Hospitals Operating with a More Social Approach

When many of us think of social media, we think of teenagers sending pictures and snarky remarks, or middle-aged women planning high school reunions and sharing their kids’ latest achievements.

However, there is much more to it.

Most businesses these days would be at a loss without social media; it’s a huge marketing facet and one that opens a great informative forum.

Even hospitals are deep into social media and seeing important benefits from its use.

How and why are they using it?

• Hospitals are using social media to spread awareness. Through Facebook and Twitter, they can send important, new information to a wide range of patients.

• Hospitals use social media to form connections. Patients can ask questions, receive answers, even connect with other similar patients, and the social networks can provide these platforms.

• Social media can provide comfort. Whether it’s through information, a “safe” place or sharing success stories, social media is a place where patients can seek and find comfort.

• Patients can form a bond with the hospital before having a procedure or surgery done.

• Hospitals can share updates on state of the art equipment, procedures, doctors and staff, and new advancements in the medical field.

• Hospitals are even getting into the blogging field. It’s a way to reach a large numbers of people, have a forum for questions and comments, and provide information.

• It’s easier and more affordable then sending out newsletters. Snail mailing is expensive. Hospitals can cut costs with sending information via Twitter, Facebook or other forms of social media. Email inboxes aren’t bombarded with social media information, either. People can get information when they want it.

As for patients, even those without specifics doctors or medical conditions, they can seek information from hospitals’ social media sites.

Yes, you can often garner information from your health insurance, but it’s also easy to get preliminary information from the hospitals as to what may and may not be covered.

No, social media sites don’t take the place of what your health insurance can offer you, but it can be a nice supplement.

As the following article shows, don’t forget these “5 reasons it’s vital to have health insurance” ….

1.         Procedures, emergency care and surgeries are at least partially covered.

2.         You have access to important information and benefits.

3.         It is easier to get scheduled for appointments and healthcare.

4.         You can possibly get better healthcare.

5.         Preventative care is covered to help you stay healthier.

If you’re getting ready to visit a hospital for whatever reason, check out their social media sites.

It may be able to take away some of your apprehension and make your visit a more positive experience on the whole.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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