Patient-centered care has become the primary driver behind the innovations and changes we’re seeing within healthcare. This new model of care is replacing the outdated physician-centered system with one that revolves around the patient. And while technology is making this switch possible, it’s also been one of the main drivers behind the demand for a patient-centered approach. Technology has driven the consumerization of healthcare, which has created a demand from patients for more personalized care.
A patient-centered approach is built on the foundation of a solid doctor-patient relationship. It begins with creating a collaborative environment in which physicians are making clinical decisions based off of patient engagement and feedback. And patient satisfaction is one of the main drivers. One of the basic tenets of patient-centered care is “the idea that patients know best how well their health providers are meeting their needs, and it is the patient’s view of his or her health care delivery that correlates with outcome or satisfaction.” So, ensuring that your patients are not only cared for, but are satisfied with the care they’re receiving is key to successful patient-centered care.
The doctor-patient relationship is the foundation of great patient-centered care. Communication must be a priority.
Patient portals are a great example of innovative healthcare technology that was driven by patient-centered care. They’re also a great example of catering care to individual patients. With personal health information at their fingertips, a patient portal empowers patients to take more control of their own health. It also offers them the convenience they want, and it allows you, the provider, to create even better patient-doctor communication.
The doctor-patient relationship is the foundation of great patient-centered care, and communication is the foundation for a great doctor-patient relationship. So, communication must be a priority.
You can customize your communication with individual patients and reach patients conveniently with text messaging. You can keep patients up-to-date with their healthcare, stay in touch between appointments, and gauge patient satisfaction, with the touch of a button.
At Luma Health, we’ve created systems that automate your patient communication and save you a ton of time. We work with many of the leading EMRs and PMs to improve patient-centered care while also saving you time and money. From customized appointment reminders to post-appointment follow-ups, customizing your patient communication doesn’t have to be difficult. We will also be releasing a patient recall product in the near future that will enable you to automatically remind patients to come in for their annual check-up. Stay up-to-date with us on Facebook to find out when this releases.
Download this thought leadership white paper for ideas on how to make a plan to drive appointments and recoup lost revenues. Don’t miss these actionable patient engagement tips.
An online presence gives your practice more than just credibility. It allows you to offer greater support to your patients outside of normally scheduled appointments. Patient satisfaction isn’t based solely on their time spent inside of your practice. Utilize social media to keep your patients engaged and informed. Stay up-to-date on reviews of your practice that patients are writing and sharing online. Build trust with patients through regularly scheduled email newsletters.
Actively engaging with your patients online or creating a platform where they can engage with you, helps increase patient satisfaction, fosters the doctor-patient relationship, and improves patient-centered care.
The shift in healthcare towards a patient-centered approach is happening. If you haven’t already started making shifts in your practice towards utilizing technology and offering customized care for your patients, start today. We can help!
Tashfeen Ekram, MD, is a radiologist, self-taught coder, healthcare innovator and Co-Founder of Luma Health. Contact him on Twitter at @tashfeenekramMD.
