HIMSS21 Day 4: Affinity Empowering Launches At-Home Diagnostic Testing
Day four of the HIMSS21 conference brought new technologies that seek to make life easier for patients, physicians, and all healthcare staff.
Source: Getty Images
- HIMSS is rounding out its last few days of the Global Health Conference with vendor announcements of new technologies that specialize in patient data collection, diagnostic testing, and patient engagement strategies.
Tech Additions Aim to Improve Patient Engagement
Software company Revation Systems has announced new additions to its digital customer service platform. LinkLive offers healthcare providers digital tools to execute patient engagement strategies and improve patient experience.
“As a result of the pandemic, healthcare organizations of all sizes are quickly adapting to significant changes in a variety of areas from location to systems and revenue that have exposed critical gaps in operating models,” the press release stated.
The company has added three new solutions to the platform including a digital agent experience, a digital office that provides a centralized portal for all healthcare staff to carry out patient engagement strategies, and a mobile application that uses EMR and CRM data to automate workflows. READ MORE
Affinity Empowering Launches At-Home Diagnostic Testing
Direct-to-consumer health services provider Affinity Empowering is launching two new brands that will improve at-home diagnostic testing and help patients better understand their test results and health needs.
Affinity eHome will use a HIPAA-compliant technology platform to deliver diagnostic tests to a patient at home or provide the patient with a list of local providers who can perform the test. Affinity eCare will use those test results to communicate to patients what their next steps are in terms of treatment.
“Affinity eHome and eCare were created with the idea that every person deserves the right to better understand their own health,” Michael Tkach, chief of behavioral health officer and chief operating officer of Affinity Empowering, said in the press release. “eHome will empower individuals to navigate their personal health and wellness journey with confidence and convenience, and eCare will empower them to take that next step towards finding the best possible care.” READ MORE
Text Message Software Aids in Patient-Reported Outcomes
Specialists will use software that uses text messages for patient communication at Brain and Spine Surgeons of New York (BSSNY) to evaluate post-operative outcomes for spinal surgery patients.
The surgical center previously used paper forms and phone calls to collect patient data but found those methods to be unorganized and unhelpful. The DTX software will allow the health system to collect and analyze patient-reported outcomes in a more efficient way.
“Patients receive a HIPAA-compliant SMS survey link which, when clicked, opens up a separate web browser containing the survey,” the announcement stated. “Once the patient completes the survey, all information is securely sent to the web portal for viewing. Physicians and relevant staff are notified via email and optional text of any patient issues or ‘alerts.’” READ MORE
Verizon Expands Telehealth App Features
Verizon has expanded its BlueJeans Telehealth application to include features allowing patients to share more health data with their provider. The companies said this will produce a more rounded view of patient health.
The Televisit Tile and AppleHealth app integration will let patients share data such as sleep patterns and heart rate information.
“The Tile displays patient-entered symptom data and will support information and document sharing to ensure a seamless communication exchange with healthcare providers,” the press release stated.
The telehealth program is accessible through mobile and desktop devices and allows iPhone users to share data from their Health app including step count and mobility data. READ MORE
