Health inequity can often be a product of geographical isolation, but it can also be the result of different health outcomes among different people who live in communities with different characteristics. Some of the challenges for rural healthcare providers is reliable access to healthcare. Telemedicine and other tools help to improve accesses, reduce the cost of care, all while maintaining the highest quality of care. It is important that providers of health services address the needs of all patients and provide access to necessary services irrespective of their location. Improving access to telemedicine among rural healthcare providers has the potential to yield multiple benefits for the community. These include more efficient patient management, improved access to care, greater access to specialists, and improved quality of care.
One way that rural hospitals and communities can benefit from telemedicine is that it allows them to leverage their existing infrastructure and clinical expertise. Clinical information technology (CIT) systems have been used widely by the health care industry for many years and now these systems are readily available to the rural hospital setting. Telemedicine and their hosting platforms, such as VOLA Connected Health, allow the use of electronic patient records and electronic health information systems that integrate patient demographics, vital signs, medical condition, and prescribed medications into a single electronic database. This allows for patients to self-refer to their doctors or select a specialist without having to make a phone call. Telemedicine can also help to reduce the time that patients spend on the telephone because they can use the computer and web to do their own inquiries instead of having to speak to a human being.
As more people become aware of the benefits of telemedicine, rural hospitals, and rural communities can expect to see an increase in demand for telemedicine in the coming years. Some health care providers may experience the unexpected benefit of increased patient traffic as a result of telemedicine announcements or new programs. In some areas, such as in Washington State, there have already been a number of examples of providers adding telemedicine software as part of routine upgrades to their telehealth systems.
Improving telemedicine offerings is only the beginning for improved healthcare access in rural communities. The Department of Health and Human Services is currently analyzing the role that telemedicine can play in increasing the access to health services for rural Americans. According to an unpublished report from the Urban Institute, “In recent years, a growing number of hospitals have adopted telemedicine as a way to increase patient access to advanced medical technology,” particularly for conditions such as diabetes and cancer. The report goes on to say that “In addition, many health plans are making it easier for patients to see specialists even when they don’t live near them.” Telemedicine is especially useful for patients who may not have access to traditional health care facilities, or who don’t trust giving their medical information over the telephone. Telemedicine is also helpful for those who are disabled or elderly and are moving into or away from rural communities.
In short, telemedicine is quickly transforming the way people gain healthcare access in rural communities across the United States. It is bringing health care more closer to the people who need it the most, and has the potential to dramatically increase access to care even in places where it has traditionally been most limited. Improving rural healthcare access is necessary if the country is to meet its goal of providing quality health care. Leveraging telehealth usage will help to make sure that everyone has the access to healthcare services they need.
By creating a more accessible healthcare experience through web based devices and technological advancements, health care providers can reach patients faster and more efficiently than ever before. Patients are also more comfortable with their doctor and are more likely to take advantage of available services if they feel the doctor and their practice are connected. Telemedicine has already revolutionized traditional medicine, connected care is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry as a whole. If you are considering investing in your medical practice, now is the time to explore all of the new opportunities available through digital technology.
Software solutions for a healthcare system are crucial components for successful management a clinic, lab, or pharmacy. Interoperability ensures secure transitions of care, which leads to better patient outcomes. As a healthcare provider if you want your practice to become more efficient and save money, a software platform tailored to your needs is the right solution. You can evaluate software solutions by conducting consultations with software vendors who offer a full range of innovative software solutions for healthcare systems, such as VOLA Connected Health. VOLA will provide you with information on how a software system will work in your practice and what you need to consider. A good vendor will be able to give you an in-depth consultation to answer these questions. When you take this step, you can be confident that your practice will be well-organized, save money, and become more user-friendly.
VOLA’s Healthcare application developers have created numerous applications that will be beneficial to the healthcare industry. These innovative developments have created products and solutions that will provide hospitals and doctors with real-time data on patient conditions. With these tools, healthcare professionals will be able to deliver the best care possible to patients. The healthcare connected technologies are designed to improve the healthcare experience for both patients and medical professionals. The next generation of medical devices and solutions will be designed with the latest in technology and security standards.
Interested in a demo to see our platform can be optimized for your organization? Schedule a demo with the VOLA team today! Contact Us.
About VOLA
Our mission is to support the rapidly growing digital transformation of the healthcare industry. We do this by equipping medical offices and telehealth providers with customizable and affordable technology. One of our key differentiators is our ability to connect laboratory tests into the workflow of telehealth services. Additionally, we have a dedicated SaaS product line to support laboratories and laboratory marketing organizations.
