Over the past few years, telehealth has surged in popularity. Around 76% of hospitals are already using this technology, connecting with patients from a distance to help monitor their vital signs, symptoms, and current health needs.
Not only does telehealth make it easier to fit in patients and see them in a timely manner, but it can also allow providers to connect directly with patients without the need for patients to leave their homes.
As COVID-19 has become an increasing problem around the world, it has also sped up the adoption of telehealth programs for many medical facilities. Are you still on the fence about implementing a telehealth program for your healthcare organization? Consider these key reasons why it’s time to add this tool to your patient care arsenal now.
1. Telehealth provides cost savings to both providers and patients.
Telehealth gives flexibility to the growing number of healthcare systems moving to a value-based healthcare model. Instead of charging patient fees for numerous specific services, this model focuses on providing a high overall quality of care and bundling services that are beneficial for patients and lower the cost
Telehealth reduces no-shows. When patients fail to show up for their appointments, it can throw your schedule off and wastes time that could have been spent on billable tasks. The cost to deliver quality care will increase as a result of those no-shows. Through the use of telehealth, however, you can decrease those no-show appointments and make it easier to get patients to show up.
2. Telehealth improves patient satisfaction.
Through telehealth, you can substantially improve patient satisfaction. Increasingly, your patients want access to telehealth models. Patients across many different demographics prefer the convenience of telehealth sessions, from the time-saving opportunity provided by these services to the ability to connect with doctors more quickly. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, even more patients than ever are looking for telehealth services. They want to avoid going into the office, but they still want the reassurance of speaking with a medical professional about their symptoms.
3. Telehealth services reduce physician burnout.
It's just not about what telehealth can offer for your patients. Telehealth services can help reduce the odds of physician burnout. With as many as 42% of physicians suffering from burnout, these services can provide a valuable buffer that can help protect practicing physicians. Telehealth services can:
Provide a more manageable schedule for physicians that use it. Telehealth visits are often briefer and easier to manage than in-person visits. Telehealth also lowers the number of patients who need to come into the office directly each day, making it easier to streamline patient care.
Physicians can sit back in the comfort of their homes or office. This simple ability to get off your feet and interact with patients from your office, not an exam room, can reduce your stress levels and make it easier for physicians to avoid burnout.
4. Telehealth increases your facility's capacity.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, more facilities than ever are realizing just how limited their capacity really is. Through telehealth, you can increase the capacity of your facility. Telehealth can:
Reduce unnecessary emergency department visits. Patients can check in through telehealth to determine if they need to come in. Telehealth visits can also provide peace of mind that will help patients make it through minor health problems and situations.
Monitor patients remotely. Through telehealth, you can monitor patients from a distance, which means they don't have to come in for observation. This simple modification can decrease the need for patients to remain in the hospital, which means you can free up those beds and that space for patients who do require the services of the hospital directly.
Most of today's hospitals are already providing telehealth options. If you want your healthcare capabilities to not only remain competitive but to produce the highest quality of care possible for your patients, it's important for you to get your telehealth services set up as soon as possible.
Want to learn more about setting up telehealth services, or looking for providers to help supplement the telehealth solution you already have? Fill out our form to find out about the options and value telehealth can provide to your facility, your providers, and your patients.
