Using ANT to understand the implementation of a billing and patient management system in an IPA

Healthcare organisations in the US are facing the daunting task of trying to stem escalating delivery costs and yet provide higher quality. While the specific solution has yet to be determined, all are agreed that ICT (information communication technology) use holds the key. Therefore, we are seeing the embracing of various billing and practice management systems as well as electronic patient records systems in the US healthcare sector. In such an environment, it becomes critical to understand the key dynamics so that superior operations and, thereby, value driven, patient centric and IT enabled healthcare delivery ensues. The following uses ANT (actor network theory) as a useful lens to support a detailed analysis of the implementation of a billing practice management system in an IPA (independent practice management system). © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.