If any patients understand the frustrations of in-person visits with their healthcare providers, it’s the chronically ill population. Unlike those who only come in for sick visits and their annual physical, chronically ill patients are investing in their health with long-term care plans. This often includes visits on a regular basis to check in and make necessary changes to treatment plans. Keeping these patients engaged long-term can be difficult, but your practice has tools at your disposal to help make this easier.
One major tool at your practice’s disposal is virtual visits. Telehealth is rapidly becoming a requirement for patients when it comes to their care, and it can be a great way to keep patients (chronically ill ones especially) engaged. With telehealth, your patients can meet with you virtually from their phone, tablet, or computer and have a follow up visit that fits better into their busy lives. Telehealth visits can keep patients on track with their care plan by keeping them from canceling/constantly moving appointments due to other commitments.
Remote patient monitoring is part of patient care for anyone who is chronically ill and is easier than ever with technology, cutting out the need for a visit. Any device that collects data, such as a glucose monitor or a blood pressure machine, can be used for remote patient monitoring. By leveraging virtual care and monitoring remotely, you can check in on your chronic care patients without them taking hours out of their day for a visit. You will be able to identify any patients that require any extra care or medication changes without the patient isn’t coming into the office.
Keeping chronically ill patients on track is easier than ever with the use of technology. By leveraging virtual care, not only will the patient feel more as if managing their illness fits into their busy lives, but it can help you provide better care for your patients in the long-term. Virtual care is part of the key of outstanding care for chronically ill patients.
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