able. "The messages they receive give the sense that someone is
watching over them and providing some direction about how their
care should proceed until their follow-up appointment," he adds.
"That's been the most consistent feedback we've received from
patients."
The platform is customizable to the surgery type and links to writ-
ten instructions or videos that instruct patients about how to treat
common post-op complications that don't require immediate medical
attention or how to proceed with physical rehab.
Dr. Simone says patients don't pay for the service; surgeons or facili-
ties foot the bill based on the incremental number of patients who
sign up to receive the messages. From the surgeon's and facility's per-
spectives, the cost-benefit is well worth the investment, according to
Dr. Simone, who says the program reduces the number of phone calls
staff must make to reach patients with pre-op reminders. It also helps
to ensure patients complete pre-op testing, fill out online health histo-
ries through patient portals and show up on time for their procedures.
A P R I L 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 3
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Find out how easy it is to communicate with patients.
