COVID-19 hit the whole world energetically and the United States saw critical changes in its healthcare system when it comes to providing care to patients. Hospitals, clinics, and providers have started deploying healthcare and digital technology to provide remote care opportunities to patients and reduce the burden on paramedic staff and also lower the risk of catching the virus with in-person doctor appointments. As governments and healthcare professionals are trying to curb the pandemic many clinical changes will stick around even after the pandemic is over.
Digital Changes that are here to Stay
- Telemedicine EMR Software Solutions – Before the pandemic, about 11% of sessions were conducted via the Telemedicine EMR Software platform. Once the pandemic hit right after 2 months the percentage quadrupled to 46 percent as states were in a complete lockdown, and are still booming. After telemedicine technology was adopted by hospitals and clinics both providers and patients found the platform effective to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Patients feel comfortable using the platform as they can get care without having to leave their homes and worry about catching the virus. Due to the pandemic, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) permitted more than 80 healthcare services to be offered through the telehealth and telemedicine platform.
- If the right technology is deployed by clinics and hospitals they can pull in new patients – Technology brings with it convenience, cost-effectiveness, and transparency and this is what patients desire. Clinics that invest in the right technology can attract new patients to use their services, which means the future ahead is all about patients looking for the right technology tools to give them complete benefits. Surveys conducted in the United States indicate that the patients want the following; easy online scheduling, patient portals that are user friendly which enable them to easily access their personal health information and therefore manage their health, online-check-in facility to reduce the hassle of waiting at the clinic and online bill payment options for patients. Patient Portal EMR Software systems are a robust way for patients to stay connected with their provider and health care journey by simply logging in from their smartphones or home computers.
- Cloud-based systems will lead to better patient care – Cloud-based services are flexible and provides enhanced security for patients. Secure access can be provided to staff members and providers even when they are on the go, this means being better informed about the patients’ health also improves health outcome levels.
Final Thoughts
The success of your practice or clinic depends upon leveraging the right technology tools which can help to streamline practice operations and helps to provide enhanced care to patients. The patient of today wants to get healthcare services through technology which means it will reduce costs for them and also make their healthcare journey more satisfying. Adaption to digital technology and software systems will offer innovative ways for patients to receive care. Clinic operations and services can only be enhanced if you embrace technology solutions with open arms.
