Patient texting isn’t just for patients and their loved ones: it’s efficient and beneficial for healthcare providers such as accountable care organizations (ACO) that are looking to enhance the patient journey.

By leveraging patient texting at ACO’s, providers can reduce readmissions, increase adherence, and boost retention—not to mention overall provide a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Reducing readmissions 

Readmissions are a large cost for healthcare providers, and definitely aren’t fun for patients either. No matter the case, it’s never preferred to have to repeat a process that could have been avoided or taken care of with preventative care.

Let’s say a patient is admitted to a hospital for a serious health issue, such as a stroke. They would receive treatment, then get discharged with medications and instructions for aftercare. But a game of phone tag more than likely will ensue, making it tricky to know if patients are adhering to instructions and/or medications from their physician.

With patient texting, the likelihood of patients following instructions and physicians being updated on their progress exponentially increases. This channel of communication also gives care managers a way to potentially intercept a patient not adhering, and give them new instructions, medications, or preventative care before they end up back in the emergency room.

Increase adherence

With a more approachable and low-stakes communication channel like texting, patients are more likely to follow directions from their care team. No one wants to admit they haven’t gotten their flu shot yet over the phone, or forgot their medication again, but with friendly reminders over text, it’s easier for patients to remember and to comply.

This applies to anything from ongoing medication and prescriptions, to regular health checks and physicals, to cancer screenings—anything that a care manager might need to follow up with a patient about can be done over digital messaging, saving everyone time on voicemails and phone calls.

Increase retention

With increased check-ins, follow-ups, and overall consistent care management comes a satisfied patient. 

Patients are more likely to stay in a network if they feel prioritized and taken care of. Communicating regularly with patients via digital messaging isn’t a heavy lift for healthcare providers, but it can go a long way to make patients feel special. 

This can increase retention and lower costs for healthcare providers, as less time is spent on getting a patient base and more time is spent caring for them.

Learn more about why patient texting is a perfect fit for ACOs around the world or schedule a conversation with our healthcare team today.