8 Things Doctors Need to Know in Modern Healthcare Provision

Modern Healthcare Provision – Overview

Doctors are the most trusted professionals in the world. Yet, they are not immune to the competitive pressures and changing dynamics of healthcare provision.

To thrive in this new era, doctors need to understand the forces at play, and actively embrace strategies that will ensure their ongoing success.

The following eight factors represent a snapshot of the current environment and are crucial for doctors.

1. Social Media Has a Role to Play in Healthcare

The role of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have changed how people interact with each other.

As a result, social media is now an integral part of all marketing strategies, including healthcare marketing.

Doctors should embrace this change and use social media channels to communicate with patients directly.

2. Google Has a Growing Influence

Google is changing from being a provider of information to becoming an adviser on how people can make better decisions about what to buy, where to go and who to talk to for advice or information.

People are also more likely to turn to Google before making any major life decision; for example, when planning a family holiday or buying a new car.

The use of specific keywords by prospective customers can be easily tracked by Google’s algorithm which will deliver results based on your audience preferences.

3. Dictation Software is the Way to Go

Dictating notes is much faster than writing them out by hand. However, you need good dictation software to make this technology work for you. Be sure to try it out before committing to a vendor.

Also, if you want to dictate directly into your medical records, be sure that the vendor has certified medical transcriptionists and complies with all HIPAA privacy regulations.

Moreover, electronic health records are a must if you want your practice to be successful in today’s environment. Electronic health records help practices save time and money as well as improve patient care and satisfaction.

4. Stress is the Number One Killer in the Medical Field

More than 100 American doctors die every year from suicide due to stress. Doctors are forced to make critical decisions every day.

They are required to spend hours every day in school learning about medicine and training at hospitals. Their patients depend on them for their lives and well-being, which can lead a doctor into a very stressful state of mind.

5. Hospital Acquired Infections Cause Stress

HAIs are another major factor that contributes greatly to stress levels among doctors. An estimated 722,000 people get infected each year due to hospital-acquired infections, which results in an additional 100,000 deaths per year.

Due to this, hospitals have implemented strict infection control practices including isolation rooms and disinfectants.

6. Customer Service is Everything

Treat patients with respect each step of the way and make sure you listen carefully as well as ask open-ended questions so you can gain better insight into each patient’s needs and concerns.

7. There is a Rise of Health Insurance Exchanges

Health insurance exchanges are online markets where people can shop for health insurance plans from different providers.

This is a very recent development and represents one of the biggest changes in healthcare provision over recent years.

Since opening for business in October 2013, health insurance exchanges have been responsible for providing coverage to more than nine million people.

8. The Healthcare System Is Broken

There is a growing consensus that the U.S. healthcare system is broken. Quality of care continues to improve, but medical costs continue to rise at an alarming rate — nearly doubling over the last decade — and many people are still not getting the healthcare they need.

This is unsustainable and will eventually lead to a breakdown in the healthcare system unless something is done to fix it.