It turns out Twitter could be good for your health. Social media initiatives that allow doctors, patients, and researchers share patient information can improve the quality of care and drive down costs, a new report found.
The report, published by the Healthcare Performance Management Institute, took a look at several case studies that showed how the Health 2.0 initiatives were promoting better patient outcomes and cost efficiencies, InformationWeek reported.
"The new collaborative technologies and Twitter-like Internet connectivity tools foster a collaborative environment that allows organizations - and the people who work in them - to gain much greater control over many important healthcare factors,"
.
For example, the Point to Point (P2P) Healthcare program offered by Healthcare Interactive and WellNet Healthcare combines a repository for storing and analyzing medical data with an online social network that links the company's employees with their providers.
The programs can benefit patients, as well as physicians, "because communication and collaboration with their patients and peers enables better treatment outcomes," the report states.
This news might come as no surprise for many in the healthcare community already engaging in social networks (particularly those in the e-patient movement). But considering that a majority of physicians don't connect online with their patients or colleagues, there are clearly barriers to fully realizing the power of social media.
The concerns we most often hear about engaging online and through social networks revolve around time, reimbursement, and security. Why spend uncompensated time engaging online? And are you opening yourself up to liabilities when connecting with patients? Those attitudes tend to be shifting, as physicians realize the increase in efficiencies that can come with online networking and information sharing (and in some cases payers are catching up). And often, the security fears are unfounded or can be solved with encrypted systems and new processes.
What's holding you back from diving into these Health 2.0 initiatives? Or, if you're a believer, tell us about it.
Social Media Cuts Costs, Improves Outcomes
It turns out Twitter could be good for your health. Social media initiatives that allow doctors, patients, and researchers share patient information can improve the quality of care and drive down costs, a new report found.
It turns out Twitter could be good for your health. Social media initiatives that allow doctors, patients, and researchers share patient information can improve the quality of care and drive down costs, a new report found.
The report, published by the Healthcare Performance Management Institute, took a look at several case studies that showed how the Health 2.0 initiatives were promoting better patient outcomes and cost efficiencies, InformationWeek reported.
"The new collaborative technologies and Twitter-like Internet connectivity tools foster a collaborative environment that allows organizations - and the people who work in them - to gain much greater control over many important healthcare factors,"
.
For example, the Point to Point (P2P) Healthcare program offered by Healthcare Interactive and WellNet Healthcare combines a repository for storing and analyzing medical data with an online social network that links the company's employees with their providers.
The programs can benefit patients, as well as physicians, "because communication and collaboration with their patients and peers enables better treatment outcomes," the report states.
This news might come as no surprise for many in the healthcare community already engaging in social networks (particularly those in the e-patient movement). But considering that a majority of physicians don't connect online with their patients or colleagues, there are clearly barriers to fully realizing the power of social media.
The concerns we most often hear about engaging online and through social networks revolve around time, reimbursement, and security. Why spend uncompensated time engaging online? And are you opening yourself up to liabilities when connecting with patients? Those attitudes tend to be shifting, as physicians realize the increase in efficiencies that can come with online networking and information sharing (and in some cases payers are catching up). And often, the security fears are unfounded or can be solved with encrypted systems and new processes.
What's holding you back from diving into these Health 2.0 initiatives? Or, if you're a believer, tell us about it.
Newsletter
Optimize your practice with the Physicians Practice newsletter, offering management pearls, leadership tips, and business strategies tailored for practice administrators and physicians of any specialty.
Having a website is not enough
Regular, high-quality content boosts your medical practice's online presence and enhances search engine rankings for patient engagement.
Ep. 73: Why physicians are suing RFK Jr., with attorney Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H.
Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H., joins the show to talk about the recent lawsuit filed against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
5 ways AI is reshaping private practice
From ambient transcription to smart scheduling, AI is helping doctors cut costs, save time and improve care. Here’s where it’s making the biggest difference — and what to consider before you invest.
Ep. 72: Medicare reform with Susan Dentzer of America's Physician Groups
Susan Dentzer, president and CEO of America's Physician Groups, joins the show to talk Medicare reform and the specific proposals included in APG's latest report.
11 tips for onboarding new practice staff
Structured onboarding programs enhance job satisfaction and retention, boosting productivity and improving patient experience in medical practices.
Outsmarting out-of-pocket collection pains
Health care practices enhance revenue by collaborating with payers for digital out-of-pocket payments, improving cash flow and patient engagement.
Having a website is not enough
Regular, high-quality content boosts your medical practice's online presence and enhances search engine rankings for patient engagement.
Ep. 73: Why physicians are suing RFK Jr., with attorney Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H.
Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H., joins the show to talk about the recent lawsuit filed against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
5 ways AI is reshaping private practice
From ambient transcription to smart scheduling, AI is helping doctors cut costs, save time and improve care. Here’s where it’s making the biggest difference — and what to consider before you invest.
Ep. 72: Medicare reform with Susan Dentzer of America's Physician Groups
Susan Dentzer, president and CEO of America's Physician Groups, joins the show to talk Medicare reform and the specific proposals included in APG's latest report.
11 tips for onboarding new practice staff
Structured onboarding programs enhance job satisfaction and retention, boosting productivity and improving patient experience in medical practices.
Outsmarting out-of-pocket collection pains
Health care practices enhance revenue by collaborating with payers for digital out-of-pocket payments, improving cash flow and patient engagement.