The U.S. will see a shortage of approximately 122,000 physicians by 2032 as the demand for healthcare providers continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, according to new data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). To meet the climbing demand for providers, many facilities are implementing telehealth services. While telehealth software is not new, it has seen a major development in recent years as the technology becomes more advanced. Today, healthcare facilities have more options than ever when it comes to telehealth software. When selecting telehealth software for a business, it is important to consider a variety of factors, such as business size, budget, and goals.
Using Advisors When Choosing Telehealth Software
With many types of telehealth software available with various capabilities and features, it can be difficult to choose the best option for a business. A knowledgeable business advisor can provide valuable advice and recommend options based on the unique needs and budget of the business. An advisor can also offer businesses in-depth information about modern telehealth technologies, such as kiosks, telephone services, mobile apps, and other remote patient monitoring tools. Advisors help all types of healthcare facilities, from community health centers and senior living facilities to ambulatory care providers and community service providers.
A reputable telehealth advisor can help a business quickly launch and operationalize nearly any type of telehealth software. Advisors can assist with the setup and installation of software, troubleshooting, and custom configurations. They can also assist with telehealth staff training, explaining features and capabilities, and may recommend visiting types based on the type of software selected. Once implemented, the software will typically be used on a daily basis to communicate with clients and transfer sensitive information. Therefore, it is important to choose the best platform from the start to avoid delays in service and prevent costly errors. Speak with an advisor about the needs of the business and what features are desired in a telehealth software.
Ability To Choose Proper Software for Business Size
The size of a business plays a direct role in which software is best suited for the facility. A good deal of off-the-shelf telehealth software options claim to be “one-size-fits-all.” However, this is usually not the case. While smaller facilities with fewer patients can typically get by with more simple, inexpensive software, larger facilities that have many patients and providers may need more comprehensive software with a larger number of features and capabilities to meet the needs of the business. In addition, the larger the business the more risks that it faces. This means that the business will require software that offers enhanced security.
When selecting telehealth software for a business, consider a custom platform. Both big and small businesses can benefit from personalized software specifically designed with the needs of the facility in mind. Custom software can also be designed to smoothly integrate into any existing system to make the switch fast and simple. Other considerations a business will want to make when selecting the software is whether the platform is HIPAA compliant and available for use on all internet-enabled devices. Today, most telehealth software is web-based and available via apps.
Industry Knowledge To Help Align Telehealth Software With Goals
Telehealth software has clear benefits for patients and can even help healthcare facilities meet their goals. Setting achievable goals that align with the company’s business strategy is critical for businesses that want to improve clinical efficiency, reduce the cost of care and improve access to quality providers. The right technology can provide facilities with the capabilities that they need to succeed. Goals are different for every business so it is important to have established strategies in place, whether the facility wants to increase their patient volume by a certain percentage or reduce the number of repeat visits by focusing on preventative care.
Healthcare facilities are always looking for new ways to reduce fixed costs without sacrificing the quality of care. Telehealth software has given facilities the opportunity to meet their goals by leveraging innovative technology that benefits providers, patients, and the business as a whole. When setting goals, consider both short-term and long-term objectives, and set milestones to reach these goals. It is also important to measure performance over time to determine if the software is meeting expectations or if certain adjustments need to be made to the platform.
Work With The Knowledgeable Advisors At Hartman
Telehealth software allows healthcare providers to directly interact with patients via live online video and audio. Patients can even communicate with specialists from anywhere an internet connection is available, eliminating the need to travel for service. Of course, not all telehealth software is made equal. Speak with a reputable business advisor today at Hartman Executive Advisors to learn more about telehealth software options.
