Patient engagement software solutions are a rapidly expanding subset of the larger medical software market. The patient engagement market was worth $5.5 billion in 2014 and is expected to be worth $13.7 billion by 2019. This guide will assist in the definition of a patient engagement solution, as well as outlining common features and functions, various applications, a case study of a market-leading solution, and a list of comparable systems. We'll also include useful talking points to help you persuade your colleagues that investing in the patient engagement software is a good idea. Whether you're a physician, administrator, or other stakeholder, our goal is to make the patient engagement solution purchasing process as quick and painless as possible.
What Precisely Is Patient Engagement Solution?
Despite the fact that the market for patient engagement systems is expanding rapidly, many physicians are still unsure what patient engagement software solutions are or how they fit into their practice. Patient engagement solution, in its broadest sense, is any electronic system designed to communicate with patients, provide educational resources, or manage the patient-provider relationship.
Patient Engagement Solution Comparison
When comparing patient engagement solutions, it's critical to understand each system component. The most effective patient engagement solution integrates elements of web-based practice management software, medical billing solution, marketing automation, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Most patient engagement systems have the features and functionalities listed below, though some have more than others, and many patient engagement solution vendors also offer other health IT systems.
Characteristics in Common –
Messaging Security – Secure Messaging enables two-way encrypted electronic communication between patients and providers.
View-Download-Transmit – The system that allows patients to view, download, and transmit their lab results, imaging studies, discharge summaries, or other protected health information (PHI) to another provider or providers is known as view-download-transmit.
Registration of patients – Patients can use Patient Registration to electronically fill out new patient forms, provide health history, immunization records, medication lists, and so on.
Scheduling of patients – Patients can usually request an appointment on a specific day or time slot through a patient engagement system, though most systems still require confirmation or reconciliation of the schedule before the request is approved/scheduled.
Reminders for appointments – Appointment reminders sent via text message, email, or recorded message allow your front desk to focus on patients in the office rather than spending hours on the phone.
Refilling prescriptions – Many patient engagement solutions allow patients to request prescription refills, saving time by eliminating unnecessary appointments.
Bill Payment / Statements Online – As physicians seek to shorten their revenue cycle and provide more options for self-pay patients, online bill payment / statements are becoming increasingly popular. This feature frequently saves practice money when compared to traditional payment processors.
Patient instruction – Patient education materials are increasingly being distributed online via patient engagement solutions. Physicians can pre-select content for specific patients or conditions, which is then made available to your patients by the system.
Email promotion – Many patient engagement systems include email marketing features, allowing you to nurture the patient-doctor relationship in between appointments and disseminate practice news or patient education resources.
Further Considerations
Cloud / On-Premise:
The vast majority of patient engagement solutions will be delivered through the cloud, which will be hosted by either the vendor or a third-party company. For institutions that prefer a self-administered software environment, some enterprise-level medical billing software systems provide on-premise patient engagement systems.
Compliance with HIPAA:
Each system user must have a unique username and password to access protected health information. Sharing login credentials is potentially a HIPAA violation, even if those involved are in the same organization and both have access to the documents.
Meaningful Application:
In the various stages of the Meaningful Use Incentive Program, there are several objectives and measures related to patient engagement software solutions. If your organization is participating or plans to participate, patient engagement solution systems like the ones listed below can help you meet a variety of Meaningful Use requirements.
Mobility:
Because mobile devices are increasingly being used to access the Internet and health information, whatever system you choose must include a mobile application or mobile-optimized website so that your patients (and you!) can access the system whenever and wherever they want.
Making appointments with your practice is only the first step. The more difficult part is persuading them to come. You can help your patients keep track of their appointments and reduce no-shows by using billrMD.
0
