Digital solutions help healthcare facilities build more positive patient experiences. Technology can boost engagement, accessibility and satisfaction with healthcare providers. The more satisfied patients feel, the more you can boost retention rates and revenue.

One way to connect digitally with your patients is with two-way text messaging. Texting simplifies communication and allows clients to access conversations from any location. Healthcare staff can connect more closely with patients and provide helpful resources and reminders. 

6 Benefits of Texting in Healthcare

Implementing SMS for healthcare can simplify communication between all parties. Here are some top benefits of text messaging for healthcare facilities:

1. Increase Patient Communication and Engagement

Texting can make it easier for patients to respond to provider communication. Smartphone usage has boosted SMS messaging’s popularity and built its reputation as a preferred contact method. An estimated 85% of Americans own a smartphone, making them vital communication tools for patients of all ages. And in 2021 alone, Americans sent more than 2 trillion text messages.

Smartphone users often prefer texting because of benefits like:

• Accessibility: Patients can access messages from providers at any time. They can view important appointment details or treatment reminders no matter their location.
• Flexibility: Texting also allows for multitasking. You can quickly send messages while completing other responsibilities. 

By providing two-way texting options, you can appeal to patients’ preferences. They become more likely to respond to messages or ask crucial questions. The more engaged patients become, the more satisfied they can feel with your facility’s services.

2. Provide Education and Support

Another example of the benefits of texting in healthcare is increased patient access to education. Instead of using handouts or relaying information verbally, you can send helpful messages that patients can refer to later. Most smartphone devices have internet access, allowing patients to view external sources quickly.

Providers can send data or resources like:

• Appointment confirmations, details and updates
• Resources about patient conditions or medications
• Links to payment portals or FAQs
• Explanatory videos or articles about patient procedures
• Secure login credentials for later reference

Two-way structures allow patients to respond directly to providers’ suggestions. Patients could ask questions about appointment details, payment processes or other concerns. By encouraging direct engagement, you can create stronger relationships between both parties.

3. Promote Preventive Healthcare

Texting also gives healthcare facilities more opportunities to promote preventive healthcare. Preventive services help patients identify illnesses, diseases or other health problems before they worsen. For instance, routine screenings and counseling allow people to remain aware of their health status. 

However, many patients neglect preventive measures. They might forget scheduled appointments or avoid them entirely. 

Text messaging helps providers communicate regularly about essential services. You could use automatic appointment reminders to alert patients about necessary checkups. Many smartphone users carry their devices everywhere, making it more likely they will view the preventive reminders.

4. Reduce Clinical Costs

SMS messaging lowers administrative costs. You can message multiple patients at once without extra paperwork or processing procedures. Healthcare workers can also text digital files instead of mailing physical documents. Online formats streamline document retrieval from any location, reducing the possibility of patients losing vital files. Facilities avoid the time-consuming and costly aspects of sending paper documents through the mail. 

Text messaging also reduces the need for phone calls. Workers can lower phone call expenses by sending digital messages instead. Texts provide a concrete communication trail that workers and patients can view later, while phone calls are more challenging to track.

5. Minimize No-Shows

No-show appointments can be frustrating for healthcare professionals. You lose the ability to provide care for the original patient, and the late notice makes it impossible to schedule another client instead. Patients might fail to attend appointments because they forgot or had a last-minute emergency occur.

Consistent text messaging makes it easier for clients to remember upcoming appointments. You could send alerts at critical points before the meeting, such as a few days in advance and a couple of hours before it begins. Extra reminders can make it more likely patients will attend the appointment.

Clients can also use the two-way structure to alert providers of last-minute changes. They can quickly text about running late to an appointment or needing to cancel. That way, healthcare workers remain more informed about schedule changes. You can maintain a more organized facility schedule with more accessible communication methods.

6. Give Essential Updates

Another example of the benefits of text messaging in healthcare is quick updating capabilities. You can use patient text messages to send crucial alerts about appointments or treatment plans. Providers can message about factors like:

• Other available facility services
• Links to patient satisfaction surveys
• Updates about weather-related or emergency closures
• Reminders about overdue bills

Healthcare professionals can also use texts to follow up on crucial treatment goals. You can communicate with patients to see whether they’re following protocols like weighing themselves, taking medication at certain points in the day or completing physical exercises. These gentle reminders can help patients stay on track and get the full benefits of their treatment plans.

Facilities can also send SMS messages to families about clinical patient updates with patient permission. For instance, a hospital text message might inform family members about the patient’s exit from surgery.

Choose Personalized Healthcare Solutions From Millennia

Healthcare text messaging can enhance communication between patients and providers. Whether you work in a hospital, outpatient center, ambulatory service or another healthcare facility, two-way texts can provide many advantages.  Integrate our solutions with your existing system to build digital engagement, boost revenue and create positive patient journeys.

To get started with Millennia, request a consultation today. See how you can say, “Now everything’s complete.”

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