As the country heads into winter, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise, combined with the usual flu surges, and, of course, COVID-19. This simultaneous influx of illness has been dubbed in the news as a “tripledemic,” and unfortunately it is hitting the pediatric population the hardest. RSV is a fairly common childhood illness, however children have had limited exposure over the past few years as a result of isolating and masking to protect against COVID-19. This means that RSV is hitting more children than usual this year, and this flu season is shaping up to be an intense one. Some areas of the country are already feeling the impact as pediatric ICUs fill up with respiratory cases.
Planning Makes the Difference
If the trend continues, it is very possible that the country’s health system will once more be stretched to the limit – in both inpatient and clinic settings. Healthcare organizations across the country are bracing for impact by ordering supplies and forming plans to add emergency beds. There are some important steps that medical offices can also take to prepare for an influx of patients.
Form Dr. is taking proactive steps to help offices prepare using the following three strategies:
1. Advanced Registration and Intake
Packed waiting rooms are not ideal where respiratory illnesses could easily spread. To minimize exposure to other patients and staff, patients can register and fill out paperwork in advance, then bypass the waiting room when it is time for the visit.
Easily send online intake forms via email or SMS, where patients can then complete them on their phone, tablet, or computer. Combine all of the forms you need into one intake packet – consent form, HIPAA release form, and patient medical history. Insurance card photos can even be uploaded by patients via their phone.
2. Combined Screening
Digital screening forms give patients the ability to complete the symptom screening online prior to the appointment. Staff can then securely review the symptoms before the patient enters the office – reducing the spread and treating more patients quickly.
FormDr’s COVID-19 Screening Form Template is free and readily available and can easily be combined with any other screening forms your practice uses. Easily set up a RSV and/or Influenza screening form with the easy-to-use and HIPAA-compliant Form Builder.
3. Get RPM Ready
With illness in the community ramping up again, more patients may choose to schedule appointments via telehealth. To facilitate this process, offices should take the time to evaluate their virtual care processes and RPM, remote patient monitoring, capabilities.
FormDr also has many options for interoperability with your practices existing systems, such as Open API – which creates two-way communication between FormDr and other applications (like your EMR or telehealth application). Achieve a smooth flow of information that reduces documentation burden and makes telehealth easier and safer than ever.
FormDr stands ready to support our customers through every challenge. Our goal is to help practices find ways to deliver the safest and most efficient care to their patients, every day. For help adding more features or for a demonstration, contact us here.
