A long time ago, one could only communicate with a patient through the receptionist. The receptionist had to take down the information of the client, the message and schedule a time when to make the call. There was a possibility for mistakes to be made or even the call could not happen to be made at all. However, with the advancement and introduction of patient portal software, medical practices are evolving and boosting their communication with patients.
In this particular article, we will look at how a patient portal can improve your medical practice.
What is a patient portal?
We don’t want to make an assumption that everyone knows what a patient portal is. Patient portals are secure online sites that patients can use to access medical information. Just like with any other website, all they need is a stable internet connection and a smart device to access the information. Patient portals are not restricted by time and the patients can use them any time of day or night.
Patient portals come with several features. Some of them include:
- Appointment setting
- Communication with a doctor
- Access to medical history and records
- Ordering of prescriptions
- Payment of bills
All that a patient needs is a secure login to access his or her information.
The benefits of patient portals
The use of patient portals offers efficiency in that your medical practice can easily send information to your patients. When lab tests are available, they can be posted by your staff and accessed by your patients. This reduces the number of repeated phone calls that usually are to be made.
Improved communication is one of the other benefits of patient portals. While we apply calls for direct communication, it is not always guaranteed that one is able to answer a call. With the patient portal, the clients can respond to messages when they are ready to do so.
When perfectly set up, patient portals are able to store all the patient’s medical information in one place. Imagine that you would no longer have to store medical records in dusty file cabinets and drawers. By tapping one button, you can access a year’s worth of information or more; from lab results and payments to healthcare expenditures.
Data accuracy is also significantly enhanced with the use of patient portals. The software allows for only accurate data to be put in thanks to using of measures and protocols. Error alerts during the feeding-in of information allow for your medical staff to make these corrections immediately.
The typical medical practices offer services to a wide range of demographics, including disadvantaged patients. Such patients cannot come to the office frequently and request services. Some might not be able to communicate well via the phone. With the messaging and video conferencing services available within patient portals, disadvantaged patients can communicate with the doctors from the comfort of their homes.
Conclusion
As the world moves in a direction of internet access and the advancement of technology, medical practices need to consider the use of modern software. Call us today and inquire about our patient portal services.