Author: alien

Future-Forward Health: Discover the Benefits of Virtual Physical Therapy

Posted on March 11, 2024 by alien - Physical Therapy

As healthcare continues to embrace the benefits of technology, patients have the option of connecting virtually with their providers for everything from telemedicine visits to questions about their symptoms or medication. One area that steadfastly remained an in-person experience, however, was physical therapy. Today, that is changing. Technological advancements have recently allowed virtual physical therapy to emerge as an innovative way to bring rehabilitation to patients anywhere they happen to be.

Evolving Trends in Telehealth and Rehabilitation

Telehealth was an option before 2020, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption. The ability to remotely access medical services, particularly when in-person visits were restricted or hard to get, was a valuable resource for patients who may otherwise have had to deal with health problems on their own.

Within the realm of telemedicine, virtual physical therapy stands out. This specialized form of telehealth focuses on delivering PT sessions via video conferencing, using mobile apps, and in other virtual ways. While physical therapy has traditionally been a very hands-on experience, remote PT sessions offer patients more flexibility in scheduling and greater convenience, without compromising on the quality of the treatment they receive.

When it comes to trends in the field of telehealth and rehabilitation, here are some of the evolving features that patients can expect:

Access through all types of mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets
Integration of wearable devices
Implementation of AI in specific areas of the appointment
Introduction of new exercises

Accessible and Convenient Rehabilitation Services

Virtual physical therapy offers one huge advantage over traditional, in-person appointments: Accessibility. Patients living in rural areas, or patients who struggle to find transportation to their appointments, no longer have to travel long distances or miss hours of work in order to get the PT they need. Instead, they can connect with their physical therapist from home, on a schedule that works for them. As a result, virtual PT makes it easier for more patients to access care, improving patient compliance and outcomes.

Utilizing Technology for Personalized Physical Therapy Plans

Effective physical therapy is tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Virtual physical therapy can contribute to personalization and customized treatment plans by allowing the PT to use technology to assess the patient’s specific needs. For example, wearable devices, digital monitoring tools, and other remote assessments provide detailed information about a patient’s physical condition, activity goals, and current abilities.

The physical therapist can then use this information to create targeted interventions that leverage both technology and the therapist’s knowledge of the patient to address their needs and goals. As a result, virtual physical therapy can optimize outcomes for patients, helping them to achieve the physical health and strength required to pursue the life they love and desire.

Overcoming Barriers to Traditional Rehabilitation

Traditional physical therapy can be challenging for some patients to access, due to the existence of certain barriers. For example, in traditional physical therapy, patients must get transportation to a specific geographic location. They must adhere to a specific schedule. And they must take a specific amount of time out of their day, and away from their other obligations. For patients who cannot drive, have limited access to public transportation, live far away from the PT office, have inflexible or busy schedules, etc., traditional physical therapy may be difficult to access. And that can mean that some patients are not getting the care they need in order to heal.

Virtual physical therapy helps patients and providers overcome these barriers by offering a flexible, convenient schedule separate from a specific geographic location and the need for transportation. Patients can simply access PT from their homes, on their schedules, encouraging them to receive continuous care without disruptions.

Integration of Virtual PT and Wearable Devices

One of the biggest hurdles to virtual physical therapy is making sure that the patient completes their exercises and treatment plan in the correct way. However, when integrated with wearable devices, the therapist can virtually monitor the patient’s movements and progress. These wearable devices, such as motion sensors and activity trackers, can enable the therapist to guide the patient into the correct completion of their treatment and help them to make data-driven decisions about how the care plan is benefiting (or not benefiting) their patient.

Remote Monitoring and Progress Tracking

Similarly, remote monitoring has a crucial role to play in virtual PT. This approach enables therapists to see how patients progress with their treatment plan and allows the therapist to offer specific, timely, and effective feedback for any problems they observe. Digital platforms, communication tools, and more allow therapists to see how patients adhere to their exercise routines, see how their movement responds to treatment over time, and intervene promptly if there is a problem that needs to be addressed. As a result, remote monitoring and progress tracking enable therapists to offer a hands-on experience even though they are communicating with their patients at a distance.

Enhanced Patient Engagement and Adherence

The goal of any healthcare technology is to enhance the patient’s ability to engage with their care and adhere to their treatment plan because that is how healing happens and potential problems are avoided. Virtual physical therapy helps by empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery through the removal of obstacles such as transportation and rigid schedules. When patients can access PT from home, on their schedule, they are more likely to schedule and attend their PT sessions, follow through with exercises, and stay committed to their recovery goals.

Time and Cost-Efficiency in Virtual Physical Therapy

Patients and providers both want the same thing: Effective treatments that are both time and cost-effective. Beyond improving patient outcomes, virtual physical therapy makes it easy for patients to spend less time on their rehabilitation, and less money, without compromising on the results of their treatment. Simply by eliminating drive time to and from the office, patients experience more freedom in their schedules, while platforms like SmartCar360 offer treatment for just the cost of their copay.

Shaping a Future Where Healthcare Meets Innovation

SmartCare360 is the next step in the merging of healthcare and innovation. This revolutionary platform puts care at your fingertips – Remotely and completely. Access customized, disease-specific care, educational information, a full team of specialists, and the ability to schedule appointments, enjoy telemedicine, view lab reports, and send and receive messages through your patient portal. It is time to take healthcare into the future with a platform designed to offer customized, attentive, and convenient healthcare specifically for you.

Personalized Care in the Digital Age

Posted on February 29, 2024 by alien - Uncategorized

Man having video chat with doctor on laptop at home

In today’s healthcare landscape, the patient is, rightfully, taking center stage as the benefits of personalized care become apparent. No more one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Instead, technological advancements and patient demands are transforming healthcare into a tailored approach that puts the needs of the individual patient first.

The Necessity of Personalized Healthcare

Treating each patient as an individual, instead of as a set of symptoms, has enormous benefits for both the patient and the provider. Tailored treatment plans, attentive providers, and flexible technology like the one offered by SmartCare360 can help patients enjoy

Tailored education on their specific illnesses
Preventive care that heads off major problems
Lower costs thanks to more targeted treatments
Relevant and accessible information about patients’ health
And more!

As a result, physicians who leverage technology and attentiveness to treat their patients as individuals provide more effective healthcare, create more meaningful connections with patients, deliver a higher quality of life, and do it all for lower costs.

The Evolution of Personalized Healthcare in the Digital Age

The onset of the digital age, and the technological revolutions that come with it, are making more personal healthcare possible. In particular, this technology has made more information available to both providers and patients.

Today, patients and providers have a wealth of information at their fingertips, thanks to the advances in technology. Here are just some of the ways that the digital age is making health data so easily accessible:

Wearable devices that provide real-time insight into a patient’s health and lifestyle
Remote patient monitoring that provides critical alerts when a problem arises
Electronic health records that put a patient’s complete history at the provider’s fingertips
Telemedicine that allows patients and providers to connect when in-person is not available
Messaging systems that allow patients and doctors to communicate whenever and wherever works for them
Mobile health apps that let patients monitor their health anywhere they are

This information influx makes it possible for patients to take charge of their health, and it allows providers to get detailed insights into a patient’s health and specific care needs. Together, the patient and the provider can now work as a team to develop a treatment plan that works for that unique patient.

How Personalized Healthcare Puts Patients At The Center

Providers used to treat patients according to their symptoms and set ways of addressing those symptoms. However, today, healthcare has shifted to a patient-centric approach that looks at each one as a unique person with distinct challenges, needs, and preferences.

As a result, patients are now at the center of healthcare. Personalized healthcare creates a more collaborative process that allows the patient and the provider to work as a team to discover an approach that works, tweak approaches to make them more effective, and manage chronic conditions more closely.

The Role Of Telehealth In Personalized Healthcare

Telehealth has emerged as an important element in providing care focused on the needs of individual patients. This approach is particularly valuable in remote or underserved areas, where people may have a more difficult time getting in touch with a doctor.

In addition, telehealth makes provider access easier and more convenient, increasing the likelihood that patients will attend routine appointments, reach out if they are experiencing an issue, or obtain healthcare for themselves even if they do not drive.

The Goal: Tailoring Treatment Plans According to Individual Needs

At the heart of personalized healthcare is the desire to tailor treatment plans to meet individual needs. Achieving this goal requires providers to consider a multitude of factors, including

Lifestyle
Genetics
Personal Goals
Symptoms
And more

Any attempt at personalized care, and all of the technology provided by the digital age, make it possible for providers to take these factors into account, and to act on them. The more tailored the treatment, the less costly and the more effective it will be.

The Role of Personalized Care In Promoting Preventive Measures and Remote Monitoring

The digital age is also bringing personalized healthcare to the areas of prevention and remote monitoring. Wearable devices, like FitBits and Apple Watches, can track vital signs. Mobile apps can offer personalized recommendations for improving health or managing chronic illnesses. Remote communications encourage discussions between patients and providers. Together, these tools allow providers and patients to gather important data and insights that can improve their treatment and their overall health.

Enhancing Communication Through Digital Platforms

Technology also supports personalized care by facilitating connections between patients and providers. For example, a provider who can see a patient’s entire medical history and recent hospital stay may provide more informed follow-up, while the ability of patients to message or remotely meet with providers makes it easier to have appointments or address concerns.

Ensuring Privacy and Security of Personal Health Information

One concern that often arises from technology in healthcare is the role of privacy and security. How can accessible information also be private? Healthcare organizations are creating ever-more effective ways to lock down patients’ data to only those who should have access. In some ways, digital information can be more secure than paper records that can be accessed without leaving a footprint or sometimes stolen. By implementing robust security measures, encryption technologies, and more, healthcare providers can create both access and confidence with their patients.

Encouraging Active Patient Involvement

Personalized healthcare is now also possible because technology makes it possible for patients to take an active role in their health journey. Educational resources, convenience appointments, and accessible costs all work together to encourage patients to improve their health.

In this landscape of personalized healthcare, SmartCare360 is playing a revolutionary role. This intuitive platform puts everything patients and providers need in one convenient location – From managing appointments to enjoying telehealth, and messaging providers to delivering disease-specific resources. Let us know how we can help you embrace personalized healthcare by leveraging all the possibilities of this digital age.

Getting Yourself Ready for a Pain Consultation

Posted on February 12, 2024 by alien - Uncategorized

Male doctor discussing reports with senior patient

Chronic pain affects millions of individuals worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life and daily functioning. But despite the prevalence of chronic pain, it is often undertreated, leading to needless suffering. In order to get personalized care that actually helps alleviate your pain, you should book a pain consultation with a specialist. This specialist will take the time to fully understand your pain and help you implement the type of pain management proven to improve quality of life in people with chronic pain. However, before heading for a pain consultation, there are steps you can take to make your time fruitful and help you better coordinate with your physician to achieve optimal results.

Understanding Your Pain: Identifying Triggers and Alleviating Factors

The journey to treating chronic pain begins with a better understanding of what’s causing the pain. So, prior to your pain consultation, it is best if you are aware of specific triggers that aggravate your pain, as well as factors that alleviate it. Here are some tips that will help you understand your pain before your consultation.

Keep a pain journal

One of the most common practices in pain management is for patients to actively maintain a pain journal, where they record key information, such as the date and time when pain gets worse, the daily intensity of their pain, and possible factors that might have triggered the pain. Anything that you feel could be important or relevant should be noted down in the journal. The more information you can give your pain specialist, the better able they will be to understand and address your condition.

Notice patterns

Whether you realize it or not, your pain may have certain patterns that can guide your pain specialist toward an effective management strategy. For example, you may notice that your back or shoulder hurts every time you don’t get a full night’s sleep.

Of course, such patterns may not always be obvious, such as certain weather conditions or emotional states triggering the pain. Therefore, being observant of your body’s responses and reactions in various situations can provide valuable insights into potential triggers. Make sure to mark any patterns down in your pain journal.

Be observant of daily activities

People with chronic pain can benefit from paying attention to their daily activities and how those activities affect their pain. Sometimes, seemingly innocuous actions or habits can exacerbate pain or provide relief. Pay attention to how your pain fluctuates throughout the day and in response to different activities.

For instance, you may notice increased discomfort after prolonged sitting or standing or, conversely, a reduction in pain after gentle stretching or moderate exercise. Additionally, consider factors like posture, ergonomics, and repetitive motions in your work or household tasks that could contribute to your pain experience. Note these observations down in your pain journal as well.

Consider your lifestyle and external factors

When managing chronic pain, it is crucial to recognize the influence of lifestyle choices and external factors on your pain experience. Factors such as diet, sleep quality, stress levels, and environmental conditions can significantly impact pain perception and management.

By considering such factors, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your pain triggers and can work collaboratively with your healthcare provider to develop a holistic pain management plan tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

Quick Guide to Maintaining Your Pain Journal

For those new to the concept of a pain journal, here’s a quick, step-by-step guide to efficiently maintaining detailed records.

1. Choose a format

Decide whether you prefer a physical journal, a digital app, or a spreadsheet to record your pain data. Choose the format that feels most convenient and accessible for you.

2. Record consistently

Make a habit of recording your pain experiences regularly. Set aside time each day or as needed to update your journal with details such as pain intensity, location, duration, and any potential triggers.

3. Be specific with pain intensity

Provide detailed descriptions of your pain, including its quality (sharp, dull, throbbing), any associated symptoms, the severity of the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, and the activities or circumstances surrounding its onset or exacerbation.

4. Track changes over time

Review your journal regularly to identify patterns or trends in your pain experience. Look for correlations between certain activities, behaviors, or environmental factors and changes in pain intensity or frequency.

5. Ask yourself relevant questions

During your journal entries, prompt yourself with relevant questions to delve deeper into understanding your pain. For example, consider questions about your emotional state, recent activities, or environmental factors that may have influenced your pain.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize your pain journal as a valuable tool in improving the efficiency and outcome of your pain consultation.

Things To Know and Do Before a Pain Consultation

Before attending a pain consultation, it is essential to prepare thoroughly to make the most out of your appointment. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Have your full medical history ready

Gather all relevant medical records, including your complete medical history, past treatments, surgeries, and medications. Having this information readily available ensures that your healthcare provider has a comprehensive understanding of your health background.

2. Gather additional documents like reports and test results

If you have undergone any diagnostic tests or procedures related to your pain condition, bring along copies of the reports and test results. These documents provide valuable insights into your current health status and help guide further evaluation and treatment planning.

3. Set realistic goals

Establish clear and achievable goals for your pain management journey. Whether it is reducing pain intensity, improving functional abilities, or enhancing your overall quality of life, setting realistic goals helps you and your healthcare provider align on the desired outcomes and develop an effective treatment plan.

4. Be open to communicating honestly

During the consultation, openly discuss your pain experience, including its impact on your daily activities, emotions, and relationships. Be honest about your treatment preferences, concerns, and any lifestyle factors that may affect your pain.

Effective communication is key to helping the physician or pain specialist get a clear understanding of your condition and ordeal. The opposite also holds true – withholding important information or miscommunicating your symptoms can lead to a poor diagnosis, further delaying the proper course of treatment.

Schedule a consultation with a pain specialist today!

If you are suffering from chronic pain, a pain consultation is the right course of action. But even before you book a consultation, you must first have a sound understanding of your condition, which you can then convey to your doctor. This helps them with their diagnosis and helps them to formulate the right treatment, medication, and other alleviating factors.

To make it easier to connect with a specialist, SmartCare360 offers telemedicine, including the option to book virtual appointments with pain specialists. Plus, we help offer disease-specific care, a patient portal, access to your entire healthcare team, and more to make your journey with chronic pain, and other conditions, just a little bit easier. Contact us today!

What Is Telehealth And How Can It Benefit You

Posted on June 12, 2023 by alien - Telehealth

healthcare, technology and people concept - sick indian man in blanket with thermometer having video call or online consultation with smiling doctor on laptop computer at home

The power of digital, and the accessibility of the Internet, can now be leveraged to improve your health and wellbeing from the comfort of your home. Thanks to a revolutionary new technology called telehealth, an entire healthcare team and a wide variety of digital communication tools are now available anywhere you have an Internet connection. What exactly is telehealth? And why can it make your healthcare easier than ever to navigate? We have put together this guide to help you understand.

What is telehealth?

The idea of receiving healthcare from across a screen may seem strange, or even impossible, but the reality is that telehealth does exactly that. Also known as telemedicine, it is the practice of using technology to deliver healthcare remotely, from a distance.

The type of healthcare you can receive through telehealth is wide-ranging and includes the following:

Consultations
Diagnoses
Treatment plans
Monitoring
Test Results
Messaging
Appointment Scheduling and Confirmations
Appointment Check-Ins
Bill Pay
And more

For example, you may be able to have an appointment using video chat on your computer without going to the doctor’s office, exchange messages about symptoms with your provider through a messaging portal similar to email, or meet with a specialist without driving hours to the hospital where they work.

What are the different types of telehealth systems?

When thinking about telehealth, there are several types of systems that can provide patient care. Here is a look at some of the most popular:

Synchronous Telehealth

Synchronous telehealth makes real-time communication possible. This is the type of telehealth you would receive through face-to-face consultations with your healthcare provider over a device such as a computer.

Asynchronous Telehealth

Asynchronous telehealth provides a way for patients and providers to communicate outside real-time connections. For example, you may be able to exchange messages with your provider, submit or review lab results, and check medical histories at your convenience.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring uses devices to keep track of a patient’s health and send relevant data to the healthcare provider. Examples of vitals that may be monitored by a provider from a distance include heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, and more.

Mobile Health

Mobile health, also known as mHealth, gives patients access to information about their well being via mobile devices and apps. For example, you may be able to track medication, receive appointment reminders, or receive educational content all on your mobile phone.

What are the health benefits of telehealth?

Telehealth is not a second-best alternative to in-person healthcare visits. It can actually support your health in ways impossible when you are restricted to physical office visits. Here are some of the most important ways telehealth supports your wellbeing:

Proactive Preventive Care

Often, you go to the doctor once you begin having a healthcare issue. Whether a chronic disease is flaring up or you notice new symptoms that need evaluation, physical office visits are often a reaction to something already going wrong in your body.

Telehealth makes another option easy to access: Proactive care that prevents issues before they arise. For example, in MRG Health’s SmartCare360 technology, you can receive FUN educational content customized to your chronic conditions that improve your ability to manage those conditions.

You may also benefit from remote patient monitoring that catches problems before they catch up to you, and connect with your care team at any time of the day or night. These tools make it simple to keep up with your health outside the office.

Improved Access to HealthCare

When you do need to connect with a healthcare provider, telehealth puts them at your fingertips, even if you live in a remote area or have a tight schedule. For example, with SmartCare360, we make it possible to access an entire healthcare team anytime and anywhere you need them. Get access to any of the following:

Specialists
Primary Care Provider
Personal Coach
Healthcare Results
Appointment Management
And more

Need an appointment with your specialist located in the big city an hour away? Connect with them over video chat from your living room. On vacation and you begin to experience symptoms? Schedule a virtual appointment from across the country. Wondering how your latest set of labs were? Check your results online and message your provider on your lunch break. No more transportation concerns. No more long-distance travel. No more traveling expenses. Just healthcare when you need it.

Chronic Disease Management

If you live with one or more chronic diseases, you know that they can flare up or progress rapidly. You need to stay on top of your health to keep your condition(s) under control. Telehealth can help. Through programs such as SmartCare360, you can receive the following advantages that help you manage your chronic illness intelligently:

On-demand content – Including nutritional information, educational tips and exercise routines for your condition
Health risk assessments – Simple check ins that assess your risk factors, prevent chronic attacks and help you stay proactive about issues.
Exercise and nutritional programs – Tailored to your specific condition(s) and delivered virtually, they help you get on track and stay on track with the daily habits that can keep your illness under control.

Personalized Care

Your health isn’t like anyone else’s. The healthcare you receive shouldn’t be either. That is why telehealth, when delivered by experts such as SmartCare360, can support your physical health by offering customized features. Here are the ways in which you may be able to receive care tailored to your needs:

Customized exercise and nutritional programs
On-demand educational content for your specific situation
Access to a healthcare team specialized to YOUR needs
Development of care plans with your health in mind
Personalized alerts
Access to a dedicated health navigator

What are the cost benefits of telehealth?

Telehealth isn’t just good for your health. It is good for your wallet too. Personalized and superior healthcare is also affordable healthcare when it takes place through digital communication. Here are the biggest ways in which telehealth can offer you cost advantages:

Lower transportation costs – If you are accustomed to paying for gas, taxis, trains, buses, Ubers, food out, parking, or more just to get to and from your appointments, you will save money with virtual appointments.
Less missed work – Instead of taking time off work to make your appointments, you can virtually communicate with your providers, schedule virtual appointments and cut out transportation time for greater convenience.
Lower healthcare costs – At SmartCare360, you only pay your co-pays, and we can even help you with that if you need it!

Telehealth has the power to improve your health, conveniently and affordably. Far from being a second-best option, telehealth can actually support your wellbeing around the clock and make quality support easier to get ahold of. If you want to learn more about how to combine the best of traditional medicine with the benefits of virtual, contact SmartCare360 today!