Physicians work long hours, alternating between face-to-face patient consultation and practice administration. How many crucial hours are you losing to tasks that could be easily automated?
A recent study by the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, revealed that for every hour spent with a patient, an extra two were directed toward recording health data, completing medication orders, reviewing test results and performing various other practice management tasks.
As further studies continue to tell the same story - we’re spending more time on paperwork and less time with our patients - the necessity of stronger, adaptive practice management software has never been more apparent. What do you need to do as a physician, a community leader, and a practice owner to ensure your workflows are up to scratch? Before layering a digital band-aid over your legacy systems, take the time to explore how new technologies transform the way clinicians work.
Change is coming: 4 benefits of cloud practice management software in Australia
Healthcare technology - and medical practice management software in particular - has evolved rapidly in response to an emphasis on preventative and collaborative patient care. Maybe your legacy systems are equipped to handle the load now, next month or for the next two years, but what about the next five? Is it scalable? Adaptable? Are you still staying back late to finish desk work? The time it takes to explore the benefits of cloud practice management today can potentially save you significant hours following implementation.
1. Re-focus your energy on patient care
You’re exposed to a significant amount of tasks every day. Although the volume alone is challenging to handle, outdated medical practice software often exacerbates workflow issues. Administrative inefficiencies impact patient face-time, resulting in fewer people accessing the care they need.
By investing in your systems and keeping your technology up-to-date, you’re:
- Eliminating the excessive administrative workload that is burdensome to you and your team.
- Introducing smarter information collection and sharing, improving the speed of patient care.
- Freeing up time for face-to-face patient care.
2. Access the information you need, when you need it
One size fits all software doesn’t work. There is too much variation between the types of clinics, patients, and care models for a single view to be able to show each physician the information that is most relevant to them.
Even among physicians working within the same practice who are treating the same profile of patients, individual preferences will determine what type of data is most important to creating efficient workflows and reducing the amount of time spent looking at computers rather than speaking with patients.
3. View financial specifics in real time
Take ownership of your clinic and monitor the financial success of the practice in real time. Solid medical practice management software not only helps improve the efficiency of practice planning, marketing, and management but also integrates with your existing accounting software, allowing you to view real-time financial reports and forecast revenue to make business decisions using the latest figures. Financial integrations also automate invoice reconciliation, instantly share billing data and other financials with your accountant.
4. Make patient communication easy pre and post consult
Patients want to be involved in all aspects of their healthcare. Going forward, care models need to meet patient expectations by leveraging technology and establishing efficient processes to communicate with patients in their preferred method. Your practice management software should empower patients to access important health information like test results and referrals on the go. Developing a patient portal is one important step closer to achieving better outcomes and enriched patient relationships.
Over to you
Smarter healthcare begins by equipping yourself and your team with the right tools and technology. Patient data is being generated every day - without an efficient, modern practice management software to support your team, it isn’t possible to deal with patient care administration in a timely manner. Are you interested in learning more about growing your business? Click on the image below and explore our guide to skilful practice development.
