Experts predict that the healthcare C-suite will see a lot of changes throughout 2015, particularly with regards to mobility. Some of the most notable changes are highlighted in the mHealthNews article, “6 mHealth Tips for the C-suite in 2015.” These changes are expected to impact how providers and consumers interact, rendering it even more critical that businesses stay up to date on these shifts in the medical field.

Below are six mHealth tips healthcare executives should be aware of:

  1. Consumer-driven healthcare is on the rise. Changes in health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act are increasing out-of-pocket expenses for patients, and providing incentives for patients to learn more about the costs behind their healthcare. Consumers are increasingly using their smartphones and tablets to research different health options and expect to communicate with their physicians more frequently. Patients are also using their own mobile medical devices to collect health data. Because people are now looking to play a more active role in their own healthcare, it is important for providers to develop mHealth tools to keep up with their patients.
  2. Population health is increasingly relevant. The introduction of new financial models is changing how heath systems get paid, and consequently how they care for their patients. Because of this, providers are focusing on quality rather than quantity. Hospitals are implementing proactive health management systems for patients with chronic illnesses in order to keep them healthier. They also focus more on care management plans at home in order to improve the overall health of their patients.
  3. C-suite engagement with physicians is a priority. C-suite leaders must engage with their corresponding physicians and assure that everyone’s interests are aligned with the goals of the healthcare organization as a whole. The administration should support physicians in their endeavors, and this includes the integration of mHealth systems. Telemedicine platforms are of utmost important to patients and physicians alike, and those in the C-suite should do all they can to implement these strategies.
  4. The trend of consolidation will continue with healthcare organizations.In order to reduce costs, waste, and redundancy, big healthcare organizations are buying out their smaller counterparts. Regional mega systems are developing to allow practices to survive in this new healthcare market. Communication is key under this new model to ensure that care delivery is expertly coordinated across the network.
  5. Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs) are evolving. Integrated delivery networks have proved to be much more effective than having numerous individuals making their decisions separately. These systems operate as if they are one practice of many physicians. Centralized decision making is more effective and saves time as well. Compiling data from mobile applications to a centralized database is an effective way to communicate decisions quickly through smartphones.
  6. Limit spending. Healthcare spending is approximately eighteen percent of the U.S. GDP. Providers are doing their best, however, to cut waste while still improving the value of patient care. Providers are attempting to negotiate better pricing and increase efficiency. Solutions on the mHealth side can be effective in eliminating waste, and simultaneously reducing costs.

This is a critical time in healthcare as the Affordable Care Act is changing the scene. mHealth can prove a critical aid in reducing waste, improving the quality of patient care, and increasing communication across healthcare networks. Healthcare executives should pay attention to the six tips above in order to provide better quality care to patients at lower costs in the long run.

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