Digital health solutions have ushered in a new era in rheumatology, revolutionizing the landscape of patient care. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the ways in which technology is reshaping how rheumatologic conditions are diagnosed, monitored, and managed, empowering both healthcare providers and patients in the journey towards better outcomes. 

How COVID-19 Transformed Digital Health Solutions

Although digital healthcare was already a growing field, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the rapid transformation of digital health solutions in rheumatology. Faced with unprecedented challenges, healthcare providers sought innovative ways to ensure continuity of care while minimizing in-person interactions. 

Telehealth and virtual healthcare visits became commonplace and were a game changer for patients whose conditions made it difficult for them to attend regular appointments. Rheumatology patients suffering from flare-ups and needing quick advice or solutions, could schedule and attend a virtual visit much more easily than an in-person appointment at a clinic. 

While virtual healthcare visits haven’t completely replaced the need for face-to-face appointments with a doctor, they are a valuable tool in managing symptoms, monitoring conditions, and easing the burden that chronic conditions place on patients. 

Digital Health Records in Rheumatology

Digital or electronic health records have been another key turning point for rheumatology care. With patient information securely and safely stored digitally, providers can easily view a patient’s medical history, helping them make better, more informed treatment decisions. 

In rheumatology, monitoring symptoms, disease progression, and how a patient responds to treatment is essential. Electronic health records give doctors a more comprehensive understanding of individual patient journeys, leading to better patient care and improved health outcomes. 

How Rheumatology Apps Can Help Patient Care

Health and wellness apps have become increasingly popular with patients in recent years, and for good reason. Healthcare apps can do everything from remind patients to take medications or refill prescriptions, help patients track and monitor symptoms, and provide educational resources for different conditions and diseases. 

For patients with rheumatic diseases, certain apps can help patients understand how their daily activities, diet, sleep patterns, exercise routines, and other factors impact their symptoms. Other apps help patients communicate their symptom trends to their rheumatologists, while others store lab results and provide appointment reminders. 

Of course, apps will never replace a rheumatologist, and they’re not designed to! Instead, they can be used as valuable tools that help both doctors and patients to track disease progression over time. Patients can input real-time, accurate data, which rheumatologists can use to design more tailored, effective treatment plans for managing rheumatologic conditions. 

Schedule Your Rheumatology Appointment Today

Making an appointment with an experienced rheumatologist is the first step to prioritizing your health and finding the right treatments for your condition. At Advanced Rheumatology of Houston, our board-certified rheumatologist has over a decade of experience in diagnosing and treating rheumatologic conditions. 

Discover first-hand how you and your rheumatologist can incorporate digital health solutions into your treatment plan. Schedule your appointment today at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston.