Mobile communication in the healthcare world has quickly been rising. While we’ve been adapting to new healthcare technology in and out of the office, it’s no surprise that communication is playing a major role in how clinicians and patients communicate.
As we become more and more dependent on mobile devices, many of these clinicians are leaning on this new technology as a way to keep a line of communication open even when a patient isn’t in the office. Below are just a few of the many benefits of mobile communication for clinicians.
Five Benefits of Mobile Communication
1. Scheduling Appointments
One of the benefits of mobile communication in the healthcare field is the ability for patients to schedule or cancel appointments. Studies show that practices usually have about 12% of patients either not show up or cancel at the last minute. Not only does this hurt your practice, but also it wastes the time that could have been used by other patients. Many patients simply don’t want to take the time to call and cancel an appointment. Luckily, mobile communication will allow you to remind patients as well as hopefully get cancellations sooner.
2. Quick Questions
Note the emphasis on “quick” here; while mobile communication can be a great way for you to interact with your patients if they have a quick question, many patients may try to take advantage of this ability. You’ll need to set parameters or some sort of filter that will allow you to answer questions that are deemed urgent or necessary. Some clinicians tend to shy away from this service simply because they don’t want to be tethered to a phone at all times. However, this ability can greatly cut down on the number of patient visits and save clinicians a lot of time in the long run.
3. Staff Communication
Probably the biggest benefit of mobile communication is the ability to communicate with the rest of your staff members. Take the app Diagnotes for example. Using Diagnotes, providers and staff can communicate with individuals or groups via secure text messages and phone calls that are routed to the right person based on specialty, location and availability. Key patient data like X-rays or lab results can be attached to text messages, and all activity is documented and archived for care continuity and billing purposes. This type of communication can help minimize miscommunications as well as limit amount of time spent relaying information. The staff can easily access documents at a moments notice and will ensure that everyone is on the same page.
4. Voice Recording
Some mobile apps will even allow a patient or clinician to record a conversation and have it transcribed. It’s no surprise that patients don’t always pay attention or listen to doctor’s orders, so it’s a great way to ensure that patients are getting all the information they need. Clinicians can even make notes about certain medications as well as other directions for outpatient health.
5. Prescriptions
One final benefit of mobile communication is the ability to call in and write prescriptions. One of the biggest issues that physicians face is properly communicating prescription requests with pharmacies. These mobile apps will allow authorized clinicians the ability to send in prescriptions for patients. This will ensure that patients are getting the correct medications on time. Clinicians can also make notes about side effects, directions, and dosage.
About the author:
Troy Diffenderfer is a content writer for various healthcare websites. He's been working for healthcare providers over the year and continues to expand is knowledge in all areas by research and reading as often as possible.
