PATIENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
A patient communication system and method which leverages mobile communication devices of patients. The system includes a computer of a healthcare provider for obtaining patient contact information associated with a patient from a patient record, and for sending an electronic message capable of receipt by a mobile communication device of the patient.
1 . A healthcare communication method comprising:
obtaining patient contact information associated with a patient from a patient record by a computer controlled by a healthcare provider; and
sending an electronic message capable of receipt by a mobile communication device of the patient by the computer.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
obtaining patient schedule information by the computer;
wherein the electronic message notifies the patient of an upcoming appointment.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the electronic message further includes a question asking the patient whether the patient intends to keep the appointment.
4 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising:
receiving a check-in electronic message from the mobile communication device.
5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving a response electronic message from the mobile communication device.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic message contains a link to a website of the computer for checking in, and wherein the method further comprises processing a check-in request of the patient via the website by the computer.
7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
sending a follow-up email addressed to the patient by the computer.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic message comprises a text message.
9 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising:
obtaining patient preferences from the patient record by the computer; and
determining a communication workflow for interacting with the patient based upon the patient preferences.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the electronic message contains a request for personal information in accordance with the workflow.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the personal information comprises address information.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the personal information comprises insurance information.
13 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the patient preferences contain information related to skill of the patient at text messaging.
14 . A healthcare communication system comprising:
a computer of a healthcare provider for obtaining patient contact information associated with a patient from a patient record, and for sending an electronic message to a mobile communication device of the patient.
15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the computer is also for obtaining patient schedule information, and wherein the electronic message notifies the patient of an upcoming appointment.
16 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the electronic message further includes a question asking the patient whether the patient intends to keep the appointment.
17 . The system of claim 16 , wherein the computer is also for receiving a check-in electronic message from the mobile communication device.
18 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the computer is also for receiving a response electronic message from the mobile communication device.
19 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the electronic message contains a link to a website of the computer for checking in, and wherein the computer is also for processing a check-in request of the patient via the website.
20 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the computer is also for sending a follow-up email addressed to the patient.
21 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the electronic message comprises a text message.
22 . The system of claim 21 , wherein the computer is also for obtaining patient preferences from the patient record, and for determining a communication workflow for interacting with the patient based upon the patient preferences.
23 . The system of claim 22 , wherein the electronic message contains a request for personal information in accordance with the workflow.
24 . The system of claim 23 , wherein the personal information comprises address information.
25 . The system of claim 23 , wherein the personal information comprises insurance information.
26 . The system of claim 22 , wherein the patient preferences contain information related to skill of the patient at text messaging.