5 Ways Telemedicine is Improving Rural Hospitals
Having worked in healthcare operations for over 13 years, I’ve seen how rapidly the industry landscape can change. Some changes bring incredible progress for hospitals, and others create tough challenges. Recent events have been the most difficult for providers that I’ve seen since the beginning of my career.
To meet demands, telemedicine is now at the forefront of patient treatment and critical care. It continues to grow as part of everyday healthcare because of the convenience and the effectiveness with patients and providers. Telemedicine is especially appealing to rural providers looking to enhance their services and provide a comprehensive portfolio of care. Virtual care solutions offer many benefits for hospitals, including cost efficiencies.
Here are the top five ways integration of telemedicine programs can help rural facilities:
1. Expands Specialized Care
Patients are transferred to receive specialized care. Telemedicine bridges the gap between community providers and critical resources by providing a wide range of virtual care options.
By integrating telemedicine, rural hospitals can rapidly expand their offerings, reduce transfers, improve their ROI and keep patients.
2. Aids in Staffing Shortages
One of the greatest challenges that hospitals and clinics across the country face are staffing shortages. Rural providers have been hit especially hard, and it can be difficult to attract medical professionals who are willing to live and work in remote areas.
Teledigm Health offers completely staffed services with professionals trained to provide care virtually. Using telemedicine providers instead of hiring in–house can save hospitals full-time salaries and benefits. Telehealth physicians provide care at a cost-effective rate, and healthcare management teams can eliminate an extensive hiring process. So, whether your facility needs more specialists or overnight staffing, telemedicine can alleviate the heavy workload on your medical staff.
3. Streamlines Internal Operations
Optimizing your internal functions can make all the difference for your ROI. Teledigm Health has taken technology beyond high-quality care to provide internal support and streamline your practice.
Comprehensive Human Resources programs offer a non-biased party to handle policy questions, recruitment, performance reviews, salary reviews, and legal needs. Consultants can collaborate with existing HR staff to provide assistance across any areas your facility may need.
IT services provide solutions to modern technology issues. Many hospitals don’t have extensive IT support, and the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks on healthcare systems pose a real threat to providers’ ability to care for patients. From preventing cyber-attacks to backups, virtual IT professionals offer a secure and affordable alternative to on-site IT. Whether you need fully outsourced support or escalation needs only, there’s an IT plan to fit your facility.
4. Reach Remote and Underserved Communities
For those who live in rural areas, it can be difficult accessing care. The nearest rural hospital could be an hour’s drive away or more. Families in these areas often forego seeing a doctor for a yearly physical or may wait until their health is in critical condition before seeking treatment. Telehealth provides new avenues for underserved rural communities to access the care that they need.
5. Creates a Positive ROI
Telemedicine not only provides vital access to specialists and other resources, it also improves the financial sustainability of your facility. Virtual care programs allow hospitals to treat more patients without having to transfer them for care. It also provides a cost-effective alternative to hiring staff in-house. The decrease in operational costs combined with increased revenue can quickly transform your operation.
Hospitals make up a substantial part of communities’ economies, especially in rural areas. By establishing a positive ROI through telemedicine, we can create financially healthier communities.
Demand for telehealth options will only increase within healthcare, especially in rural communities. By integrating telemedicine into your hospital, you can stay ahead of the curve and provide the most advanced care available.
