VirtualSleep.org delivers insights for physicians to become familiar with how to migrate to a virtual sleep center and utilize technology to enhance operations.
What is a Virtual Sleep Center?
An effective virtual sleep center allows patients to perform sleep tests at home by providing a testing device shipped directly, an app to store and transfer data for evaluation, and results placed back in the patient’s portal. Home sleep tests that are eco-friendly and sanitary result in lower costs for providers and patients.
Setting up a Virtual Sleep Center
Migrating to a virtual sleep center involves three major components. It includes cloud-based electronic medical records (EMR), a home sleep testing method, and integration with telemedicine.
Cloud-Based EMR System
A cloud-based EMR is accessible for all staff members remotely via portal from any location. Patient information stored in the cloud allows a significantly larger number of files to be saved, reducing the risk of errors and misdiagnosis. It also improves communication between providers and patients.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine facilitates face-to-face meetings without requiring physicians and patients to meet in person. Telemedicine is especially valuable for patients in remote areas, providing a more convenient option instead of traveling several hours to a sleep lab. Physicians can hold consultations to review a patient’s test results at any time.
Shipping Logistics
Providers operating a virtual sleep center need to have an efficient method of shipping a home sleep testing device back and forth to patients. This should include quick shipment to a patient’s location, detailed instructions on how to operate the device properly, disposable connectors, and a return label and envelope.
Related Reading: How To Migrate To A Virtual Sleep Center
Benefits of A Virtual Sleep Clinic
Performing sleep testing in a lab is less feasible for the estimated 4,700 sleep centers in the United States due to the need for social distancing. A virtual sleep center should provide home testing units that include disposable sensors and cloud-based capability to make the process more affordable, sanitary, and simple to perform.
Integration with Technology
Technology advances in the medical field have enabled virtual sleep centers to provide immediate results. Testing through an iOS or Android application that syncs with equipment makes it simple for providers to access raw data and follow up with next steps. Overall, this helps keep patients better informed about their health.
Improve Sanitation
In today’s world, patients are heavily relying on sleep tests that are affordable, sanitary, and easy to use from home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients are realizing they prefer testing virtually compared to in-lab studies. As a result, units with disposable sensors are necessary to prioritize sanitation and limit the risk of contamination.
Start Conducting Sleep Studies Virtually
Migrating to a virtual sleep center with home sleep testing generates significant benefits. The latest home sleep testing software handles the entire fulfillment process from start to finish and contains disposable sensors to mitigate sanitation concerns.
Virtual sleep centers are valuable for enhancing end-to-end care and better satisfying the needs of patients in today’s environment. Speak with a member of our team today to get started.