The Executive Suite: 6 Patient engagement trends for 2023

The new era of healthcare is continuously changing from growing telehealth services and rising healthcare costs to patient experience as top of mind for consumers. Here are 6 health tech trends we expect to see going forward:

1. The rise of healthcare consumerism

As technology continues to rapidly evolve, a corresponding transformation in the healthcare industry is occurring. One of the most significant changes is the shift from traditional healthcare to healthcare consumerism.

Patients now have more information available to them than ever before, and they are using this information to make more informed healthcare decisions. Patients are no longer passively accepting the care that is provided to them. Instead, they are actively choosing the care that they receive, and are more selective about the providers that they use. As a result, healthcare providers must now focus on providing a better patient experience to attract and retain patients.

2. Healthcare’s digital transformation will continue

Consumers are increasingly demanding more convenience, choice, and control when it comes to their healthcare. In response, healthcare organizations are turning to digital health solutions to meet these needs.

According to a recent analysis by Zappia, 67% of consumers prefer to book appointments online, and over 70% research potential healthcare providers online.

With patients increasingly comfortable with digital communications, many will want to interact with their practice in a similar way. This will manifest in increasing digital portals that connect with EHR systems to allow patients to perform tasks like appointment setting or pre-registration paperwork in a way that is more convenient for both the patient and clinic staff.

3. Telehealth visits will continue to grow as insurers cover more services

The COVID pandemic led to a dramatic rise in the use of telehealth services, and that trend is expected to continue into 2023. This expected increase is due to 3 main factors:

Patient Acceptance

A survey conducted by Accenture showed that 62% of patients prefer virtual visits.

Advances in Technology

Many EHR systems now integrate with telehealth platforms with user-friendly features for both patient and provider.

Insurance Coverage

According to United Health Care, telehealth options are more economical, saving $130 per urgent care visit.

This has led to many HMO and PPO plans giving patients the option of a virtual appointment for an increasing number of visit types.

4. Online reviews will be vital to business

Online reviews can make or break a medical practice. In fact, 94% of patients research their providers before booking an appointment, and 84% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

Today’s consumer is researching multiple healthcare providers before they book an appointment. Having technology-enabled solutions to maximize your positive reviews is one of the best investments a practice can make.

5. Multiple-location practices need web platforms to scale

The recent shift toward larger group practices highlights the need to have technology solutions that are scalable.

With digital healthcare on the rise, ensuring web platforms are fully integrated with your EHR system, are mobile-friendly, and easy to use for the patient will produce the most efficiency and maximize patient retention.

6. Healthcare costs are on the rise

The healthcare is not immune to the forces of inflation. According to the National Business Group, healthcare costs are expected to rise by 6 – 6.5% in 2023.

Given the trends, medical practices will need to focus on efficiency in 2023. This not only includes looking at expenses, but other metrics that have a high impact on profitability, like patient no-show rates.

While it’s true the office visit isn’t going anywhere quite yet – patients still very much value their one-on-one relationships with their physicians and are becoming more involved in their health care. Healthcare practitioners need to adapt to the new methodologies or face losing business to their more agile competitors.