What is the best telemedicine software for hospitals?

Introduction 

It's no secret that the healthcare industry is in a state of flux. Hospitals and clinics are forced to adapt to new technologies, regulations, and trends at an unprecedented rate. And one of the most significant changes in recent years has been the rise of telemedicine. 

Telemedicine is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers, smartphones, and video conferencing, to provide medical diagnosis, consultation, and treatment remotely. In other words, it's using technology to bring doctors and patients together without having to be in the same room. 

But what does that mean for hospitals? How can you get the best telemedicine software to fit your needs? To help you out in this article, we'll go over a few points explaining what your ideal telemedicine software should be like. We will also give some examples to help you take inspiration from them.

Read on! 

Telemedicine: An Overview

Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication technologies to provide healthcare from a distance. While telemedicine has been around for a while, with the expansion of the internet and the ability to connect via telemedicine software, the field has grown dramatically in recent years.

Telemedicine solutions, like telehealth, use the same software and technology extensively. Telehealth software is used for general health purposes, such as alerting the public to a disease outbreak, whereas telemedicine software is mainly used to give clinical care. Telemedicine software often connects patients with their doctors or doctors with other healthcare providers.

So what's the main reason for having telemedicine software?

To provide healthcare from a distance efficiently and conveniently. Many people may be unable to access care or travel to their doctor's office. This makes it difficult for patients to receive care when they require it.

Here come telemedicine solutions. Healthcare providers can advise patients about an injury, diagnose an ailment, or issue a prescription using the correct telemedicine software without meeting the patient in person.

Plus, you save infrastructural expenses and would need comparatively less staff. 

What is the best telemedicine software for hospitals?

Telemedicine solutions are most effective when a healthcare professional can view the patient, visually identify a disease, and document the encounter. As a result, the best telemedicine software now connects physicians and patients via 2-way video or permits photo or video exchange. With this visual data and improved connection with the patient, telemedicine consultations can be a viable alternative to in-person visits.

Here we list some features that telemedicine software must have to be considered the best.

Secure

Telemedicine software must be 100% secure and HIPAA compliant because it is frequently used to save, transfer, or share private patient health information. Telemedicine software should not be utilized like conventional videoconferencing tools like Skype.

UI in place

Telemedicine software should be simple to use for both patients and clinicians. The greatest telemedicine software includes best practices in user interface design to provide an intuitive user experience. The less time and training required to get the healthcare professional and the patient on board, the better. 

Technology should be a help, not a hindrance!

Reimbursement

Many states now reimburse telemedicine services, particularly distant visits, through 2-way video. However, in order to be reimbursed, each telemedicine appointment must be meticulously documented. The best telemedicine software systems make it simple for healthcare practitioners to capture patient encounters and submit the records for payment.

Records in place

Telemedicine patient visits must be documented as well. Several telemedicine software solutions allow providers to transfer any visit notes into a patient's EHR to keep everything in one place and up to date. Some may also be integrated with an EHR system to provide more seamless record-keeping.

Limited Setup

There are numerous telemedicine software options available. Some programs require significant setup and training to utilize the application and any associated equipment. Some solutions may include a dedicated telemedicine station and mobile medical gear, but others may only require a personal computer with a microphone and webcam. While the demands of each healthcare professional vary, the finest telemedicine software should require little setup and training to get started.

Budget-friendly Solution

Telemedicine solutions come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The cost of a telemedicine service is affected by the sophistication of the technology, the equipment, training, setup, and the number of users necessary. Healthcare providers should assess their budget for telemedicine software and the amount of training and staff resources required to install it. There is always a suitable fit because telemedicine providers offer solutions for single-provider practices up to large health systems.

Top Telemedicine software for hospitals

Now that we have discussed the must-have features let's read about some of the top-performance telemedicine software available on the market.

Spruce Health

Spruce Health is a great option for hospitals and clinics that want to provide their patients with high-quality care. The software is easy to use and control, and it offers a variety of features that can be personalized according to the needs of each hospital or clinic. 

One of the best things about Spruce Health is that it offers a free trial period. So, hospitals and clinics can test out the software before they commit to using it long-term. Moreover, the software is constantly updated with new features and improvements, so you can be confident that you're using the latest and greatest technology. 

OhMD

Through OhMD, patients can easily send messages to their care providers, schedule appointments, and even book virtual visits. Along with a surplus amount of features, it also offers a free trial so that hospitals can decide if it's the right fit for them. It also provides 24/7 customer support in case anything goes wrong. 

Moreover, OhMD's software is very user-friendly and can easily integrate into a hospital's workflow. 

Mend

The best part about Mend is that it offers a free version for small practices and solo providers. It has multiple features, from scheduling to appointment reminders, and even provides a way to send patient information securely. 

Mend also features a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing system that can be used for group visits and one-on-one patient consultations. It also has a mobile app that providers can use to check patient notes, review lab results, and more.

Teladoc

Teladoc is another great telemedicine software option for hospitals. Teladoc offers video visits, 24/7 access to doctors, and convenient mobile app access. It also has an excellent feature that allows patients to schedule appointments with specific doctors they have seen. This can be very helpful for hospitals with a large number of patients that need to offer convenient appointment times.

Teladoc does have a monthly fee, but it is very reasonable and definitely worth the investment for hospitals that want to offer their patients the best possible care.

Doxy.me

Doxy.me is an excellent telemedicine software option for hospitals because it is free! It also offers a variety of features that can be very beneficial for both hospitals and patients. These features include HIPAA compliance, high-quality video and audio, and creating custom forms.

Doxy.me is user-friendly and easy to set up, a plus for busy hospital staff members. It is also compatible with various devices, so patients can connect with their doctor almost anywhere.

Updox

For hospitals looking for a comprehensive telemedicine solution, Updox is worth considering. Updox offers video conferencing, secure messaging, appointment reminders, and online scheduling on one platform. It also integrates with many popular EHR systems, making it very convenient for hospitals already using electronic health records.

Updox has a free trial, so hospitals can try out the software before deciding whether or not to purchase it. Updox is a bit more expensive than some other options on this list. Still, it is worth the investment for hospitals needing a comprehensive telemedicine solution.

Conclusion

Hospitals have a lot to gain from using telemedicine software. Not only can it improve the quality of care that patients receive, but it can also save hospitals some money in the long run.

Consider your needs and budget when choosing a telemedicine solution for your hospital. And don't forget to read reviews from other users before making your final decision. At the end of the day, the best telemedicine software for hospitals is the one that works best for your specific needs.

You can even think of launching your own telemedicine software, made specifically for your needs. We at AppsRhino, have an experienced team of developers and managers who can assist you at every step of your app development process. Being a proficient app development company, we have relevant experience and expertise in developing healthcare apps at low rates and high quality.

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is telemedicine, and how does it work?

Telemedicine involves providing medical care and consultation remotely using technology. It allows healthcare providers to communicate with patients via video conferencing, messaging, or other digital communication tools. Telemedicine software enables healthcare professionals to provide medical services to patients who are unable to visit a healthcare facility physically.

What is the role of telemedicine software for hospitals?

Telemedicine software for hospitals serves as a platform that connects healthcare providers with patients and other healthcare professionals remotely. It enables healthcare professionals to communicate with patients, offer remote consultations, provide medical advice, monitor patients' health, and manage patient information and records.

What features should hospitals look for in telemedicine software?

Hospitals should look for telemedicine software with features such as HIPAA compliance, secure video conferencing, real-time chat, electronic prescribing, virtual diagnosis tools, remote patient monitoring, and integration with electronic health records systems. Additionally, ease of use, scalability, and flexibility are essential factors to consider in selecting the right telemedicine software.

What are the benefits of telemedicine software for hospitals?

Telemedicine software offers several benefits to hospitals, including reduced healthcare costs, better patient outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, greater access to healthcare services, streamlined workflows, and increased flexibility for healthcare providers.

What are some popular telemedicine software options for hospitals?

Some popular telemedicine software options for hospitals include Doxy.me, Zoom for Healthcare, MDLIVE, Teladoc, and American Well. Each software has its features and pricing models, making it essential to evaluate the specific requirements of the hospital to select the most suitable option.