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9 Solutions Every AUD/SUD Executive Should Know

Overcoming Key Challenges in AUD/SUD Treatment with Mend’s Patient Engagement Solutions

Executives in the Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment space face a unique set of challenges that directly impact patient outcomes, staff efficiency, and revenue. From high no-show rates and patient engagement struggles to the complexities of scaling treatment programs and managing disjointed technology systems, these obstacles can hinder an organization’s ability to deliver effective care. Fortunately, Mend’s comprehensive patient engagement platform offers solutions designed to tackle these pain points head-on, providing the tools needed to enhance patient attendance, improve operational efficiency, and capture lost revenue. In this article, we’ll explore the common issues faced by AUD/SUD executives and how Mend’s innovative features can solve them.

noshowshalfmedia
  • Problem: High rates of no-shows and cancellations disrupt treatment continuity, affecting patient outcomes and revenue. AUD/SUD treatment often requires consistent attendance to support recovery.
  • Mend Solution: Mend’s patient engagement tools, like automated appointment reminders, two-way text communication, and a patient self-scheduler, significantly reduce no-shows. The Smart Waitlist feature also helps fill open slots with patients who want to be seen sooner, keeping schedules full.
2ptengagement
  • Problem: Engaging patients consistently is challenging, especially given the stigma and personal challenges surrounding AUD/SUD treatment. Ensuring patients adhere to their care plans and remain committed to treatment is crucial.
  • Mend Solution: Mend’s portal-free approach boosts engagement by allowing patients to easily confirm, reschedule, or cancel appointments through text messaging, without requiring them to log into a portal. Additionally, Mend’s automated workflows (such as intake forms and outcome tracking) make it easier for patients to stay involved in their care.
3Scalability
  • Problem: Executives often struggle with scaling their programs efficiently. Manual processes like scheduling, patient follow-up, and intake management can become overwhelming, especially with a high patient load.
  • Mend Solution: Mend automates much of the administrative work, from digital intake to patient scheduling, freeing up staff time to focus on patient care. The AI-based Attendance Predictor can also help forecast attendance, allowing executives to plan better resource allocation.
4realtimedata
  • Problem: Executives need real-time data to make informed decisions about treatment effectiveness and outcomes. However, traditional systems like EHRs do not provide real-time patient-reported outcome data.
  • Mend Solution: Mend makes it easy for patients to fill out digital forms, screeners, and assessments (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) before their visit, and it reminds them to do so. This data is delivered in real time to the provider, enabling better clinical decisions and faster interventions.
5ComplexTechStack
  • Problem: Many AUD/SUD organizations struggle with fragmented technology stacks that don’t integrate well with their EHRs. This leads to inefficiencies, duplicative work, and staff frustration.
  • Mend Solution: Mend integrates seamlessly with existing EHR systems, adding patient engagement, scheduling, and payments capabilities without the need to replace the EHR. This eliminates technology fragmentation and improves workflow efficiency.
6RevenueLinks
  • Problem: Missed or delayed payments are common in AUD/SUD clinics, often due to the nature of the patient population and lack of automated payment follow-up.
  • Mend Solution: Mend’s Automated Patient Payments feature helps capture previously unrealized revenue by reminding patients to pay their balances and enabling seamless, secure payment processing.
7StaffBurnout
  • Problem: The demands of scheduling, patient follow-up, and administrative tasks can lead to staff burnout, especially in high-pressure environments like AUD/SUD treatment centers.
  • Mend Solution: Mend’s automated workflows alleviate administrative burdens on staff, allowing them to focus more on patient care rather than tedious tasks. The Transfer Queue and Enhanced Virtual Waiting Room also improve workflow efficiency during virtual appointments.
8Retention
  • Problem: Many AUD/SUD clinics rely heavily on payer reimbursements. Ensuring patients remain compliant with treatment and attend follow-up appointments is critical for reimbursement.
  • Mend Solution: By reducing no-shows and cancellations, Mend ensures that insurance-billable appointments are kept, maximizing the revenue that organizations can collect from payers.
Telehealth-Utilization
  • Problem: Telehealth is increasingly important for AUD/SUD care, especially in underserved areas or for patients in recovery who may have transportation or health challenges. However, many organizations lack a streamlined, integrated telehealth solution.
  • Mend Solution: Mend’s video visit platform allows clinics to easily offer telehealth services with integrated communication, scheduling, and digital check-ins, ensuring a smooth, secure experience for both providers and patients.

Schedule a Lunch & Learn with Mend

Addressing the challenges of no-shows, patient engagement, and operational inefficiencies is critical to providing quality care in the AUD/SUD space. Mend’s powerful suite of patient engagement tools can help your organization not only overcome these hurdles but thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

Want to learn more about how Mend can make a difference for your team and your patients? Schedule a Lunch & Learn with our team today. Over a relaxed, informative session, we’ll show you how Mend seamlessly integrates with your existing systems to improve efficiency, enhance care, and boost revenue—without the headaches. Let’s explore how Mend can be your partner in delivering better outcomes.

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