Patients can book appointments, access data, and communicate with physicians using their mobile devices.
WESTMED Medical Group, a multi-specialty medical practice based in Purchase, NY, has rolled out two digital platforms to enhance the patient experience and improve care outcomes.
WESTMED's two platforms are:
- The Bridge Patient Portal
- The mHealth App Platform
The Bridge Patient Portal, from Dallas-based Bridge Patient Portal, LLC, enables patients to securely access their medical records, view lab results, make appointments, and pay their bills at their convenience.
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The mHealth App Platform, created by Dallas-based Medical Web Experts, allows patients to access their data on the Bridge portal from any Apple or Android device.
Both the portal and mHealth app carry the WESTMED branding.
"WESTMED's adoption of Bridge Patient Portal and the mHealth App Platform was in direct response to our patients' request to communicate from a mobile device with their care providers," WESTMED Medical Group CIO Merin Joseph said in a release.
"Engaging patients is always challenging, so we [decided] to cater to how our patients want to communicate, and to make that communication convenient. The physician provides the advice, but the patient has to put the care plan into place and seek to actively manage his or her health," Joseph stated.
The portal and mobile app will increase patients' involvement in their care as well as improve care coordination, enhance patient-physician communication, and improve patient outcomes, she said.
"In short, this tool will provide patients with a way to actively participate in their own health and wellness."
WESTMED decided to implement these platforms to bridge the disconnect between how patients manage most of their lives and how they manage their healthcare.
While most Americans use digital and electronic tools to manage their day-to-day activities, just one in five have can schedule medical appointments online. WESTMED hopes the portal and mHealth app will alleviate this pain-point for its patients, Joseph said.