Integrating a Multiple Symptom Checker into Telemedicine Platforms

While telemedicine has been around for some time, it didn’t truly take off until the global pandemic. Only 11 percent were using telehealth options in 2019, and that figure jumped to 46 percent the following year. However, many healthcare providers have yet to adopt this technology fully. 

Many in the industry believe that incorporating a multiple symptom checker into the telehealth platform will simplify things. Patients are better informed and can take more control of their health. Healthcare providers also have more information when they see a patient and spend less time making a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan. 

The Benefits of Adopting Telemedicine

Telemedicine enhances access to healthcare by enabling underserved populations to connect with healthcare providers through video consultations, phone calls, and text messaging. Healthcare costs decrease when telemedicine is used, and many tasks can be completed during these visits. Individuals save time by participating in telehealth visits while still receiving the highest level of care. 

Telemedicine enabled people to access healthcare during the global pandemic without exposing themselves to potential germs. Only urgent cases were seen in doctors’ offices, and many providers struggled to accommodate those individuals. Personal protective equipment was scarce, and countless individuals postponed seeing their doctors. If a doctor offered telehealth options, quite a few chose this option. However, many medical practices have yet to adopt this technology.

Why More People Aren’t Using Telemedicine

Many people remain hesitant to use telemedicine options. They worry about their data being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Information about e-health resources isn’t readily available, and individuals fear that their unique needs will be ignored. 

Patients are often reluctant to change their behaviors. They want to stick with what is familiar. In their eyes, in-person visits are safe and easy, and they may not be familiar with the technology used in telehealth. They may also have no interest in learning this technology. Providers must ensure their digital front doors are easy to navigate and that patients are directed to the right telehealth services. If additional care is needed, the telehealth platform must direct them to this care. 

A lack of system integration and interoperability also leads to people being unwilling to use telehealth options. Telemedicine providers and physical facilities must connect their data to ensure virtual visits are effective. Integrating e-health platforms and electronic health records will improve adoption rates. 

When a person uses this tool, they receive symptom checker information that may direct them to speak with a doctor. These tools typically direct the patient to the next available doctor, which can reduce waiting times but disrupt continuity of care. Fragmented care can lead to multiple problems. 

Symptom checkers can overcome many of these barriers. They provide patients with a preliminary health assessment, allowing for the determination of whether the person requires additional medical care or can be treated by the AI symptom checker. 

Increasing Telemedicine Adoption Rates

Symptom checkers determine a patient’s triage level. Healthcare organizations then use this information to provide personalized services. They may decide to conduct a telehealth visit so the person doesn’t need to come into the office. Telehealth visits are frequently used for prescription refills and mental health support. People save time and money by opting for telehealth visits when possible. 

Connecting Symptom Checkers to Telemedicine

A healthcare organization can enhance its symptom checker by incorporating widgets into the results screen. The patient chooses a widget based on their preferences. This option is most beneficial for those with mild symptoms who may be able to be treated at home. They can choose to self-treat or seek a consultation. 

Furthermore, patients may be given the option of a video, text, or audio consultation once they have entered the symptoms they are experiencing. They might also be permitted to choose which physician they see. The adoption of this technology enables flexible communication channels and reduces wait times for patients. 

Physicians benefit greatly when patients use a symptom checker before being seen. The system checker incorporates this information into the patient’s electronic health record and reviews it quickly. When the patient is seen, they can ask for clarification on any symptoms. Patients in need of immediate care can be seen and treated promptly. Those with mild symptoms may be directed to a telehealth option. The telehealth option may be offered on-site, allowing patients to be seen quickly if it is determined that they require a higher level of care. 

How Symptom Checkers Benefit Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers benefit from high-quality tools that enable patients to conduct self-assessments of their health. Patients who use these tools are better informed about their health and more inclined to help create a treatment plan that they will adhere to. Costs decrease when these tools are used, and more people have access to care. Patients find the tools to be very convenient.

Furthermore, symptom checkers reduce the spread of infections, as people can receive treatment in their homes rather than visiting a healthcare facility. They won’t expose additional people to whatever they have. The illness will remain contained within the household. The number of unnecessary emergency room visits decreases, allowing individuals in need of emergency care to receive prompt treatment. 

Physicians find that they receive information quickly when patients use a symptom checker at the digital front door. Use of this symptom checker improves data completion in electronic health records. Doctors may also order additional tests before seeing the patient, so they have all pertinent information when it’s time to sit down face-to-face. Patients receive answers sooner, and doctors can see more individuals while waiting for test results to arrive. 

Certain medical conditions require an in-person visit for the initial diagnosis. However, once a patient has been diagnosed, many tasks can be handled virtually. The patient saves time and money because they don’t have to travel to and from medical appointments, and doctors can see more patients since they have all the necessary information in front of them. All parties benefit when symptom checkers are incorporated into telemedicine platforms, so every healthcare organization should make this a priority today.