Implementing Virtual Care in Referral Management to Enhance Patient Experience

Today, healthcare organizations are working diligently to improve care coordination, care continuity, and patient experience. Among these targets, improving patient experience is the primary goal that organizations want to achieve. Organizations are working towards streamlining processes to smoothen the patient care journey and improve the overall patient experience.

How can you deliver the best experience to patients?

Emerging global health challenges such as Aging baby boomers and increased chronic health issues have placed an increased strain on the existing medical and social services. The US healthcare system is the costliest in the world, accounting for 17% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018. This number is expected to grow to nearly 20% by 2020. [Source: National Healthcare Expenditure Projections, 2010-2020. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary.]

How can you deliver the best experience to patients

Addressing all the three dimensions of triple aim at the same time is crucial. A systematic approach to streamline processes will result in a healthier population, and assure a seamless journey through the whole system of care. A comprehensive automation solution can help simplify processes, and enable the entire system to manage change in a structured manner, paving the way for better patient experience.

Today, one of the processes that would be improved with automation is patient referral management. Patient satisfaction or experience, and quality care depend on effective care coordination not just within the physician’s office but also between physician’s primary health centers, and other care settings (specialty centers, hospitals, health systems, etc.). Using a smart platform for prior authorization, specialists match to alert when referrals need attention and automatically send patient updates to referring providers. This provides them with real-time analytics to gain better insights and also closes the referral loop, which addresses the biggest issue in the referral process today.

Ensuring care continuity and coordination of care for patients by easily scheduling the right specialists will transform the health center to meet the patient’s comprehensive health needs. Increased efficiency of the referral process leads to quality care and better patient experience.

The Use of Video Conferencing in Referral Management

Innovative methods are needed to enhance care quality, improve access to care, and improve patient outcomes. Video conferencing is one such feature that enables real-time two-way video with audio transmission and sharing of diagnostic images, and more. It helps patients to access healthcare services without the burden of travel and receive timely care.

Want to know more? Schedule a demo and talk to HealthViewX solution experts to understand in detail about our virtual care capability in the Referral Management Solution.