Enhancing Patient Outcomes and Practice Efficiency through Technology

Technology is pivotal in improving patient outcomes and optimizing practice efficiency in
the evolving healthcare landscape. Utilizing technology in your practice helps meet your
patient's needs before they step foot in your office. It is important when evaluating your
patients needs that you understand their behavior and what matters most to them.
Wait Times: 63% of patients are willing to switch providers if wait times are too long,
highlighting the importance of efficient scheduling and patient flow management.
Cost of Care: Amid rising inflation, 68% of patients delay or skip medical care due to
costs, underscoring the need for transparent billing practices and affordable care
options.
Patient Intake Forms: Patients prefer completing forms online, which reduces
redundancy and saves time for patients and healthcare teams. Online forms also allow
for better preparation before appointments and streamline the insurance verification
process.
Online Scheduling: Online scheduling is available 24/7 and is preferred by most
patients. It significantly reduces no-show rates by 50% with automated reminders and
saves resources by eliminating the need for manual scheduling.
Mobile Solutions: Mobile devices account for significant online traffic (60.66%) and
website visits (72.6%). Mobile solutions ensure that patients can easily access and
interact with healthcare services, improving patient experience and engagement.
Improving Patient Communication:
Research indicates that patients often forget a large portion of the information given to
them by their physicians. Effective communication and patient education are crucial for
ensuring patients remember and follow medical advice correctly. Clear communication
about what treatments do and do not accomplish is essential to manage patient
expectations and build trust.
Effective patient education builds trust and fosters a deeper connection between
patients and providers. It also helps set clear boundaries and expectations from the
start of the patient-provider relationship.
Patients desire personalized, real-time engagement throughout their interactions with
healthcare providers. Leveraging data and emerging technologies can help deliver more
personalized care, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Optimizing Patient Billing:

The billing experience can significantly impact patient satisfaction. Patients who are
satisfied with the billing department's experience are more likely to pay their bills in full
or in stages. Transparent communication about out-of-pocket costs and offering online
bill payment options can improve the billing experience and encourage timely payments.
Improving Practice Efficiency and Workflow:
Front desk staff spend an average of 33 hours per week scheduling appointments, often
leading to long hold times and patient frustration. Online scheduling can address these
issues by providing a more convenient option for patients, particularly millennials, who
prefer digital interactions.
Embracing technology in healthcare is essential for improving patient outcomes and
practice efficiency. From online scheduling and mobile solutions to effective patient
communication and optimized billing practices, technology offers numerous benefits that
can enhance the patient experience and streamline healthcare operations. As
healthcare evolves, adopting these technological advancements will be crucial in
meeting patient expectations and delivering high-quality care.

Kristi Hudson is a certified professional compliance officer (CPCO) and VP of Business
Relationships for ChiroHealthUSA, where she has helped educate DCs and CAs on establishing
simple and compliant financial policies. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Chiropractic
Future Strategic Plan. You can contact Kristi at Kristi@chirohealthusa.com, or you can visit
ChiroHealthUSA.