How technology will transform your next visit

Ever heard someone say, “Technology is great — when it works”? Well, it’s working at Geisinger to create a better, more efficient patient experience. Here’s how we’re using technology to be the best in healthcare for you.

Ambient documentation

Ambient documentation reduces time doctors spend typing during your visit, making it easier and more satisfying for both of you. After asking your permission, your physician uses an app that records your conversation and makes notes for your medical record. That way, they can concentrate on you instead of the keyboard.

“The app records and catches anything that's important so I can focus on listening to the patient, caring for them, understanding, creating a plan, communicating,” says family medicine physician Seneca Harberger, MD. “Basically, it removes distractions for me.”

After your visit, the doctor reviews the notes for accuracy and signs it.

The recorded information is secure, too. Data from your conversation is only available for 30 days, then it’s gone from the server. At no time is any information stored on the doctor’s device.

Right now, ambient documentation is available mostly in primary care and a few specialties.

Virtual nursing

Nursing shortages are straining healthcare organizations nationwide. To support its nurse workforce, Geisinger is using innovative technology for remote care of hospitalized patients. Virtual nurses handle some of the administrative responsibilities by connecting with you through an iPad. That gives your bedside nurses more time to care for you face to face.

“New tools and technology help us care for patients both in the hospital setting as well as in their homes,” says Janet Tomcavage, RN, Geisinger executive vice president and chief nursing executive. “Our virtual nursing platform has allowed us to leverage data from our sickest patients to identify those who might need closer observation. We’re using technology now to assist with admissions and discharges and free up our bedside nurses to provide hands-on care.”

“We also help bedside nurses with ‘non-touch’ tasks like medication signoffs,” says virtual nurse Casey Griffin, RN. Plus, they can let the bedside nurses know if a patient needs anything.

Patients can see firsthand how this technology helps. “Initially, when we come on screen, they’ll realize we’re not AI, but a real person, and we’re listening to them and taking our time,” says Ms. Griffin. “By the end of the admission or discharge, they’re understanding the benefits.”

Facial recognition check-in

This technology is already available in many facilities throughout Geisinger’s service area, with more to come. Once you’re enrolled, a camera identifies your face when you arrive for your appointment. The benefits? Better security — you don’t risk anyone overhearing your date of birth, Social Security number or medical record number — and a quicker check-in. You can enroll at your next appointment in just a few minutes.

Hello Patient

The new Hello Patient feature lets you tell us when you're in the clinic reception area and ready for your appointment. Just log into your MyGeisinger account via the MyChart app and mark your arrival or use 2-way texting to let us know you’ve arrived.

Don’t have a MyGeisinger account yet? Sign up at mygeisinger.org, then download the MyChart app and take advantage of all the convenient features.

Hospital at Home

Through in-home visits, virtual check-ins and remote monitoring technology, Geisinger’s Hospital at Home program offers hospital-level care — right where you live. As a patient, you can wear your own clothes, eat your own food and keep family, pets and friends close by with no visiting hours. All the comforts of home, plus quality care. Hospital at Home is covered by your insurance, just like an inpatient hospital stay.

The program isn’t for every patient. Ideal candidates are recovering from a condition that requires hospitalization, but not around-the-clock observation. If you’re eligible for Hospital at Home, you’ll get:

• Daily in-person and virtual visits from your medical team
• A device you wear on your arm that monitors your vital signs
• A tablet with a call bell that connects you with your medical team (no Wi-Fi needed!) 
• Any needed treatments, oxygen or medical equipment

From check-ins to getting hospital care in the comfort of your home, technology is making great strides in improving processes. And when it’s skillfully applied, it enhances the very human, very personalized care you’ve come to expect from all your healthcare team members.