Smart Healthcare, Close to Home

The concept of “smart hospitals” has recently emerged. While the concept can mean many different things, the central idea combines technology and improved care processes to provide a better healthcare experience. But, of course, much of this care does not have to take place within the four walls of the hospital. 

“You do not have to be a hospital to be smart,” said Dr. David Eagle, hematologist-oncologist at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS). “In fact, private physician offices have a better track record of providing “smart” care.” 

NYCBS already provides the “smart” care that the hospitals aspire to deliver.  “Our group has dozens of offices located where patients want to see the doctor—near their home or where they work,” Dr. Eagle said. 

NYCBS uses digital technology to connect with patients both in and outside the office. For example, patients can enter their clinical information on iPads while in the waiting room. After their appointment, patients can view lab results and radiology reports through an online portal that gives them 24/7 access to their medical records and treatment plans.

“Most importantly, however, what is really smart is making patients happy and delivering individualized treatments to optimize care and improve patient satisfaction,” Dr. Eagle said. Strong personal bonds between patients, families, doctors, nurses and the entire healthcare team should always come first and never be supplanted by exciting new technology.  

“Convenience matters, too,” Dr. Eagle said. “Patients can walk into any of our offices for a same-day appointment. And the multi-disciplinary team that’s caring for those patients are all in the same place.”

Low cost is also smart. Patients can simply not benefit from what they cannot afford in the first place. Building exciting and state-of-the-art buildings with new ways of caring for patients has to be reasonable. Hospital-based care is distinctly high-cost and unaffordable, which does not equate to smart care at all. NYCBS is committed to affordable medical care and offers financial solutions for those in need.