Medical appointments are not fun. Waiting is often boring at best, or anxiety-filled at the worst. Many medical professionals are trying to find ways to make the customer experience even better, and modern technology is helping with this. Healthcare apps are improving the time management of doctors, and streamlining customer-professional interaction.
Appointment Scheduling
If you have ever been to a hospital, you will spend much of your time sitting down and looking at your watch. Wait times for healthcare are twice as long as in other service industries. Many patients feel upset or exhausted by the time they meet with their doctor.
Telehealth apps are changing the way doctors can schedule appointments. Instead of calling in and switching appointments with a receptionist, an app allows the user to see what is available, and adjust on the spot. This is incredibly if something unexpected comes along on the day (or hour) of your appointment.
Pay on the App
Making payments can also be done through a healthcare app. Most apps will show you specifically what you are spending money on, and give you the option to take from a card or bank account. You can also pay passively until the specific due date arrives, which can be great if you are on a tight budget.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this also reduces the amount of time you interact with other people. If you are particularly concerned about the virus, this sort of contactless option can be essential. This is one of the reasons many doctors are pushing the use of apps in their practices.
Keep Track of Health
Healthcare apps don’t just allow you to do practical planning and payments, but they can also help you monitor your health. Doctors are recommending apps that will help people track their progress in weight loss, recovery, and fitness goals. Your medical professional will be able to communicate with you and find ways to help you stick to your plans.
They can also track pregnancy progress—highlighting important milestones and giving you weekly “check-ins”. Apps give your doctor a better ability to help you and make suggestions that can benefit your life. It can also keep your doctor informed and give you goals for your upcoming visit. Hundreds of telehealth apps are increasing in popularity because of this.
These streamlining processes make your doctor visits more effective. Gone are the days of waiting for your appointment in a tiny room. Digital apps are working to supplement certain aspects of the doctor’s office.
Read this next: How to Find the Right Medical Specialist for Your Needs
