The value of a connected practice

In a well-connected practice, you enter a piece of information once and it appears, accurately, everywhere it needs to be.

In the rush of seeing patients, there’s rarely time to check why the data didn’t flow through like it should. So the details get typed in again. It works in the moment, but it’s a Band-Aid.

A strong digital health setup starts with your systems sharing information: your patient management system, clinical record, billing software, results and correspondence channels, and telehealth platform, all connected and communicating.

This is the most foundational of the foundations, because every other tool you rely on depends on it:

• A billing tool can only bill accurately for work that’s represented in the clinical record.
• A telehealth platform that talks to your practice management system saves time instead of creating admin.
• Connected records support continuity of care, give you clear evidence for MBS and private insurance billing, and stand behind you if a complaint, audit or coronial enquiry ever arises.

When information flows, the whole practice runs more smoothly.

A quick check for your practice

Think about the tools you use for appointments, patient information, test results, billing and communication.

• Where do you handle the same patient information twice?
• Ask your team about the last couple of times they had to re-type something. Their answers will point to the system to look at first.

Most practices have one system that causes most of the re-typing. Often the fix is a connection your practice management software already includes but hasn’t been switched on. Many practices find quick wins here without spending another dollar.

And where it does take a little time or money, the return is real: less double handling, fewer re-typing errors, and more time for patients.

What next?

Want to see how connected your practice really is? Take the snapshot for a clear picture of where information flows well and where there’s a quick win waiting. It also looks at the other elements of a good digital health setup, so you get a complete picture of where you stand.