A Vision for The Future of Telemedicine and Patient Engagement
Virtual health is the future of healthcare. Learn more about the future of telemedicine & patient engagement from the experts that are revolutionizing it.
If you’re wondering what’s in store for the future of telemedicine, you won’t have to look too far. Telemedicine has already brought change and innovation to the healthcare landscape, with more advancements and capabilities coming on board in the near future. Before we dive into the details, here’s a brief overview of how patient engagement tools will alter care before, during, and after a visit:
Before the visit:
- Patients will self-schedule
- Appointment reminders will drive productivity
- Patients will complete digital forms
- Patients will check themselves in
- Co-pays will be collected automatically
- A.I. will identify any connection risks
- A web camera will capture vitals
- Patients will learn while they wait
During the visit:
- A.I. will provide real-time translations
- Automatic transcription and charting of notes
After the visit:
- Automatic collection of payments
Let’s explore each element further now.
The Future of Telemedicine: Before the Visit
When we think of telemedicine, the ability to conduct virtual visits is often the first thought that comes to mind. But the truth is, telemedicine will create future changes within your practice before a patient even steps into your (virtual) waiting room. Here’s how.
Patients Will Self-Schedule
A future where self-scheduling is the norm will benefit patients and care teams alike. When platforms like Mend give patients the ability to self-schedule, it increases patient satisfaction and the likelihood that they will keep the appointment. In fact, a recent Accenture survey found that 68% of patients want the option to book, change, or cancel appointments online.
This, of course, will also have a direct effect on the clinical side. No-shows and last-minute cancellations result in lost revenue. When patients self-schedule with Mend, the no-show rate reduces to as low as 5%. Self-scheduling will also decrease the workload at the front desk. This will allow for the reduction of staffing or redirection of labor.
Patients Will Complete Digital Intake Forms
In the future of telemedicine, it will no longer be necessary to wait for patients to complete forms. That’s because they can get a head start as soon as their appointment is scheduled. Sixty-eight percent of Mend Digital Forms are completed within an hour, and Mend averages an 86% completion rate overall.
When patients have access to digital forms, your care team can obtain the necessary information before the visit. This will allow you to maximize your time with patient care.
Patients Will Check Themselves In
Patients signing in on a clipboard will soon be a thing of the past. With the evolution of telemedicine, patients will have a more personal, elevated, and streamlined check-in experience.
With Mend, patients will be sent a link where they can join a visit with just a single click. Here, they will also be able to make any necessary co-pays and upload their vitals.
Co-Pays Will Be Collected Automatically
Today, most bills are sent and paid electronically and healthcare should be no different. In fact, 85% of consumers say they prefer an electronic payment method for their medical bills.
Patients will click a link to join their virtual visit with Mend. There, they will be greeted with a beautiful, easy-to-use interface where their billing will be all in one place. This includes co-pays and any outstanding balances. They’ll also be able to keep a card on file for easy payment processing.
A.I. Will Identify Any Connection Risks
When envisioning the future of patient engagement, every person should have access to telemedicine regardless of physical location. That’s why every telemedicine app should be able to identify any connection risks. (It’s also an important KPI to measure the success of your telemedicine program ~ more on that here.)
Telemedicine apps can use artificial intelligence to identify any poor connections and automatically engage proactively to fix the issue. Mend is one telemedicine and patient engagement platform that does this already.
A Web Camera Will Capture Vitals
One of the biggest problems in the early days of telemedicine was how to assess a patient’s vitals from afar. In the future, it’ll be easier than ever for patients to upload their vitals from the comfort of their homes.
At Mend, we have what we’ve nicknamed the Star Trek Tricorder. Accessed via a mobile device, our webcam will first visualize the patient and then analyze their vitals. This will include their heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
Patients Will Learn While They Wait
Streaming services revolutionized how we access TV and film — so why not apply the same concept to help patients? At Mend, we connect patients with the first-ever Netflix-style waiting room where they can view educational videos in just a few clicks. Not only will they be able to get healthier while they wait, but this technology has also shown a 23% increase in patient satisfaction.
The Future of Telemedicine: During the Visit
Once you connect with your patient in the virtual space, more benefits await. Here’s what you can expect soon in telemedicine.
A.I. Will Provide Real-Time Translations
Approximately 1 in 5 Americans do not speak English as their primary language, and about 10,000,000 people in the U.S. are deaf or hard of hearing. To remove this barrier in the delivery of care, we can look once more at artificial intelligence.
In the near future, Mend will offer real-time translations and real-time captioning for various languages. A.I.assisted ASL translations (as well as real-time captioning) will also be available.
Automatic Transcription and Charting of Notes
Physician shortages and burnout are on the rise and technology can play a role in solving these issues. Soon, physicians will be able to take advantage of AI-assisted note-taking and automatic charting and coding. It’s a simple yet effective way to give time back to physicians so they can do what they do best take care of their patients.
The Future of Telemedicine: After the Visit
The future of telemedicine continues to improve the clinical experience even after the virtual visit. Here’s how.
Automatic Collection of Payments Post-Visit
Despite fintech advancements across various sectors, 75% of physicians still primarily use paper and manual processes for collections. But with the future of telemedicine, a faster revenue cycle is possible.
Telemedicine apps like Mend can collect payment automatically post-visit. First, the system will check the patient’s responsibility in a Payment Management System. Once it’s determined, it will immediately send a payment request or charge a card on file. This process will save time for your care team and allow for the directing of their skills elsewhere.
Find the Best Telehealth Solution for Your Practice Today
With Mend, you don’t have to travel too far into the future to enjoy many of the core benefits of “telemedicine” they’re already here. To explore everything Mend has to offer and see what more is on the horizon, schedule a demo today with our experts. We’re ready to help.