Providing Access to Care in 2024 and Beyond

It seems like new technology is announced or at least hyped every day as the next big thing for one industry or another. Healthcare is no different; whether it’s the ever-popular AI or the growing acceptance of remote technologies, new technology is constantly changing some aspects of how treatment is provided and documented. 

Unfortunately, there’s still a way to go in leveraging that technology to more fully bridge the access to care issue. Many patients remain unable to take advantage of the many offerings physical therapists provide and instead resort to Instagram and TikTok for rehab expertise—a scary premise when there are no controls on who can put out advice. 

Whether it's geographical distance, financial constraints, or limited resources, the hurdles hindering access to care can significantly impact patient health and well-being, and they create increased burdens on the greater healthcare system. Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in breaking down these barriers, offering a pathway to improved physical health, mental health, and general well-being. That is why physical therapists need to embrace a bit of creativity and technology to provide access to care. 

Fill the information void before someone else does.

We live in a world where we are able to get answers fast. The simple click of a button or search engine query delivers near-limitless answers to just about any question you can think of. Pair that with generative AI tools, and the answers get even more specific. But sometimes the answers the internet and AI drum up are wrong. When someone is seeking advice on medical care in lieu of a primary care provider, they are putting their own health at risk. 

As providers, we should be concerned with the role social media plays when prospective patients are looking for answers on preventive care and medical care, or the information they’ll get when researching for their own curiosity. In order to better serve your patients—and not to mention make sure they are coming to see you instead of relying on internet PTs—you must be active in engaging your community both physically and digitally. But moving beyond engagement, what about making access to care easier and more affordable?

Leverage the tools you need to increase access to care

Rehab therapists are well aware that physical therapy not only fosters better health outcomes but also promotes patient engagement, patient empowerment, and financial savings for the health care system and patients alike—if you need proof, check out some of our other blog posts. 

But do potential patients know the benefits of physical therapy as well? Physical therapy has a bit of a brand problem, both in the health care system and the population at large; too few of those who would greatly benefit from physical therapy are aware of what we do or that they can come directly to us for the care they need. To better broadcast both the benefits of physical therapy and your clinic’s host of offerings, you’re going to need a bit of help.

Engage patients the minute they click search.

When a prospective patient feels they need medical care or preventive care, they are most likely to start with an internet search—89% of Americans will Google their medical care questions before seeking care. So, to make yourself more visible than any competitors or would-be faux physical therapists, you must leverage a tool that helps you grab the attention of potential patients—whether that’s WebPT Reach to attract and retain patients or WebPT Local to enhance your online presence.

Make it easy for current and prospective patients to get in the door.

Once you have figured out how to engage patients on multiple fronts, you had better make it easy for them to come to see you. It’s 2024, and most patients (80% to be exact) prefer to use online communication tools to interact with their providers. To do that, physical therapists must provide online scheduling as an option for patients.

But digital communication doesn't stop there. Patients are also looking for online tools like digital patient intake or electronic benefits verification to make their entry into your health care services that much smoother. 

Address barriers to clinic entry with online patient scheduling.

Busy schedules, transportation, financial barriers, and geographical distance can all pose a significant challenge for individuals seeking physical therapy services, particularly those residing in rural or underserved areas. In some cases, traveling long distances to access care may not be feasible, and many patients are looking to schedule now, not wait for a return phone call. This is where online scheduling emerges as a game-changer.

By implementing online scheduling systems, physical therapy clinics can streamline the appointment booking process, allowing patients to book appointments conveniently from their devices. Whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or computer, individuals can easily access the clinic's schedule, choose an available time slot, and confirm their appointment with just a few clicks. This not only eliminates the need for in-person visits or phone calls but also provides patients with greater flexibility and control over their health care access and journey.

Strengthen referral networks for accessible care.

In addition to online scheduling, collaborative clinic directories play a pivotal role in enhancing access to physical therapy services. These directories serve as centralized platforms where individuals can discover nearby clinics, explore available services, and access relevant information to make informed decisions about their care.

Leverage Direct Secure Messaging (DSM).

One method to access directories of providers is through DSM. If your clinic is a DSM-enabled entity, you have access to DirectTrust’s national directory, which greatly increases your clinic’s visibility to referral sources who are looking to work with other professionals who are prioritizing interprofessional communication.

Be a champion of value-based care (VBC).

In an era where VBC is paramount to a clinic’s success, digital communication tools can help achieve optimal health outcomes and give patients the access to care they so desperately need. 

Better and easier communication through digital means allows patients to talk with their provider more frequently about their treatment and changes that need to be made — helping to further eventual outcomes. In fact, 76% of respondents in a study by Webex felt digital communication tools improved the patient experience, and 77% felt digital communication had a direct link to VBC.

Recognizing the need to ensure access to care is provided to all patients in need, Medicare has stated the importance of VBC by creating programs and incentivizing providers to better serve patients with increased hardships to affordable and accessible care.

Provide health care access and ensure your clinic’s success.

By embracing technology and fostering collaboration, physical therapists can ensure that no one is left behind on the journey to better health outcomes and well-being. WebPT has always strived to make clinicians’ lives easier so that they can spend more time doing what they love and less time struggling to deliver their health care services. So why not partner with a Practice Experience Management platform designed to help physical therapists give their patients better access to care and best-in-class health outcomes today?