8 Benefits of Remote Check-Ins and Automatic Feedback for Outpatients

The number of US hospitals that use video and other technologies to connect to patients increased from?35% to 76%?over the last year. Teladoc is one of the well-known providers who offer access to medical experts through phone or video calls, so patients can access health care wherever they are. With their virtual care system, patients can now access various medical experts, including specialists and mental healthcare providers, for online medical consultations whenever they need them.

The Case for Remote Check-ins

One lesson we can all take from the recent pandemic is the importance of consistent patient feedback in managing patient symptoms. Secondly, in the recent past, our hospitals have been overwhelmed, and there have been?incidents of unattended patients. Remote check-ins can help address this situation, presenting a more efficient mode of monitoring and communication between patients and health care providers.?

Here are more reasons why remote check-ins and automatic patient feedback are essential.

Better Preventive Care

Patients who need preventive care have to visit the doctor's office at a specified period. However, people with geographical barriers or financial difficulties may not have the ability to access the best health care. The more sessions missed by a patient, the higher the likelihood of an injury and delayed care. With remote check-ins, patients can easily access routine care and get feedback that helps improve their health status. A?2012 study?found that people with coronary artery disease registered significant health improvements by accessing preventive care remotely.

Following such statistics, healthcare providers are now leveraging tech to maintain patient relationships. For example,?Navigating Cancer, an authority in oncology patient management, has ventured into innovative technology to help their patients. Patients can now use the online platform to report their side effects and symptoms and receive tailored treatment.?

Improved Data Collection and Streamlining Verification

Remote medical care also enhances patient data collection procedures. A patient must fill out multiple paper forms on a clipboard in the traditional system once they get to the hospital. Once complete, a staff member goes through the verification process to confirm their appointment details and insurance card. All the patient's information is filled into a practice management system manually. This process is prone to costly errors from skipped form details to poor penmanship that can cause downstream effects. It also takes up a considerable time for both the patient and the staff member.

By using remote check-in solutions, everything gets updated by one party, eliminating any possible human error. Staff can then concentrate on more valuable patient-related tasks.

Slows the Spread of Infection

When patients visit the doctor's office, they are usually in close contact with several other people who may be sick. Airborne diseases are mainly known to spread faster in such situations. Patients with weak immune systems or those with underlying conditions are more prone to contracting diseases in such spaces. When patients access health services virtually, they minimize the chances of?getting infections?while at the doctor's office. There will also be less exposure to diseases and infections to medical experts as more patients use remote check-ins options.

More Convenience for Patients

Technology has brought in a lot of convenience in the health sector for both patients and providers. Patients no longer have to spend hours making special trips to see a doctor. Remotely check-ins allow patients to connect to medical experts at their convenient time within working hours. In some cases, a patient does not have to take time off from their busy work schedule.

Even better, remote check-ins make it possible for patients to have more privacy and comfort while accessing health care. For instance, 98point6, an on-demand text-based online healthcare platform, connects patients with certified doctors so they get the most appropriate care remotely.?Still, this improves medical services, since staff and patients also get instant feedback. This way, doctors can also identify issues quickly and swiftly resolve them, leading to positive customer satisfaction and experience.?

Improved Access to Health Care

Some medical issues can only be addressed by specific experts who are not available in all health care centers. However, it may be difficult for some patients to reach some of these specialists. Fortunately, remote check-ins allow even geographically isolated patients to access health care. Additionally, people with disabilities do not have to go through the tiresome process of traveling to hospitals to get medical care.

Older adults and those who are incarcerated will also have an easier way to access quality health care. MDLIVE, a trailblazer in online healthcare, connects patients with many medical experts to consult for most health issues, including dermatologists, primary care doctors, and psychiatrists.?

Minimizes Overhead Expenses and Increases Revenue Streams

Every medical center has to work on the best ways to accommodate all their outpatients. Although outpatients only spend a few hours in these facilities, they will require waiting rooms, exam rooms, doctors' offices, and more. With the recent preventative measures of social distancing, health centers may need to construct temporary structures. To accomplish these measures and accommodate all patients, hospitals will have to invest more money.

With telemedicine, hospitals can?reduce their overhead costs?tremendously. Doctors can still serve the same number of patients or even more without incurring additional expenses. For instance, clinicians will generate more revenue streams since they will take more patients at lesser costs.?

Patients Incur Lower Costs

With remote check-ins, outpatients do not have to travel to the health care centers' physical locations. Patients only need a digital device such as a smartphone or a tablet to access the health care providers while at home or in the office. When patients aren't required to get to the physical location of a health facility to get medical care, they will be happier with their provider.?

Reduces Waiting Time

The conventional way of keeping patients in waiting rooms is stressful. From the long waiting times to the lengthy paper forms is just the start. Faster and simpler interactions are beneficial to patients as they can offer more personalized care. While waiting times may seem unavoidable during patient visits, remote check-in does not have to take too much of the patient's time.?

Key Takeaway

Remote medical care makes it easier for patients to access health care without going to the doctor's office. Even better, it's convenient and does not compromise the quality of care for the patients. For people with chronic conditions, it reduces the chances of catching contagious diseases and infections. On the other hand, medical facilities have access to error-free data and can take more clients using fewer resources, thereby increasing profits.