INTRODUCTION

New technologies are routinely blamed for taking the joy out of medicine. Physicians often feel overwhelmed by the demands and impersonality of electronics.¹ However, when embraced and used skillfully, these digital tools can have a positive effect on the patient experience, bolster revenue, and make the practice of medicine far more satisfying and rewarding. These capabilities are crucial, in fact, to keeping and building long-term relationships with patients.

Between 2012 and 2016, office visits to U.S. primary care physicians declined 18 percent for adults under 65 years old with employer-sponsored health insurance. From 2007 to 2016, visits to urgent care clinics surged 1,725 percent .² For primary care physicians to stay competitive, they must rethink how they deliver care and take into account the needs and desires of patients as consumers of healthcare. For primary care physicians to stay competitive, they must rethink how they deliver care and take into account the needs and desires of patients as consumers of healthcare.

In this whitepaper, you will learn how to use communications technologies, data analysis, and modernized ideals of customer service to build and maintain relationships with patients even when they’re outside your office. A deeper understanding of today’s patients and a willingness to embrace cutting-edge technologies and data analysis will allow you to reinvigorate your practice, solidify patient relationships, and attract new patients to your practice.