The modern medical practice - 7 strategies for modernizing your practice

1. modern medical practice thanks to digitalization

Digitizing routine tasks is probably the most effective way to create a modern medical practice that benefits both your employees and your patients. The partial automation of everyday processes will save you money in the long run. In any case, you gain more time for your patients.

The possibilities of the telematics infrastructure

Whether e-prescription, electronic patient file or eAU - the German government's telematics infrastructure provides the technical basis for the secure management of sensitive health information. Even if the legal obligation to use these services was initially a feat of strength for many medical practices, in the long term everyone involved will benefit from significantly more efficient processes.

Use digital services

The right practice software forms the backbone of every medical practice. It is important that programs that manage sensitive patient information are officially certified. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians has published corresponding approval lists.

Stand out as a modern medical practice and offer digital services that go beyond your legal obligations:

• Digital document management: Make documents such as information and medical history forms available digitally. These can be signed and automatically filed using electronic signatures. This saves your practice staff valuable time.
• Digital patient registration: Digital document management also allows your patients to register digitally at the practice. Filling out an online medical history form before visiting the practice is particularly attractive for parents of young children.
• Digital invoices: Digital invoice delivery via a user-friendly billing portal ensures a modern overall experience with your medical practice. Patients can pay online without media discontinuity.
• FactoringSecure your liquidity and protect yourself from repeated bad debt losses with automated patient scoring.
• Patient portal: Ensure up-to-date communication with your patients and offer them the opportunity to easily manage their documents and invoices - without any time-consuming registration.

Digitization of practice processes

Ideally, all these functions can be mapped in just one piece of software. For example, the BISS45 practices use Nelly for this. From the medical history to the cost estimate to billing, everything is completely digital. This saves 30 to 60 minutes per day in patient admission and reduces printing costs by 80 percent.

2. put the patient at the center

Patient-centered care focuses on the patient experience. This modern approach goes beyond the mere treatment of illness and aims for comprehensive and understanding-based patient care . By actively engaging patients and paying more attention to their circumstances, a respectful relationship is created between the patient and the medical team.

Useful tips for a patient-centered everyday practice:

• Self-service: Enable your patients to become active themselves. Offer the option to book appointments online, use a digital patient portal and provide information flyers about preventive check-ups in the waiting room. This will make your patients feel more involved and aware.
• Information queue: Few things are more frustrating for patients than a constant busy signal. Instead, set up a waiting loop and update it regularly with relevant information - for example about current illnesses in circulation, useful check-ups or health tips.
• Accessibility: Make the practice rooms barrier-free to allow easy access for patients with mobility impairments. Diversify your means of communication to ensure that information is accessible to all patients, regardless of any limitations.
• Video consultation: The digital consultation opens up new ways of obtaining medical advice. Patients can obtain medical advice from the comfort of their own home, which is particularly beneficial during the cold season or for people with limited mobility. This not only creates convenience for patients, but also relieves pressure on the practice premises.

‍

3. focus on sustainability

Awareness of sustainability is also increasing in the healthcare sector. The positive influence of a sustainable practice not only extends to the environment, but also has an impact on the profitability of a modern medical practice. The reduction of energy costs, the saving of resources and possible subsidies for environmentally friendly measures can offer long-term financial benefits. In addition, the practice becomes more attractive for very environmentally conscious patients.

Sustainable practice equipment is an essential component of this. For example, use rolls of couch paper and toilet paper made from recycled paper. Rely on sterilization and reuse instead of disposable items, buy CO2-neutral workwear and use rechargeable batteries in small appliances.

But it's not just in terms of consumables that you can make your contribution to environmental protection. There is also a lot of potential for saving CO2 with regard to permanently installed devices and technologies. For example, a digital patient administration system such as Nelly drastically reduces paper consumption. You should also opt for green electricity and energy-saving lighting and heating systems.

‍

4. show presence through practice marketing

In times of overcrowded medical practices and a serious shortage of specialists, practice marketing is often aimed less at patients than at potential employees. Take advantage of the many opportunities offered by digital advertising media and position yourself as an attractive employer.

• Website: A modern and informative website is the flagship of your practice. Potential patients will find relevant information about your range of services and interested professionals will get a first impression of their potential new workplace.
• Social media: Reinforce your modern image through social media. Regular posts about health topics, updates from the practice and patient feedback promote patient loyalty. Perhaps your practice team would like to contribute ideas and posts. This can boost motivation in the team and, at best, trigger a "I want to work there too!" in applicants.
• Newspaper articles: You can strengthen your presence in the community through strategically placed articles in local media. Showcase your expertise and gain the trust of readers through articles on relevant healthcare topics, events or innovative services offered by your practice.‍

But be careful: don't make marketing and social media an additional task for your medical assistants, who are already working to capacity. It's better to hire a part-time marketing employee or work with freelance specialists from your region.

5. offer a feel-good ambience

Your practice doesn't have to be an oasis of happiness - but dark practice rooms, dusty anatomical models and worn-out furniture don't create a pleasant atmosphere for patients or medical staff. Create a calming environment with a pleasant color scheme, comfortable furniture and cleverly placed green plants. This will also give you the visual impression of a modern medical practice.

‍

6. stay on the ball with further education and training

Continuous training and education keeps both doctors and medical staff up to date with the latest treatment methods, administrative issues and technology. This not only improves the quality of patient care, but also strengthens patient confidence in your professional competence. You also offer your medical assistants attractive development opportunities.

7. take data protection seriously

As the guardian of sensitive patient data, security and confidentiality must be paramount in your practice. The use of secure IT systems, encrypted communication and training for the practice team are crucial measures to protect the integrity of patient data. A comprehensive understanding of data protection practices not only strengthens compliance with applicable law, but also safeguards the reputation of your practice and the trust of staff and patients.

Nelly, for example, attaches great importance to data protection: the tool is GDPR-compliant and TÜV-certified. All patient data is secure, encrypted and only stored on German servers.

Conclusion: A modern medical practice brings many advantages

Consciously positioning yourself as a modern medical practice brings you many advantages. Probably the most decisive advantage is the effect on your existing and future staff. Modern practice rooms, attractive training opportunities and efficient technology will make you a desirable employer.

Another important advantage is significantly leaner processes. Technology-supported automation relieves you and your practice staff of time-consuming administrative tasks. This leaves more time for consultations without time pressure.

In addition, a clear orientation as a modern medical practice also strengthens your public image. Patients appreciate modern facilities, digital amenities and efficient processes. This can be reinforced by a good online presence.

Last but not least, you benefit financially from modern structures. By automating and optimizing processes, you can make more targeted use of resources and reduce costs. This increases the profitability of your practice in the long term.

‍

Create a digital workflow in your practice now. We will advise you on your individual case without obligation and free of charge!

‍Contact Nelly now!‍

The personal designations used in this article always refer equally to all persons. For the sake of better readability, we have refrained from using double or opposite names.

‍