insurance industry has also been impacted to a great extent by IT. Today more and more people are buying insurance online using their phones, tabs and computers - leading way for direct sales as compared traditional insurance agent network driven sales. Insurance claim process had also changed drastically. The mode of application which was paper form submitted to agents has changed to online form to be submitted directly to the insurance company. The tracking of claims at the customer end has also been made easier at the click of mouse. Duration of claim, automatic recovery from the reinsurer and other day to day inquiries can now all be done on computers. It is estimated that only 30-40% of claims (vehicle insurance industry) were actually studied in detail within the stipulated time during the manual claim process. With digital help this will surely be 100%. At the same time it will significantly reduce the manpower required, as most jobs will be done by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Application of AI, is considered as an game changer in many industries including insurance. The insurers data will be the part of "big data" that will be risk assessment, policy premium finalization etc.

4) Accounting done in the medical office

Computers have increased accuracy and speed of accounting across industries. Specialized software packages are available for all industries - including Medical and health industry that simplifies accounts, raises flags in case of an suspicious transactions, automates standard calculations, maintains organized retrievable data, creates balance, matrices and reports as desired by the accountant and management. Also, the manual, handwritten records will soon become obsolete, with all data being captured in the software. with features like high data security and access control, the confidentiality and sanctity of process is assured in digital accounting. The various software packages that are  used are Tally (generic), Capterra (hospital specific), Adavanta (hospital specific) etc. Many of these come end to end patient management systems that captures the patient data, medical histories, procedures that are recommended, admission and stay details etc.

5) Ethical considerations related to technology

"Everything has got two sides - good and bad" - Anonymous

Technology has invaded our lives in every aspect - the way we connect with others (digital social media), shop (e-commerce), learn (e-learning), work (laptops and desktops), and even spend free-time (smart-phones and tabs). Though all these seem very helpful to us to increase our productivity and engage with people, some cutting edge technological developments have raised eyebrows - example genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. These topics have created a lot of negative impact, partly because of possibilities that these technologies imply, and partly because of half-knowledge. The genetic engineering techniques used to cure like threatening diseases can also be used to create bio-weapons. Similarly, artificial intelligence that can improve efficiency and accuracy in every aspect of life, is seen as threat to human labor and jobs. Ethical considerations related to technology range from aspects of data security of customers, copyright infringements, cyber crimes, digital privacy breach etc. Moreover a wide "digital divide" has been created in developing countries where remote places are yet to get digital access. With new developments, new issues arise and so does the need for new laws and regulations. Example, advent of industrial revolution brought about labor and capitalism related issues - leading to detailed labor laws and practices. Similarly with advent of technology - related issues will arise and so will cyber laws and technology regulations.