Using Patient Portal Apps To Promote Health Equilibrium
Patient portal apps have become an essential part of digital transformation of healthcare, and certain features, such as scheduling and bill payment, are required. Consumers have grown accustomed to using their computers and phones to perform a variety of tasks since the introduction of online retail and e-banking. These apps are available on a variety of platforms, including smartphones and tablets. Patient portals are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the most common features of mobile patient portal applications are as follows:
Vaccination and medical history — A critical component of any patient portal app is the storage of medical information for patients’ use. Medical histories and care plans are examples of this. This allows patients to get a more complete picture of their specific health conditions. The IMS patient portal is your patients’ entry point to their healthcare needs. Your patients can always stay connected and informed with 24/7 secure access to their clinical information, while you save time and valuable resources. A patient, for example, could use a patient portal app to view various types of data associated with one condition, such as visit summaries, test results, and outcome goals. Furthermore, patient portal applications keep track of medications and allergies, allowing users to review and update them as needed. Many apps allow users to upload their vaccination status if they received the shot somewhere other than their medical facility.
Participating in the care team — One of the most popular features of patient portal apps is the ability to communicate with the care team. According to a survey, approximately six in ten patient portal users exchanged secure messages with their provider in 2020, representing a ten percentage point increase from 2017. Patients can use the messaging feature to ask their caregivers general or visit-specific health-related questions, as well as request referrals and new prescriptions. However, this messaging feature can be used for more than just medical advice; it can also be used to resolve billing and payment issues.
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Making appointments — Online scheduling is another popular feature of patient portal applications. These apps allow patients to book, cancel, and reschedule appointments. A computer system that assists healthcare providers in managing patient medical records and automating clinical workflows is known as software for EMR. This capability is not limited to in-person meetings. With the meteoric rise in telehealth use, many patient portal applications now allow patients to request a virtual visit directly from the app and even attend the visit. Virtual care is more than just a video visit or a phone call. Most apps enable patients to use asynchronous telehealth services, sharing photos and symptom descriptions with providers for later review and follow-up.
Payment of bills — Many patient portal applications now include digital bill payment capabilities, increasing patient convenience. The patient and consumer health portal, for example, allows patients and family members to view details for both current and past accounts. It displays the date of service, total balance, and out-of-pocket cost for the patient for each account. Patients can pay with a credit card or a bank account. By including this feature, providers can simplify the billing and collections process, which patients frequently rank as one of their top complaints about the healthcare industry.
Pre-visit duties — Another way patient portal applications can improve patient experience is by allowing patients to complete pre-visit assessments before arriving at the doctor’s office, reducing the amount of time patients need to spend in the clinic. Most apps on the market today allow users to pay copays, fill out questionnaires, and electronically sign documents. These apps can also be used by patients to verify insurance information and upload new health plans as needed.
Data sharing — Patient portal applications are becoming increasingly important in allowing patients to control who sees their data as the healthcare industry moves toward higher levels of interoperability. Typically, patient portal applications allow patients to share their health records with providers, allowing them to gain a longitudinal view of their patient’s health history. Televisit is a safe and secure way for you to connect with your doctor remotely, using video and audio on your smartphone or computer (with audio and video capabilities). Others, such as our portal app, allow patients to authorize third-party users, such as family members, to interact with their portals through a proxy user setup and a shared access feature. Patients control the information that can be shared and can revoke permission at any time.
Reminders and education for patients — Patient portal applications can assist in ensuring that patients remain engaged in their care and receive all of the information they require to improve their health. Patients can also take part in a recommended health action plan, which may include multimedia-based education and targeted solutions for critical behaviors. Furthermore, patient portal applications can be used to remind patients to schedule follow-up appointments or to obtain required tests and immunizations.
Tracking of patient-generated data — The trove of patient-generated health data is growing as the use of wearables increases. As a result, most patient portal apps allow users to import data from third-party wearable devices, allowing providers to track changes in their patients’ health metrics. Providers can use this feature to monitor patients’ weight, blood pressure, and number of daily steps and intervene to prevent potentially dangerous lifestyle trends. Though patient portals will undoubtedly evolve to include new capabilities, the features listed above have become non-negotiable in today’s apps.
Healthcare is constantly evolving. That is why IMS is built on customization and adaptability. Meditab has been at the forefront of change and innovation for over 20 years. We develop technology that supports your day-to-day operations in close collaboration with our partners.
