Medical practices and hospitals are leveraging robust technology such as the Patient Portal EMR Software and two-way text messaging to enhance patient engagement and patient satisfaction levels. Patient portal is a robust platform that allows patients to log on easily to stay updated with their healthcare and also communicate with their provider which is strongly encrypted and HIPAA compliant.

A top-ranked patient portal is easy and intuitive to use and gives maximum convenience to the patients while they are on the go. Nowadays practices must use the services of patient portals and text messaging to retain patients and provide them easy access to their personal health information.

Why are Patient Portals Necessary?

Patient portal EMR Software has become critical for practices to boost patient engagement and to improve practice operations. Let’s dig deeper into the importance of this powerful technology for both patients and clinics.

  • Patients can stay connected – The patient portal platform supports seamless patient connection even after clinic hours. Patients can easily request prescription refills, schedule appointments, and complete forms by logging into the portal. By staying connected they feel involved in their healthcare process ultimately improving patient outcome levels. They can ask any queries and can get a quick response without having to make a call at the office.
  • Administrative tasks are reduced – By deploying a patient portal software practices have realized that the burden on staff members reduces as patients manage many tasks themselves and this decreases the time spent by staff members to make phone calls for appointments. Also, the robust service allows patients to fill forms before their appointment using their smartphone which saves up a lot of time as administrative staff need not type-out patient information in hand-written forms. The staff members can now concentrate to improve patient services within the hospital and keep them even more satisfied.
  • Can be used to educate your patients – Once the software starts working you can use it to educate your patients through educational resources that can be made available on the portal. You can let your patients know about upcoming vaccinations that are vital and information regarding how to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 and the importance of practicing social distancing. Guidelines for pre and post procedures are also available that can be followed with clarity.
  • A steady revenue stream – Patient portals helps to improve the revenue generated as patients can pay easily and promptly after an appointment through the patient portal software. Quick payments for a practice means your cash flow will enhance.

Why is text-messaging with your patients vital?

Two-way text messaging is a fast, reliable, and convenient method to engage with your patients. According to Forbes, 95% of text messages are read within the first three minutes of being sent. This reveals interesting insights that communication through text-messaging is taken seriously and people want to engage that way as it is more practical as compared to making phone calls. Two-way messaging can be used to forward important information that needs to read before or after the doctor’s appointment. Effective reminder messages can be sent to patients about their medication dosage, scheduling follow-up appointments, and regular exercises that need to be done by patients. The messaging platform can also be used to receive quick feedback from your patients which provides an opportunity for clinic to improve their services and keep patients satisfied. Any sudden changes regarding appointments due to adverse weather or clinic constructions can be sent to patients, which will allow them to reschedule their day and plan. This way they won’t feel frustrated by showing up at the doctor’s office and finding then that their appointment has been postponed or canceled.

Final Thoughts

Communication is vital to keep your patients engaged and to make them feel important throughout their healthcare journey. Patient Portal EMR Software and text messaging are important communication channels that should be embraced by every practice as a key strategy to improve practice operations, revenue and keep patients contented. Adding a patient portal to your Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software system will enable patients to seamlessly engage with your practice.