
Technology has been playing a pivotal role in our daily life. One of these roles involves primary care such as geriatric medicine. Furthermore, technology has simplified the maintenance and archiving of medical records, including past appointments.
In this article, we’ll explore how technology transformed primary care for Seniors on Medicare.
How Does Technology Play a Vital Role in Senior Healthcare?
The addition of technology to primary care has made it easier for both doctors and patients. On the side of the doctors, technology has made it easier for them to provide clinical support. In addition, it has facilitated easier assessments of care quality.
Whereas in the case of the patients, they can search for medical resources fast if necessary. They can also use technology to look for nearby providers; for example – they can use the term geriatrician near me to locate a nearby healthcare provider.
How did Technology Transformed and Changed Healthcare for Seniors with Medicare?
Technology has been very pivotal in improving healthcare services for senior citizens with Medicare plans. It has enhanced the overall healthcare experience for them and made health services more accessible.
With that said, let’s cover some of how technology has changed and transformed primary care for seniors. Here they are as listed:
1. Telehealth and Telemedicine
Senior citizens with Medicare plans gain access to Telehealth or Telemedicine consultations. It comes in the form of video calls or virtual consultations wherein the doctor checks on the aging patient remotely. Telehealth has been a huge blessing for seniors who either live in far areas or have mobility handicaps.
As a result, seniors can receive healthcare services without having to leave home, therefore saving money since they are not commuting.
2. Offers Remote Patient Monitoring
Technology has made it possible for doctors to track the vital signs of their patients, especially seniors. Through the use of remote monitoring tools, Medicare doctors can check their patient’s activity. Activity data such as heart rates, blood pressure, and glucose levels get forwarded to the doctor.
Doctors will then analyze the obtained information to see if their elderly patient is faring well in their daily life. If the doctor picks up a condition through analysis, they’ll provide immediate intervention.
- In a similar vein, wearable health and wellness monitoring devices offer the same benefits for senior patients. Devices such as pedometers and fitness trackers can be linked up with a healthcare provider’s computer to obtain the patient’s health metrics.
Doctors can then analyze the patient’s activities from the devices such as exercises and sleep patterns to detect any anomalies. Just like how doctors work with remote patient monitoring tools; if they see conditions present in the patient, they will apply the right intervention to remedy it early.
3. Mobile Health Applications
Technology has also made it easier for Seniors in Medicare plans to keep tabs on managing their medication. Seniors will use a mobile health app that acts as an assistant in reminding them to take medications. Aside from taking medicine, it also provides reminders to the aged patient to conduct exercise routines.
As a result, the app aids the patient in promoting a healthier lifestyle; allowing them to enjoy everyday living.
- Aside from Mobile Health Applications, some facilities also employ the use of Medical Management Tools. These tools function like mobile health apps in which seniors can organize their medications. They can also set reminders for important exercise routines too. The key difference is that it also provides seniors the resources for studying drug interactions and side effects.
4. Easy to Access Electronic Health Records
Electronic Health Records or EHRs are readily accessible records of a patient’s medical records. These can be accessed by healthcare providers regardless of location. How this technology helps senior citizens on Medicare, is that their health information is easy to access. As a result, healthcare providers can provide seamless and fitting care for their patients.
There’s no more need for patients to head over to the nearest hospital to access their medical data. Whereas on the side of doctors, there’s no need to browse cabinets for the patient’s records.
- On a side note, easy-to-access electronic health records can give way to care coordination for seniors. These records will be then shared with various healthcare specialists that will assess the senior patient’s data. Your senior’s healthcare provider will then forward personalized health and self-care plans to ensure their full recovery.
5. Health Information Portals for Senior Patients
Healthcare providers also offer health information portals that patients can access. The portal provides seniors with an alternate option to access their medical records. The portal is also home to an archive of their past appointments and upcoming visits to their doctor.
This benefits senior patients with a Medicare plan since the portal allows them to regularly check vital information on their healthcare plans. In addition, the portal acts as a secondary reminder system – by seeing future appointments, they can prepare in advance for them.
6. Using AI to Diagnose Patients with Medical Conditions
Nowadays, healthcare providers are starting to use AI in helping out in diagnosing a senior citizen’s health condition. AI used in this context studies medical imagery, such as X-rays and CT scans, to detect developing medical conditions.
Doctors can then use this information to apply the right medication for the aging patient. Through AI-augmented diagnosis, a senior citizen’s health outcome is improved since the medical condition is detected and treated during its earliest stages.
Technology in Primary Care: Better Care Quality for Seniors with Medicare
Technology has significantly improved primary care for seniors with Medicare as it made healthcare much more accessible for them. The services provided are also more efficient and personalized so that their healthcare needs are addressed accordingly. The application of technology too has ensured that diseases and conditions are detected early and remedied right away.
Overall, technology has contributed to happier and healthier aging for seniors with a Medicare plan.