3 Ways Technology May Support a Better Patient Experience
Delivering a quality patient experience goes beyond treating the health concern(s) that bring people to your practice. Really, it’s about the entire patient journey–from their first contact with your office and first visit with you, to communicating test results, following up appointments and every touchpoint in between.
A key part of that quality experience is when practitioners are able to demonstrate that they’re committed to reducing friction for patients: when you can offer convenience, flexibility and care that’s easily accessible, then you’re also demonstrating that you’re supportive of administering that care on their terms.
Integrating technology into your practice is one way to enable a successful patient journey. When chosen carefully, the technology you implement may also create more time and efficiencies for you, the practitioner, which in turn may reduce your risk for burnout.
Here are three technology options that may help you balance the goal of delivering outstanding patient care with running a growing practice.
Appointment Reminder Service
Designed to reduce patient no-shows, appointment reminders relieve you of the administrative task of making calls or sending individual emails. Many offer the ability to personalize the automated text and/or email in addition to custom links that allow patients to confirm or cancel visits. The upside for you, is having a more accurate view into your schedule so no appointment slot goes unbooked and you can maximize your office hours.
Telemedicine Technology
Telemedicine apps are beneficial when you have patients who work odd shifts or who travel a lot, patients with mobility challenges or patients who have relocated out of the area but want to stay under your care. Look for telemedicine apps that offer integrated appointment scheduling and/or other systems at use in your practice (EHR, practice management, etc.).
Health Services
Health and other patient-facing apps may provide additional insight to how patients are responding to treatment and whether you need to work with them on better adherence. From step counters to food trackers, there’s a wide universe of apps your patients may be using that may provide value to you, the practitioner. These apps may not integrate with other systems, but contain data patients may be willing to share with you as part of their treatment plan.
We’re biased, of course, but we like the Wellevate app for your patients–your custom recommendations go with them everywhere, it synchs with their existing Wellevate account (they can order FAST) and with one tap they can recommend you to friends and family. Currently available for iOS users, you can learn more about the app here.
