What are some ways to improve communication and care coordination with physicians using technology?

1 Use secure messaging platforms

One of the simplest and most effective ways to communicate and coordinate care with physicians is to use secure messaging platforms that allow real-time, HIPAA-compliant, and mobile-friendly communication. Secure messaging platforms can facilitate information exchange, referrals, consultations, follow-ups, and feedback among physicians, as well as with other members of the care team, such as nurses, pharmacists, and social workers. Secure messaging platforms can also integrate with electronic health records (EHRs) and other clinical systems, enabling physicians to access and share relevant data and documents.

3 Implement care coordination software

A third way to improve communication and care coordination with physicians is to implement care coordination software that helps streamline and automate workflows and tasks. Care coordination software can help physicians manage referrals, appointments, transitions, discharge planning, follow-ups, and documentation. Care coordination software can also help physicians track and monitor patients' progress, outcomes, and satisfaction. Care coordination software can integrate with EHRs and other clinical systems, as well as with secure messaging platforms and telehealth services, creating a comprehensive and seamless communication and care coordination system.

4 Participate in health information exchange networks

A fourth way to improve communication and care coordination with physicians is to participate in health information exchange (HIE) networks that enable the sharing of health information across different organizations, settings, and systems. HIE networks can help physicians access and exchange clinical data, such as diagnoses, medications, allergies, lab results, imaging reports, and discharge summaries. HIE networks can also help physicians communicate and coordinate care with other providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and labs. HIE networks can improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and continuity of care.

5 Engage in continuous learning and improvement

A fifth way to improve communication and care coordination with physicians is to engage in continuous learning and improvement activities that help evaluate and enhance the use of technology. Continuous learning and improvement activities can include collecting and analyzing data, soliciting and incorporating feedback, conducting audits and assessments, identifying and addressing gaps and barriers, implementing and testing changes, and sharing and disseminating best practices. Continuous learning and improvement activities can help physicians optimize the use of technology, as well as align their communication and care coordination goals and strategies with the needs and preferences of patients and other providers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?