As May begins, we can all remember the days of prepping for final exams in school – that very last push before three glorious summer months. Everyone has celebrated their last exam with friends, but as we age, other exams become important. And, yes, we still have to prep for them.
When scheduling a medical appointment, we are often requested to complete our labs, having our blood drawn and tested. These results help your physician “catch up” with your health, allowing them to make more personal recommendations or even diagnose conditions before they become serious issues.
Yet, many patients aren’t doing this necessary prep. Kids start school, little league begins, beach travels call your name… life does get in the way. We’re always one click away from canceling our medical exams because of a hundred other activities we’d rather be doing, much like procrastinating on a school assignment.
At Catalyst by Wellstar, we’re exploring ways to fit these exams into your routine instead of the other way around. While this will make life easier for those on tight schedules, it can also be essential for patients with chronic conditions or mobility challenges. For them missing an exam isn’t a choice.
Most medical offices already remind patients about their upcoming appointment a few days prior, but not all mention getting labs done. This means that the appointment is not as efficient as it could have been and may require follow-ups that could have been avoided in the first place. The appointment may be canceled altogether, which amplifies scheduling challenges for both you and your health system.
One of the ways to change this is through mobile exams and tests. Currently, popular examples of this solution are in phlebotomy and imaging. Patients can have their blood drawn or an X-ray performed at the convenience of their home or other frequently visited places. EKG and Ultrasound exams are also available now.
Imagine not driving to a medical facility, avoiding the stress of traffic and parking, and saving time. If you aren’t mobile, picture not having to make travel arrangements weeks in advance and dealing with any unexpected cancellations from those giving you a ride.
Technology is already making these solutions a reality, and it can prevent hospital admissions when conditions are diagnosed earlier. By making follow-ups easier, we can also help recently released patients to make faster recoveries, stay well and avoid readmissions.
While the future is bright, there are still questions about payment. Would the cost of these services be covered by a subscription, as we already discussed in here Voice? How much would patients be willing to pay for the added convenience to their lives? Or would this cost be subsidized through a combination of healthcare organizations working together with insurance companies and the government?
Your voice can help answer these questions. Complete our latest survey on this topic right now and shape the future of healthcare for you, your family and your community. Is there anything we didn’t cover on the survey? Drop your comments and suggestions below so we can forward them to Wellstar leaders.
Your Voice
Eddie Chen, Digital Innovation Manager at Catalyst by Wellstar, highlights better appointment prep as one of the keys to more effective care. Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t know how to — or couldn’t — prepare for an appointment? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of information received? Share your experience with us.
