The American healthcare system is experiencing a growing shift toward outpatient care.
Due, in large part, to the changes to health coverage and practitioner availability, outpatient clinics are in demand. This underlies the importance of a robust technological system that supports the churn experienced in outpatient clinics.
Harris CareTracker EHR and PM software is specially designed for independent practices and multi-practice clinics and is highly customizable depending on practice specialties and needs to help your clinics operations runs smoothly and keep up with increasing workloads.
Read on to learn more about the factors influencing the growth of outpatient clinics.
Increased Demand for Outpatient Services
Outpatient care, which is also referred to as ambulatory care or ambulatory services, is an efficient method of providing comprehensive healthcare to all populations. Outpatient services do not require a hospital visit and can free up resources while tending to the ailing population.
With an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 4.45%, the market is anticipated to expand further, reaching a market volume of US$0.92tn by 2029. It is worth noting that in global comparison, in the United States is projected to generate the highest revenue in the Outpatient Care market, with US$0.74tn expected in 2024.
4 Main Factors Influencing the Growth of Outpatient Clinics
There are a few reasons why we are seeing this rise.
Regulatory and Policy Changes
Over the last several years, healthcare regulations and policies have changed to place a greater emphasis on quality and value-based care. This has lead to a necessary change in the way providers approach their practice and overall operations.
Value-based care prioritizes the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of services provided over the volume of services provided.
This shift has increased the growth of outpatient clinics. Instead of being admitted into care and undergoing a series of potentially unnecessary tests and procedures, patients have opted for more targeted care that addresses their specific needs in an effective and efficient manner.
Technological Advancements
Recent technological advancements are credited with growing outpatient clinics.
For example, minimally invasive procedures are on the rise, which means that more surgeries can be performed at outpatient facilities. This includes things from ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures, heart surgery, kidney operations, and orthopedic surgeries.
Through the use of high-definition cameras, surgeons safely do more while allowing their patients to walk out of the practice that day.
There are a number of benefits to this. While there is a cost associated with the technology, there is also a reduction in costs as patients spend less time in the hospital and eat up fewer resources. With shorter recovery times, less pain, and less need for pain medications, more patients want these procedures!
In addition to minimally invasive technologies, there are also changes to the operating room and practice setup that have aided this.
Now, operating rooms are hybrid, which allows the surgical room to be equipped with better imaging devices and makes minimally invasive procedures possible. Hybrid operating rooms allow patients to undergo two separate procedures with only one round of anesthesia, which reduces cost and improves patient satisfaction.
And of course, telehealth is also playing a role here. More outpatient clinics can conduct basic medical exams via telehealth and access important patient files safely with online EHR files.
Economic Factors
Now that the features and responsibilities of outpatient care have increased, there are now increasing economic reasons why more people are opting for outpatient clinics.
Not only are services cheaper and stays at the hospital reduced, but outpatient care often provides better fiscal returns due to insurance coverage. With lower expenditures, insurance companies are happier paying outpatient clinics less money more frequently than shelling out thousands for hospital stays.
And while expenses will vary based on the treatment, facility, and location, the average cost of these clinics is going down. And clinics among others, are no longer rewarded for their level of fiscal care, but for the value and quality of care, making it an ideal choice for many Americans.
Patient Preferences and Satisfaction
Americans are aging and with that comes a rise in chronic diseases and age-related care. However, there is also a growing demand for convenient care. Individuals and families may be seeking outpatient care because it’s cheaper, something their insurance policy will cover more affordably, or it’s less of a burden on their family than in-patient care.
Patient satisfaction scores are higher in outpatient care. It enables access to services that are patient-centered, which allows patients to seek the care they need rather than passively receive care from their physician.
Trends are suggesting that more people prefer outpatient services, most likely because it gives them a more active role in their health.
How CareTracker Supports Outpatient Clinic Growth
CareTracker’s comprehensive suite of cloud-based EHR and practice management solutions is designed specifically for outpatient clinics. These solutions streamline administrative tasks, improve patient data management, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
CareTracker’s solutions come with features that significantly enhance the efficiency of clinics and the quality of patient care. These include:
- Real-Time Data Access: Immediate access to patient records and clinical data from any location, ensuring seamless and coordinated care.
- Automated Billing and Coding: Reduces errors and accelerates reimbursement processes, leading to better financial outcomes.
- Telehealth Integration: Enables clinics to offer remote consultations, expanding access to care and increasing patient convenience.
- Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Provides valuable insights into clinic performance and patient outcomes, helping clinics make data-driven decisions.
- Patient Engagement Tools: Features like appointment reminders and patient portals improve communication and engagement, leading to higher patient satisfaction.
Be Prepared for Increased Demand in Your Outpatient Clinic with Caretracker
CareTracker’s user-friendly interface and robust features enable clinics to operate more efficiently, providing high-quality care while reducing operational costs. As the population begins to demand more from outpatient clinics, you will be poised to meet the demands with a comprehensive EHR platform built to meet your current and future needs.
If you’re ready to revolutionize your outpatient clinic, contact CareTracker to learn more or request a consultation.
