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Beginning
The first computers in healthcare were punch-card systems prior to the 1960s. At the time, computers were large machines that filled entire rooms and needed extreme cooling controls; these machines used vacuum tubes rather than microchips for memory. -
1960s
The first systems installed in the 1960s were mostly financial applications. -
1970s
Vacuum tubes were replaced. The memory capability of computers has improved. Healthcare industry began to use departmental computer systems. -
1980s
For the first time, hospitals needed to pull significant information from both clinical and financial systems in order to be reimbursed. At the same time, personal computers, widespread, non-traditional software applications, and networking solutions entered the market. As a result, hospitals began integrating applications so financial and clinical systems could talk to each other in a limited way. -
1990s
The size of computers begin have gotten smaller. Memory is cheaper. Storage has increased tremendously. The price of personal computers for the consumer became more affordable. People can now search for doctors and hospitals from home. -
2000s
Everything is wireless. The cloud has emerged. Now everyone is using computers, phones, and tablets. The days of having to stay wired to one area are long gone. Telemedicine is available. Doctors can consult over networks and be hundreds of miles away.
