Advancements in technology have changed the way our healthcare industries operate. With significant improvements in data and research tools available to us today, medical providers have been gifted with more effective tools and better ways to not just reach but also treat patients. In this article, we look at how tech has changed the patient-doctor experience, so read on to find out more!
Improved scheduling
With advancements in both hardware and practice management software, scheduling appointments have never been easier. Instead of having to call the practice or head down in person, patients can now easily log on to apps or websites where they are able to schedule appointments according to their needs and own convenience.
Patients can feel in control of their health when given the option to book their physician of choice, the time of their appointments, and so on. A trip to the doctor has never been easier now that patients have the ability to book and cancel appointments online.
House calls whenever you need them
If you find yourself too unwell to head to your local GP or health practitioner, you needn’t worry, as you can now have a doctor arrive at your residence on the day itself. With services such as 13Sick, all you have to do is call a hotline, or book online via a website, and you can schedule for a doctor to arrive at your home within the day.
At-home doctor visits offer bulk billing and after-hours services, which are both excellent for anyone who may need the assistance of a health practitioner past the usual business hours. Doctors can treat most common illnesses and offer emergency services to people when they are most in need.
The digitalisation of health records
The digitalisation of health records is a true game changer for the health industry. Medical records are keyed into Electronic Health Records by your healthcare professional, which ensures that no matter what practice or hospital you visit, all your details and medical history will be available to any doctor treating you.
This is especially important in emergencies, where time is of the essence. With each visit to your physician, these records get updated, so that they are always up to date and ready to be accessed the next time you pay them a visit. This eliminates the need for a patient to recall their medical history, as everything is available at the touch of a button.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine refers to two-way video consultations between a health practitioner and their clients, or the transmission of healthcare data between two parties. Telemonitoring technology can assist in monitoring a patient’s health stats and symptoms remotely, ensuring that physicians are always kept up-to-date with how a patient is doing.
Telemedicine makes access to a physician that much easier for those who live in rural areas and struggle to travel into cities to visit doctors. Telemedicine also offers shorter waiting times to patients and can be much more cost effective overall.
Improved communication
With the surge in usage of smartphones in the last decade, it is no surprise that medical practitioners have utilised text messaging services to update patients on health information and remind them of appointments they may have scheduled in the near future.
Text message updates can also remind patients that they may be due for a check-up, as well as send texts about any outstanding bills that a patient may have. Mobile communication cuts down on time spent, the paper used, and the number of phone calls that practice staff have to make.