Tech-savvy tips for running an independent practice

Tech-savvy tips for running an independent practice October 1, 2018

In the 21st century, independent physicians must run a tech-savvy practice to keep up with their tech-savvy patients. Today’s proliferation of technology does not just affect the younger population. Many Boomers and even older patients are using their electronic devices more frequently for more tasks. The ability to access and communicate with their healthcare provider is almost taken for granted among those patients who use technology on a regular basis.

The independent physician can run a tech-savvy practice by:

Encouraging patients to use technology for tracking their lifestyle choices. Apps that monitor activities such as sleep and physical exercise can help the patient and the independent physician understand areas that need to be improved for better health outcomes. There are a number of apps that allow connectivity between the patient and the healthcare provider, transmitting data that can be helpful in diagnoses and healthcare strategies for that patient.

Providing electronic communication tools for patients. When a question arises outside of typical office hours, patients want to be able to communicate with their healthcare provider in the most convenient way and that usually means electronic communication. Even during office hours, many patients prefer to send a secure message rather than make a phone call.

Offering telemedicine services. A study published by the American Hospital Association in 2015 revealed that 74 percent of U.S. consumers would use telehealth services. The numbers have increased in the years since, with more patients becoming comfortable with – and some actually preferring – telehealth.

Using electronic health records (EHRs) to track, manage, and coordinate the patient’s healthcare. EHRs offer independent physicians the ability to record visit notes, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and send and receive critical information about the patient in real time. An EHR solution embodies a technology platform that adds value to the interactions between physicians and their patients, allowing for trust, a more productive and effective environment, and improving the quality of care that patients are receiving.