Medical practices that are not averse to the idea of using patient-friendly healthcare IT tools can help improve levels of patient satisfaction, while making the practice operationally more efficient. In a highly competitive market, it is important for any independently practising doctor or dentist to embrace new technologies and use medical IT tools innovatively to empower patients and serve them better.

A number of medical practices have switched over to digital medical record maintenance systems, which can be accessed online by the patient from anywhere at any time. Some innovative practices have also introduced e-prescribing to enhance convenience and efficiency for the patients. Some of the doctor websites now have a provision for patients to log in directly and update their contact details, medical history, and even submit requisitions for prescription refills.

Online patient appointment scheduling and knowledge-based health IT systems to support patient self-care, disease management and diagnostics are likely to bring a major change in how doctors and dentists deliver medical services. Some of the systems and medical online applications may require an initial investment, but in the long run, it may make a crucial difference to make the practice more cost-effective and patient-friendly.

Advanced web portals that facilitate online communication between a patient and a doctor over secure servers are going to be an important part of medical IT systems in the near future. Such interactive portals can enable patients and doctors to schedule, remind or cancel appointments, share laboratory test results, review medical history, prescriptions and other information, and pay the medical fee online.

Tech-friendly medical professionals can differentiate their practices by introducing in-office patient information systems such as tablet computers and electronic kiosks. Multi-lingual health education materials can be provided through in-office kiosks. State of the art health IT apps can help patients update their medical insurance details, consent documents and previous medical records prior to their scheduled visit to the doctor. This can cut down wastage, enhance operational efficiencies, and at the same time present a strong, pro-technology image of the medical practice.