Traditionally, healthcare providers see their patients in person, delivering care in offices, urgent care facilities, or hospitals. While in-person healthcare is still common and needed, telemedicine has created changes to patient care. Technological innovations have played a huge part in redefining the world of healthcare, making it possible to set up a virtual medical office.

Through virtual or remote care, health professionals can easily diagnose many illnesses, monitor treatment, and otherwise engage with patients. Telemedicine also helps health professionals limit excessive usage of time and money. And in difficult times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care provides patients with essential resources and tools without the risk of exposure to others who may be ill.

When implementing a virtual healthcare setting, health professionals need to make sure that they provide care as well as they do in person. Simple elements, like reducing background noise, having good lighting, and a well-organized office, matter in a virtual medical office. You can take full advantage of today’s technology to achieve the key elements of a virtual medical office and assist all of your patients while increasing your productivity.

How to set up a virtual medical office.

It’s relatively simple to offer telemedicine from your practice’s office since the setup only requires a few pieces of equipment. 

Use Appropriate Telehealth Equipment

Choosing your telehealth equipment is the first step in setting up your virtual medical office. There’s a chance that you already own everything you need:

A Strong Internet Connection

A strong and reliable internet connection is a must for telehealth. You need a connection that provides high-quality resolution when doing a video call with patients.

A Computer, Camera, and Microphone 

The three main pieces of equipment you need are a computer, microphone, and camera. Most laptops already have built-in cameras and microphones, but if your device doesn’t have a well-working microphone, you can plug earphones in and use the built-in microphone so your patients hear you clearly. If you’re using a desktop PC, you may need to purchase a camera and speakers (there are options with a built-in microphone, too).

Telemedicine Software

Through a telemedicine software platform — HIPAA-compliant software is necessary — health professionals connect with their patients virtually. By using this software, you can do live video conferences, share videos and images on your screen if needed. It’s possible to integrate telemedicine into your practice management system; it’s also compatible with electronic health records. This also includes:

• 2-way text messaging
• Survey and rating requests
• Electronic patient forms
• Online appointment booking

To make sure you choose a great telemedicine software to work with your patients seamlessly, contact Curogram.

Don't forget your environment. Lighting, noise levels, and other environmental factors can affect your patients' experiences.

Adjust Your Lighting

It seems like a small detail, but adjusting your lighting can impact your patient’s attention. Too much brightness distracts and irritates your patient’s eyes, while if the lighting is too dim or dark, patients can’t see you well. A well-lit virtual medical office helps you connect better with your patients.

Keep It Quiet

Patients expect a private setting similar to in an in-person consultation. They mustn’t hear any unnecessary noise, like office chatter or even a phone ringing. Any distractions could make it difficult to clearly understand their health information. Reduce background noise at all costs. 

What are the benefits of a virtual medical office?

One of the good things about having a virtual medical office is that it can reduce very stressful workloads that cause staff exhaustion, ultimately failing to meet some patients' expectations. Virtual care brings convenience because patients can access it anywhere, especially patients from rural areas, where they don’t have to spend time preparing and commuting. You can prevent the spread of viruses by avoiding the gathering of patients in waiting rooms. The significant benefits of implementing a virtual medicine office to your practice are:

Patient Queuing

Patient queuing can be shorter with the help of a telehealth system. Your virtual medical office can run efficiently, so your patients get the care they need whenever they need it.

Easy Access to Patients

By having a virtual medical office, you will not have a problem with patients reaching you. Even if they’re living far away or in rural areas, or even if on vacation, they can reach out to you quickly.

Reduce Illness Exposure

Unlike in-person consultations, you cannot catch an illness through telehealth. It also helps you keep your other patients safe since they are not in waiting rooms with sick people, potentially exposed to their illness. 

Using telemedicine while continuing to offer in-person visits may improve patient satisfaction and communication — the convenience of telemedicine is a big draw for patients.  Embracing a virtual medical office allows you to have access to a wide range of benefits which increases your productivity.