A new trend is starting to emerge in the medical industry. As the world speeds up, providers now have to rely on tablets and smart phones, even for seeing patients and for medical records. It’s actually simple and cost effective, thus many practices have already integrated video conferencing into their workflow.

Providers, like hospitals and clinics, can easily benefit by upgrading their technology. As many providers are learning, moving from phone sessions to video sessions has not only benefited the patient by providing better care, but providers have been saving money too! There are several scenarios here on how telehealth has contributed to a more efficient workflow.

  1. Having a telehealth system with an automated scheduling system that sends notifications to patients on mobile devices decreases the amount of cancellations.
  2. If the patient can’t make it to the office to have his/her appointment, he/she can make it online
  3. If there is a patient “no-show” providers can fill that slot quickly by getting a patient on the waiting list online and cared for right away.

These are just three examples how optimizing your workflow can decrease cancellations costs and maintain or increase revenue streams.

This is the beginning of a new trend: Integrating video for an efficient practice . As it becomes increasingly popular to have mobile devices with cameras, having a video session becomes more accessible. With the revolution of video conferencing apps, the future of counseling is game-changing. Check up appointments, which require no physical examination can be easily done online saving costs and travel time for patients. (See more about Patient Benefits of Online Sessions)
Counseling via video conferencing—following the trend of business communications and creating a more efficient practice.

As most providers already know, telephone sessions are not uncommon for a mental health session. What’s the hurdle in switching from a phone call to a video call? Not much. New technology has been built securely for video-counseling, built for the needs of providers to expand their virtual office, and moreover, get paid online directly from their patients upon completion of their sessions. This can be the start of new beneficial outcomes from switching from a phone session to a video session.

What is the basis of effective counseling? First, communication, communication, communication. With a phone call, you have audio communication, but at what cost? What communication has been lost? Did you see if your patient really understood you? Did you really see and feel what you patient was trying to tell you? Whether you are a social worker, therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist, wouldn’t you like to help drive results more effectively? This is what face-to-face communication can help with, driving results, really helping a patient. Moreover, there is a lot you can discover about a patient when seeing the patient in his home or workplace. Studies have show that telemedicine is very effective form of patient care (see Telemedicine Success for more info).

There are several scenarios why providers and clinics are becoming intrigued with the idea of video.

Video technologies that were once very expensive can now be done much cheaper via mobile devices. Video Technologies have also become more reliable, require less band width and video performance has greatly improved.

Telehealth is much more than just video and this is why iTel has built a system that improves workflow by incorporating all aspects that go into running a success practice. Designed by a psychiatrist, iTelepsych.com allows for multiple users (providers and administrators) to schedule, bill patients and create superbills for insurance and reimbursement.