When it comes to advances in technology, the healthcare industry has always lagged somewhat behind others – and mobile applications have been no exception.  The vast majority of hospitals, health systems, and other large healthcare organizations still do not offer an mHealth app that would allow patients to schedule appointments, pay bills online, securely message their providers, or access their medical records.

But this is starting to change. At my company Universe mHealth, which offers an app platform that makes it easier and more cost-effective for healthcare organizations to develop an app, we’ve been seeing a marked increase in the number of organizations that are committed to creating an app for their patients.  There are a number of factors that may be behind this shift.

Developing an App Has Become Less Expensive

The cost to develop an app has gone down significantly over the past few years.  By using technologies such as React and Angular, apps for both iOS and Android can be developed at a lower cost than before.  React and Angular allow code to be shared between Android and iOS, which means that it’s no longer necessary to write code in different code technologies for different mobile operating systems.  The same team (or individual) can code both the Android and iOS versions, which means fewer people working on the project and fewer hours to develop.

Maintaining the apps is less costly as well, as one codebase is easier to maintain than two.  Additionally, updates are faster, as it’s not necessary to go through the app review process if the change being made is to parts of the code that aren’t native.

It’s Easier to Interface with Other Medical Software Systems

Creating a mobile app with useful functionality requires the ability to successfully interface with the organization’s other software systems – including their EMR, practice management software, RCM software, patient education and event scheduling systems, among others.  Creating these interfaces can be one of the most time-consuming parts of developing an app, and in some cases, the health system’s existing software does not allow for interfacing.  There’s been a trend in the past few years of medical software developers moving away from HL7-based capabilities and toward API-based capabilities, which makes interfacing to these software solution with an app significantly easier. APIs also perform better, so typically, fewer problems requiring maintenance will arise. Overall, this means fewer hours spent on interface development and maintenance, and thus a lower cost to the healthcare organization.

Patients Are Demanding Apps

We’ve seen a notable increase in the number of healthcare organizations who tell us that their motivation for launching an app is driven simply by increasing patient demand.  As the healthcare consumer has become more and more accustomed to using apps in other industries – such as banking or ride-sharing – they’re becoming increasingly more expectant that other service providers offer methods for them to perform basic operations with their smartphones.

Consider the recent success of more modern healthcare delivery companies, such as urgent care network CityMD®*, which offers self-check-in via kiosks at over 100 locations.  Patients love the convenience of using apps, and they’ve come to expect it in all aspects of their lives

A HIPAA-compliant mobile app gives patients the opportunity to do things like schedule appointments, pay bills, check urgent care wait times, sign up for events, access medical records, securely message their providers, and more.  Though some providers may have patient portals that allow some of those functions to be performed online, having an app significantly increases ease of access for patients – which will ultimately result in better patient retention, higher levels of patient engagement, and more growth for the organization.

*Neither Universe mHealth, nor its sister companies Medical Web Experts and Bridge Patient Portal, are affiliated with CityMD®.

John Deutsch

As the Founder and CEO of Medical Web Experts, Bridge Patient Portal, and Universe mHealth, John is a health IT entrepreneur and business owner of 16 years with extensive experience in Healthcare IT. He’s cultivated a specialized expertise in areas such as business development, medical software development, patient portals, mHealth, patient engagement, HIPAA, electronic medical records, website development, and internet marketing for healthcare businesses.

There is nothing wrong with looking into a procedure to help with overall appearance. Some people are not as satisfied with how they look, so it makes sense for them to invest in a way to look better in the future.

The good news is that plastic surgery options and other procedures are a little bit more common than in the past. Not only that, but they are much more affordable as well. When looking at a neck lift procedure for example, it is very easy to do, and it can sometimes be accomplished in just a few short days.

Getting a procedure done over the weekend

Maybe the most popular procedure right now is all about the weekend necklift procedure. This is where a person is able to go in and get some work done, but to be perfectly fine to go back to work the next week. It might seem a little risky for some people, but it is well worth the time it takes.

The reason why it is still simple to bounce back is that technology has improved quite a bit. They don’t have to make nearly as many incisions, and that means a shorter recovery time. This is also not an incredibly difficult procedure, so it is something that people can bounce back from without really putting in too much extra time.

There are certain things that people need to be aware of when they go through a process like this. For starters, The best way to encourage a quick recovery process is to make sure that the body is taken care of and rested throughout the weekend. It is going to be next to impossible for a person to go out and do a lot of exercise and moving around during that weekend. They must rest properly so that everything goes back to normal in just a few short days.

Pricing out the cost of a necklift procedure

With technology becoming better and better, most people are finding out that a necklift procedure is much more fordable than in the past. However, there are some options that seem a little bit too good to be true, and that mostly is because it is.

Be aware of any company that offers a huge discount, because more than likely they are not properly certified to provide this type of service. While it might be enticing to spend just a little bit of money to improve the look of your face and neck, it is not worth the risk in the end. Nobody wants to be the person who needs another surgery to fix the issues that are now happening.

Read reviews and asked for recommendations when possible. No one should just blindly hire somebody to take care of their neck at any point. Try to meet with the doctor beforehand to see if they are able to help in a big way. Most people will be able to tell just exactly what they should expect from the doctor by talking to them for the first time.

Final thoughts

Getting a necklace can be a huge ego booster for a lot of people who are starting to show their age. Gravity can certainly do a lot of damage to the neck and face area once a person starts to age. Don’t be afraid to invest a little bit in the overall look and feel of your body. Some people are hesitant to go under the knife in any way, but this is a very minor procedure. Remember, it is all about the weekend necklift procedure. The results are noticeable in just a few short days as well, so it’s a true game changer.

When you want to learn all about breast implants, the primary point you need to know is what is the scope of this treatment. Medically this is a process that is more common for women. The procedure is using implants in the breast to make them appear fuller. Mostly the treatment comes under cosmetic surgeries. At other times, it is also a requirement due to the treatment of some illnesses. Often the breasts face some reshape due to operations and then need implants. In this system, the specialist applies a prosthesis to change the volume and structure of breasts. Today the method practices the latest surgery methods and the most advanced tools to use implants that make the chest look naturally bigger.

When a person goes for the implants, they have the following options:

The Saline Breasts Implants

A sterile saline liquid that resembles saltwater is the main element for the filling of the breasts. It also uses an external shell of an elastomer silicone that keeps the fluid inside the chest. The implants layer can be increased depending on the volume, density, and appearance of the breast, the person requires. In a circumstance where there are any leaks in the implants, the solution consumes by itself. The body discharges it from the body naturally, without any harm to the person.

Implants using Silicone Gel

The Silicone gel is the prime element that goes into the shelling of the silicon cover. The method requires you to have frequent sitting with your doctor as opposed to the saline liquid implantation procedures. Especially if you observe any irritation, you can visit the doctors who will take an ultrasound, or use MRI to monitor the status of the implants.

Some other options

Other alternatives to this procedure are using soy oil and other such elements for implants. As you rely on such methods, the best benefit you get is that these are not high priced operations. However, unlike other implants using soy oil is not a long term solution and can give cosmetic looks that will not last for several years.

Why People go for the Breast Implants Option?

There can be many reasons why one person prefers the option, and the other does not want to indulge in such surgeries. Those who avoid such operations negate the plan as they think having natural breasts is ideal, and such processes can harm the person’s health. Those who advocate this procedure believe that the treatment is harmless. There are no severe side effects, and people support that they have the right to treat their bodies to look physically more appealing. Either way, the breast implant industry is one of the most established and thriving business in the world today.

Sometimes the mere reason for the procedure is to regain the breast balance if they are out of shape. This imbalance is the result of operations and surgeries that involves the breast. Since the form of the chest goes out of balance, having breast implantation can restore the structure.

If you want to go for this procedure, the best thing is to take your case to a qualified doctor. The surgeon will have some consulting sessions with you, check your medical records, and advise on the best implant options you have. If you still feel confused, you can always reach out to people or groups who have gone through the procedure. With ample information, you will have the confidence to go for the implants. Since it is mainly a cosmetic procedure, you will not find your medical coverage paying for such treatment, and you have to settle the expense yourself.

Looking for one of the best? Consider breast implants Philadelphia by Dr. Ted Eisenberg.