The First HITRUST Certified Answering Service
844-8-NOTIFY
Engage Patients with Secure, HIPAA-Compliant Outreach
An engaged patient is a healthier, more committed patient. While that may sound like an oversimplification, research suggests otherwise. Studies confirm that a more engaged, activated, and informed patient improves health outcomes.
Why?
An engaged patient is an active participant who understands the ramifications of their actions. They know that sticking to the plan, including taking their medications, performing recommended exercises, and following through on treatment protocols will ultimately lead to a better outlook regarding their health and well-being.
At notifyMD®, our secure HIPAA-compliant patient outreach services ensure your patients stay connected and on track. In addition to appointment reminders, we can reiterate post-discharge care instructions. By taking the time to call, they receive the guidance they need to follow through. In addition to appointment reminders, this follow-through may include preventative measures, like health checkups, mammograms, and immunizations.
Have they been advised to follow a specific diet or exercise plan? Our professionally trained virtual receptionists will remind them of that, too. These reminders give them a better chance at recovery, and they will also realize that your care extends beyond your office walls.
As the first HITRUST Certified telephone answering service, the gold standard in health information privacy and security, you can count on our stringent compliance to healthcare-specific privacy, regulatory, and security requirements. No matter the form of communication or patient engagement services, our security controls ensure HIPAA compliance.
The Importance of Patient Outreach in Your Practice
Patient outreach services offer much more than appointment reminders. When performed correctly, it engages patients, prompting them to be more present in their healthcare choices. Their behavior reflects this as they proactively make behavioral changes that enhance their health.
Physician outreach not only enhances patient outcomes but also benefits your practice. It’s estimated that medical practices experience, on average, a 17% patient attrition rate. So, why do patients go in search of a new medical provider?
A few reasons include poor communication and long hold times when calling the office. Sometimes, it’s because they can’t get an appointment within a reasonable time. Other times, healthcare practitioners and their support team demonstrate unclear responses when asked questions regarding the patient’s care.
Patient outreach services incorporate caring and knowledgeable virtual assistants who check on your patients’ progress. They’ll learn if they called to make an appointment but hung up in frustration instead. Do they have a question regarding their medication or follow-up procedures? Your assistant knows who to send these requests to and ensures every call, concern, and need is followed through to completion.
You and your staff are informed of every call and can look up all communications on the HIPAA-compliant notifyMD® Virtual Receptionist App.
For patients with chronic conditions, this follow-up is particularly vital. Those who understand self-management and the available tools have a greater chance of managing their conditions. According to a report published in the Annual Review of Public Health, numerous reviews found that self-management can significantly improve a patient’s health status and quality of life.
Is it challenging to find the time or appropriate staff members to ensure your patients understand self-management? If so, our nurse triage services can help.
How Our Patient Outreach Services Work
At notifyMD®, we use physician outreach services to enhance patient communication. Direct calls from our virtual assistants increase engagement and help ensure adherence. Because of their training in your procedures and values, they reflect your staff members, sounding just like someone from your office.
Our patient outreach services include the following reminders and messages:
- Reminding patients of upcoming appointments or the need to make an appointment
- Scheduled tests and the appropriate pre-test protocols
- Remind patients of post-discharge care instructions
- Scheduling appointments for recommended screenings
- Encourage and help patients stay motivated when making lifestyle changes
- Perform patient satisfaction surveys
Transferring this essential task to virtual assistants takes the pressure off your staff, enabling them to focus on your patients and the never-ending paperwork associated with medical practices. It also ensures your patients receive this vital service, which plays a significant role in their health and your practice.
Patient outreach services provide patients with the information they need to become active participants in their healthcare, increasing their trust and enhancing their satisfaction. As patients share their experiences, the care and follow-through of your practice will soon become common knowledge.
One study found that while younger patients turn to online reviews to find physicians, older patients tend to rely on recommendations from friends and family.
As a healthcare provider, you and your staff have much on your plate. By leveraging today’s technology and taking advantage of our virtual healthcare receptionists, you improve the patient experience and your practice’s financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Patients stay informed about ways they can improve their health.
- Regular contact with their doctors lets them know their doctors care about their health and well-being.
- All information gathered is confidential with HIPAA-compliant virtual receptionists.
- Staff is free to focus on patients in the office rather than trying to squeeze in a few minutes here and there to make outreach calls.
- Patients can be contacted at a time that’s convenient for them.
- Staff can field incoming calls to schedule appointments.
- Increased appointments for recommended screenings or wellness initiatives.
- Updated patient information helps maintain satisfaction and loyalty, reducing patient turnover.
- Customized programs help meet your patient communication needs.
- Patients’ feedback helps you stay current and make changes to suit their needs.