Enhancing Patient Engagement with Telehealth and Portals

Patients are used to managing their lives with digital tools, from banking to travel, and they now expect the same level of convenience from you, their healthcare provider. This shift has made improving patient engagement a top priority.  

By using technologies such as telehealth and patient portals, providers can create a more connected, accessible, and satisfying care experience. 

This article explores how these digital patient engagement tools are transforming healthcare. We cover the benefits for both patients and providers and share best practices for implementing these technologies effectively. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Telehealth and patient portals are essential for meeting today’s patient needs for convenience. 

• Engaging patients through digital tools improves adherence to care plans, reduces missed appointments, and boosts health outcomes. 

• Combining telehealth and patient portals creates a seamless digital front door, enhancing patient satisfaction. 

• To encourage adoption, digital health tools should be easy to use, accessible on mobile, and actively promoted to patients. 

Why Patient Engagement Matters More Than Ever 

Strong patient engagement is vital for a successful modern practice. And utilizing virtual and hybrid care models can help propel this engagement. The rise of these efforts was initially driven by the need for more flexible, accessible, and patient-centered care, which combines the convenience of remote virtual visits with the necessity of in-person appointments.  

Today, virtual and hybrid care models are essential to keeping patients actively involved in their health journey. Why? Research shows a direct link between engagement, patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes. 

When patients feel connected and informed, they are more likely to follow treatment plans and show up for their appointments. Proactive engagement through digital tools can also significantly reduce no-show rates and improve adherence to care plans, leading to healthier patients and a more efficient practice. 

The Role of Telehealth in Improving Patient Engagement 

Telehealth has quickly become a key part of today’s medicine, providing great ways to connect with patients without the need for a traditional office visit. Below, we show how telehealth benefits for patients extend way beyond simple convenience. 

Making Care More Convenient and Accessible 

Telehealth removes common barriers to care. Patients no longer need to take significant time off work, arrange for childcare, or travel long distances for a consultation. This flexibility is especially valuable for those with mobility issues or who live in rural areas.  

For example, a quick video call for a prescription renewal or a follow-up on a routine visit saves everyone time. Telehealth also connects patients with specialists who may be located far away, making it easier to get expert advice. It also provides critical support for chronic condition management, allowing providers to monitor patients remotely. 

For example, according to Telehealth.HHS.gov, effectively managing a chronic condition like asthma often requires multiple appointments to tweak medications, monitor symptoms, and test breathing levels. Telehealth can be used for the management of asthma, including: 

• Virtual appointments with primary care providers to discuss medication or review asthma diaries 

• Video consultations with specialists, such as a pulmonologist 

• Training on how to properly use a rescue inhaler during a severe asthma attack 

Helping Providers Maintain Continuous Communication 

Virtual patient engagement thrives on consistent communication. Telehealth tools make it easy to maintain a connection between scheduled in-person appointments.  

As patients only need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access to join a telehealth visit, scenarios such as virtual check-ins and brief follow-up video visits are easy to arrange and help close potential care gaps.  

This continuous contact ensures patients feel supported and that any emerging issues are addressed promptly, preventing small problems from becoming big ones. 

Telehealth as a Patient Experience Differentiator 

Offering virtual care can set your practice apart. Telehealth appointments often have shorter wait times than in-person visits, and patients can wait comfortably at home instead of in a crowded waiting room.  Telehealth also allows for a broader range of services, from chronic disease management to acute care. 

This technology also creates space for greater personalization. A provider can use digital touchpoints to send tailored educational content on diabetes or check in on a patient’s progress after a virtual visit, creating a more personalized and caring experience. This level of service is a key component of patient-centered care technology.  

Telemedicine appointments are also more likely to be completed than in-person appointments, with a 9.2% higher completion rate, according to one study. This effectively reduces no-shows and last-minute cancellations. 

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: Why Telehealth Integration is Crucial for Modern Healthcare Practices 

How Patient Portals Empower Patients to Take Control 

A patient portal acts like a central hub where patients can actively manage their healthcare. These secure online platforms are one of the most effective patient engagement strategies, giving patients the tools and agency they need to be partners in their own care. 

Easy Access to Medical Records and Health Information 

One of the top benefits of the patient portal is providing instant access to personal health information. Patients can view lab results, read visit summaries, and review their care plans at any time.  

This transparency empowers them with knowledge, enabling them to ask more informed questions and participate more fully in decisions about their health. 

Streamlined Communication with Providers 

Portals offer a direct and secure line of communication with the care team. Features like secure messaging in healthcare allow patients to ask non-urgent questions, request prescription refills, or clarify treatment instructions without playing phone tag.  

This HIPAA-compliant communication method is efficient for providers and convenient for patients.  

Self-Service Tools That Boost Satisfaction 

Patient portals should include a variety of self-service features that improve the patient experience. For instance, the ability to schedule appointments, view statements, and complete pre-visit intake forms online saves patients time and reduces administrative work for your staff.  

These tools give patients more control and flexibility, which directly translates to higher satisfaction. For example, iSalus, an all-in-one EHR and practice management software, offers a fully integrated, compliant telehealth platform with a secure patient portal.  

This portal allows your patients to access their personal health information 24 hours a day from anywhere. They can track their vitals, see test results, send secure messages, set appointments, make bill payments, complete forms, and more. 

Telehealth and Patient Portals: A Unified Digital Front Door 

When telehealth and patient portals join forces, they create a seamless digital front door healthcare experience. This integrated approach connects every step of the patient journey, from scheduling an appointment to follow-up care. 

A unified platform allows for consistent communication across all channels. Data, notes, and messages are shared in one central location, giving both the patient and the provider a complete view of the care journey.  

For example, a patient can use the portal to schedule a telehealth visit, and after the appointment, the visit summary and any new prescriptions will automatically appear in their portal account. This integration strengthens patient trust by providing a reliable and transparent experience.  

Key Patient Engagement Benefits for Providers 

Focusing on digital patient engagement isn’t just good for patients; it also delivers significant advantages for you and your practice. Here’s how: 

• Fewer No-Shows: Automated reminders sent via patient portals reduce missed appointments. 

• Faster Follow-Ups: Telehealth makes it easier to conduct timely follow-ups and manage chronic conditions. 

• Higher Patient Satisfaction: Convenient, accessible tools lead to happier patients and better satisfaction scores. 

• Better Operational Efficiency: Digital intake forms and self-scheduling reduce staff workload and administrative tasks. 

• Stronger Patient Retention: An engaged patient is a loyal patient who is more likely to stay with your practice long term. 

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: Top 7 Benefits of Using a Patient Portal for Healthcare Practices 

Best Practices to Enhance Patient Engagement with Digital Tools 

Having the latest technology alone is not enough. To truly succeed, providers must implement it thoughtfully. 

Prioritize Ease of Use and Clear Instructions 

Your digital tools should be intuitive and easy for everyone in your practice to use. This means a simple login process, clear navigation, and a mobile-friendly design that works well on smartphones and tablets.  

For instance, iSalus offers a secure patient portal app that provides your patients with 24-hour access to their personal health information from their mobile phone. 

Automate Routine Communication 

Use automation to your advantage. Set up automated appointment reminders, post-visit summaries with care instructions, and alerts for preventive care, such as flu shots, Covid-19 vaccines, and annual check-ups. This keeps patients informed without adding to your staff’s daily workload. 

Promote Digital Tools Across All Touchpoints 

It’s important that your patients know about your portal and telehealth services. Get the word out with banners on your website, links in your email signatures, and signage in your office. The more you encourage adoption, the more value you will get from these tools. 

Provide Ongoing Patient Education 

Help patients get the most out of their digital tools. Create short video tutorials or helpful guides inside the portal. You can also send health tips and educational articles tailored to a patient’s specific conditions, further personalizing their experience. 

The Future of Patient Engagement: AI, Automation and Personalization 

The evolution of patient engagement is heading toward even greater personalization, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. According to McKinsey & Company, predictive analytics can identify patients at risk for missing appointments and trigger personalized reminders. AI-powered chatbots can answer common patient questions 24/7, freeing up staff for more complex issues. 

AI will contribute to more precise, personalized medicine by helping tailor treatments based on genetic factors and other individual data, leading to better outcomes. Automated follow-up workflows can also be customized based on a patient’s condition or recent procedure.  

A patient recovering from knee surgery, for instance, could receive a series of automated messages checking their pain levels and reminding them about physical therapy. These patient-specific insights will be key to supporting proactive and preventive care. 

Building Stronger Patient Relationships Through Digital Care 

Digital tools like HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms and patient portals are not meant to replace the human connection between you and your patients. Instead, they improve it.  

By handling routine tasks and improving communication, these technologies allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, compassionate care through meaningful patient interactions. 

Ultimately, an effective digital strategy creates an accessible and connected patient experience. When patients are engaged, they become more invested in their health. When this happens, patients not only become more loyal to your practice but are also on the path to better health. 

iSalus understands how important it is for you to build strong patient relationships and engagement. Contact us today to learn more about how our telehealth and patient portal solutions can help you achieve these goals and strengthen your digital front door! 

Frequently Asked Questions: Patient Engagement, Telehealth, and Portals 

What is digital patient engagement, and why is it important? 

Digital patient engagement refers to using technology like telehealth and patient portals to keep patients actively involved in their healthcare. It’s important because it meets modern expectations for convenience, leading to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and improved communication between patients and providers. 

What are the main telehealth benefits for patients? 

The key benefits include reduced travel time and costs, greater scheduling flexibility, and improved access to care, especially for chronic condition management or simple follow-ups. Telehealth also makes care more accessible and less disruptive to a patient’s daily life. 

How do patient portals help manage patient health? 

Patient portals empower patients by providing 24/7 access to their personal health information, such as lab results, visit summaries, and care plans. They also offer self-service tools such as online appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, and secure messaging, giving patients greater agency over their healthcare journey. 

What is a “digital front door” in healthcare? 

A digital front door is the integration of various digital tools, such as patient portals and telehealth services, into a single, easy-to-use online experience. It allows patients to manage every step of their care journey through one unified platform. 

How do these digital tools benefit healthcare providers? 

Providers see significant benefits, including fewer patient no-shows, greater operational efficiency from streamlined administrative tasks, and the ability to manage chronic care more effectively. These tools also lead to higher patient satisfaction scores and stronger long-term patient retention.