When asked what they would improve about their patients, many doctors will indicate the desire for patients to take more control over their health, whether that means putting recommendations into practice or making an effort to build relationships with their doctors. How can you empower your practice’s patients throughout the diagnostic process?
What Do Patients Want from the Healthcare Experience?
A 2016 study of patients examined what patients want the most from their providers. A whopping 75% of patients indicated the desire for a more personal relationship with their providers. The majority of patients also wanted greater convenience and access to digital tools. These desires especially come to a head when patients are experiencing an illness or ailment and going through the diagnostic process.
Embrace the Benefits of the Internet
Building a relationship with patients doesn’t mean spending hours in each appointment getting to know their favorite color. Instead, it means being open to a patient’s concerns and being accessible where and when they need you. The internet is an amazing tool for staying connected with patients and empowering them throughout the diagnostic process. When most patients have a concern, they will head straight to the internet to learn more and ask questions. If your practice offers a secure health portal where they can find out more and send messages, patients will be able to equip themselves with knowledge and feel more understood.
Communicate Clearly and Offer Actionable Plans
Empowering a patient does not start or stop in the exam room. Since so many patients feel comfortable seeking health information from other sources (that may or may not be reputable), it’s important for doctors to offer them clear, achievable and realistic action plans. Giving patients accurate information will soothe fears that inevitably occur during the diagnostic process and prevent patients from clinging to false ideas.
Encourage Wearables and Tracking Methods
If patients are concerned about their health or going through the diagnostic process, encourage them to track symptoms and activities that promote health. Whenever patients actually start to measure and pay attention to their health, they will be more empowered to make the changes necessary to improve the metrics. From keeping a food diary to tracking blood sugar, small changes can add up to lifestyle transformations.
Partner with Vetters Enterprises Help with Your Value-Based Care Reporting
Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, private practice business support and revenue cycle optimization. We can perform in-depth assessments of your practice or facility and identify potential issues. Let us keep your business as healthy as you keep your patients! Give us a call at (443) 352-0088.