Save on time by visiting your doctor online

Have better things to do with your time than wait in a doctor’s office? Online patient portals have encouraged the opportunity for patients to use online services to access their personal physician. It allows users the freedom of spending just a few minutes (that’s all it takes) to register and create their profile on a patient portal. Booking or re-scheduling appointments would now be easier and faster. Digital health technology has allowed for clinic management and doctor’s consultations to continue online during the pandemic and has encouraged even those shy of using technology to continue relying on electronic services coming out of the pandemic. In most cases, a patient may be able to browse and search for their personal doctor or specialist that they may need to see. RioMed Ltd provides the opportunity to establish an online patient portal that allows the patient to locate a doctor, clinic, or pharmacy that is convenient to the user.

The flexibility that these platforms allow, prevents the limits to the medium of communication used. For example, whether using a desktop, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, the service provided, and the user experience remains the same. Patient portals are specifically geared towards the user’s experience and relies heavily on their feedback and comfort with the platforms. As such, you may find that the language and usability tend to be simple and direct with minimal clicks. The idea then is to simply connect the patient with a doctor. In some cases, third party video calling, and chat apps may be used to ensure this simplistic strategy.

Remote calls allow the user to view, chat and hear the doctor without actually being in the same physical space. However, there are additional functionalities which allow patients and doctors to communicate without video calls. These include chat functionality, email, and telephone calls, although these may seem pre-dated, the reality is that different age groups may require flexibility in access.

Consider as well, the opportunity to include pharmacy and diagnostic services which allows the user to follow their doctor communication along with accessing prescribed medication or requesting tests. A major development during the pandemic has been the delivery of “At Home” Covid tests and the emailing of PCR test results. Patient portals can provide access to a combined cohesive health platform whereby patients can request tests and upload their results to the platform to receive the required care. This isn’t limited to Covid care but can be applied to any diagnostic service whereby the doctor requires additional testing or screening.

Some platforms also allow for users to request delivery authorized medication, however, in some cases, patients can be guided to the appropriate pharmacy location to collect their medication.

Patient portals and platforms have evolved into all-encompassing digital health platforms whereby users can access not just quality healthcare but also, quality customer service. It allows patients to access services from one platform without leaving home. It is essential that these platforms bring the service to the patient as opposed to the patient accessing the platform for service.

For more information on how RioMed Ltd can provide and advise on patient platforms, contact us.