3 Ways Technology Can Improve Provider-Member Relations & Health Outcomes

It’s no secret that better provider-member relations can often lead to better health outcomes for the member and improved financial performance for the health plan. When trust is built, communication is flowing, and care is personalized, patients are willing to follow the care plans put in place more closely. With providers having shorter appointment time to spend with patients inside the exam room, the focus on most of this relationship building needs to be done outside of that small window of time.

How can providers stay connected with their patients once they leave their office?

Tap into the technology at their fingertips.

We are walking (ok, maybe running) into a time where healthcare will be no stranger to the digital transformation taking place across the nation. The latest HIMSS State of Healthcare Report says, “digital transformation is a top-level priority for health systems, with 99% of U.S.-based health system leaders agreeing that it’s important for their organizations to invest in digital transformation.”

Payers are in alignment as well, with 74% of U.S.-based payers reporting that their organizations have a dedicated core team that’s focused on digital transformation.

With so many invested in bringing technology to the forefront of their patient care, the question really is how? Here are three ways better use of technology can lead to more personalized care, improved provider-patient relations, and improved health outcomes for the member and the plan:

Leverage Patient Data to Offer Personalized Care

In a time where personalization is becoming the norm in so many areas of our lives, it’s about time that healthcare gets into the game. The 2022 State of Healthcare Report found that “roughly 25% of patients or less completely agree that their provider personalizes care based on their current health, lifestyle and unique health goals.”

With so much room to grow, it’s time to tap into the data available on each patient to create a truly tailored healthcare experience. As a health plan, offer a single location where physicians, members, and the plan can see a comprehensive, action-oriented view of their patients/members. The EHRs today are not integrated with the health plan, and to improve care, we need to ensure that all three are in the know.  Knowing everything they can about a member, such as diagnosed conditions, known allergies, immunization records, and medication history, will help them come up with a plan that makes the most sense for each person.

A disease or condition could affect one patient very differently from how it affects another. Because of this, treatment options and care plans cannot be treated as a one-size-fits-all approach if we want to see the healthiest outcomes for each patient. They need to take into consideration a person’s unique health history, behaviors, and preferences.

When personalized care becomes the norm, everyone wins. Patient satisfaction increases and the potential to improve health outcomes grows exponentially.

Provide the Right Tools to Help Members Manage Their Health in Partnership with Their Provider

To help with health management, patients often need ongoing support between office appointments. As a health plan, your members will turn to you, and it is important to make sure both providers and members have access to the resources they need to make this support a reality.

Using technology, patients can work on improving their health while in the comfort of their own homes, leading to overall better clinical outcomes. Giving them access to tailored self-management tools and providing personalized health education materials are two great ways to help members stay the course.

When health plans, healthcare organizations, and providers can come together to implement patient-centric education strategies, members may become more inspired to make changes that better their overall health. A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association showed that just 45 minutes of patient education can improve chronic disease management.

Strengthen Communication Through Secure Channels

Regular check-ins with physicians can keep members on track once they leave their appointments. With connected and HIPAA-compliant patient and provider portals, physicians can send secure messages to members about their progress regarding any current care plans or wellness programs. Sending these timely and encouraging messages demonstrates members that providers are still within reach outside of the office and are dedicated to helping them along their health and wellness journey.

Are you a health plan that is ready to implement technology to improve provider-member relations & health outcomes? Our provider and member portals are the answer! Request time to speak with a HealthTrio representative who can provide more information and get you on right path.

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