Healthcare related Exclusive Article By: Donna Johnson at EMRIndustry
A lot of people tend to be suspicious of technology, especially when it is involved in their healthcare process. This is an understandable concern since technology in the healthcare process is a newer idea, at least on the patient’s end of the experience. Today we’ll discuss the benefits of technology in healthcare and how they lead to a healthier and happier patient.
Decrease Wait Times
One of the most frustrating experiences, when you need medical attention, is having to sit in a waiting room for hours on end waiting to see a doctor. A lot of medical facilities now have apps that you can use to check-in when you are on your way to the doctor. This drastically decreases the amount of time that you spend sitting in a waiting room!
Bring the Doctor to You
A lot of people hate going to the doctor because it exposes you to other people who are sick. This is an unpleasant experience and can be particularly harmful if you have a delicate immune system. Telehealth brings the doctor to you through your smartphone or tablet.
Another time when it is nice to bring the doctor to you is when the person is unable to leave their home. This is often the case with elderly individuals or people who live in rural areas. If you have an internet connection you have the ability to be seen by a doctor and obtain a prescription to help you feel better.
This is also a convenient option when you need to see a specialist who is not located in your area. Technology can allow you to schedule an appointment with the specialist you need to see without having to worry about how you will manage to find a ride to the healthcare facility.
Access to your Files Anywhere
If you find yourself falling ill on vacation or when you are visiting a friend, it can be difficult to explain your entire medical history to a new doctor. With the help of technology, a doctor can access your medical records no matter how far you are from your home. This is especially helpful if you have a variety of conditions listed in your medical file.
Covered by Insurance
A lot of insurance companies are recognizing that medicine is essentially going mobile. As time progresses, we will see more and more insurance companies covering mobile healthcare. This means that you can get the treatment you need without leaving the comfort of your home and be covered by your insurance plan.
Keep Data on your Health
One of the newer trends in fitness is a smartwatch or fitness band. These simple motion detectors help to monitor the activities that you engage in during the day. These types of motion detectors usually track steps at the minimum. A lot of these fitness bands also track and monitor heartbeat, sleep patterns, and blood pressure. These fitness products usually come with an app that stores all of your data. You can then use this data to help you report to your doctor if you are explaining your lifestyle or symptoms you may be experiencing.
No More Waiting for Results
A lot of healthcare providers are now offering online patient portals that can be used to check in on any testing that is done at the facility. This means that the patient can check on their portal at any time and they do not have to wait on someone from the office to get time to call them!
