More than ever, a focus on engaging the patients is utmost important. Given the link between reimbursement and successful patient engagement, providers must encourage patients to use portals and interact with their health information. However, as we have discussed previously, the have been several obstacles in successfully utilizing these methods. A focus is now on more simple technology options that patients can access without the startup and maintenance effort required of previously trialed portals. StreaMD is dedicated to researching and providing these opportunities and services.

As clinicians consider implementing mobile apps into their clinical practice, they must be aware of these inherent shortcomings. Developers of patient engagement platforms should focus on patient and provider usability first, and then consider what data is required from the patient to ensure a successful clinical outcome.

If we were to ask you what medication or treatment has recently been referred to as:

• “The blockbuster drug of the century”

• “The holy grail of healthcare” 

• “The evolution of this will be what shape the future of healthcare”

• “No other intervention will have as much of an impact on improving quality of care and reducing healthcare costs”