The Economic Impact of On-Demand Text Messaging

14 June 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount. One of the most significant advancements in this realm is the integration of text messaging within Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. MD Logic EHR Software stands at the forefront of this innovation, offering a text messaging feature that not only enhances patient communication but also provides substantial cost savings compared to traditional phone calls.
 
The High Cost of Traditional Phone Calls: Traditional phone calls, while effective, come with a significant cost in terms of labor and resources. When healthcare providers or administrative staff make phone calls, they invest considerable time in each interaction. This includes dialing the number, waiting for the patient to answer, leaving voicemails, and often playing phone tag until contact is finally made. Each of these steps incurs a cost, primarily driven by the labor involved.
 
Consider the following breakdown of the labor costs associated with phone calls:
  • Time Consumption: On average, a phone call to a patient, including dialing, conversation, and potential follow-up, can take approximately 5-10 minutes.
  • Hourly Wage: Assuming the average hourly wage for administrative healthcare staff is $20, each phone call can cost between $1.67 to $3.33 in labor alone.
  • Volume of Calls: For a clinic making 50 calls per day, the daily labor cost can range from $83.50 to $166.50, translating to an annual cost of approximately $20,000 to $40,000.
The Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness of Text Messaging: In stark contrast, sending a text message is a much more efficient and cost-effective process. Text messages are delivered instantly and can be composed and sent in a fraction of the time it takes to make a phone call. The labor cost associated with sending a text message is significantly lower, primarily due to the reduced time requirement.
 
Let’s examine the cost savings of text messaging:
  • Time Consumption: Composing and sending a text message typically takes around 1-2 minutes.
  • Hourly Wage: Using the same average hourly wage of $20, each text message costs approximately $0.33 to $0.67 in labor.
  • Volume of Texts: For a clinic sending 50 text messages per day, the daily labor cost ranges from $16.50 to $33.50, leading to an annual cost of around $4,000 to $8,000.
Significant Cost Savings: The comparison between phone calls and text messaging reveals substantial cost savings. By switching to text messaging, healthcare providers can save between $16,000 to $32,000 annually. This is a significant reduction in operational costs, allowing clinics to allocate resources more effectively and potentially invest in other areas of patient care.
 
Additional Benefits of Text Messaging: Beyond direct cost savings, text messaging offers several other benefits that contribute to overall efficiency and patient satisfaction:
  • Higher Response Rates: Patients are more likely to respond to text messages than phone calls, leading to faster resolution of queries and better appointment adherence.
  • Convenience for Patients: Patients can read and respond to text messages at their convenience, reducing the likelihood of missed communications.
  • Documented Communication: All text messages sent through MD Logic EHR Software are automatically recorded in the patient’s electronic chart, ensuring accurate and complete documentation of all interactions.
Conclusion: The integration of text messaging within MD Logic Software exemplifies the intersection of technology and cost-effectiveness in healthcare. By reducing the labor costs associated with traditional phone calls, clinics can achieve significant financial savings while enhancing patient communication and satisfaction. As the healthcare industry continues to strive for greater efficiency, the adoption of text messaging is a logical and beneficial step forward. For more information about MD Logic and how our technology can reduce cost and boost revenue, contact our headquarters toll free at 800-273-7750.
 
About MD Logic: MD Logic is a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions designed to empower medical practices with innovative tools for patient engagement, online reputation management, and practice efficiency. With a mission to enhance healthcare experiences through cutting-edge technology, MD Logic is revolutionizing the way physicians and surgeons connect with their patients and communities.