Technology is teaming up with medicine to give doctors more time to talk to patients, and this “Office of the Future” is where connection and innovation meet. While technology is advancing by leaps and bounds in the healthcare industry, some say it’s replacing that personal touch. Not so, says Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician David McAtee, D.O. He’s using technology to actually improve his patients’ experience and outcome. “With the appropriate use of electronics and technology, you can actually have a much more personal touch.”

Millennium Physician Group’s “Office of the Future” saves time, giving it back to physicians so they can in turn spend more of it with their patients.

“Now a lot of the work’s being done long before they hit the exam room,” explains Dr. McAtee.

Patient pre-registration is 100 percent electronic, saving time at check-in. And once in the exam room, technology really takes over.

“We no longer weigh people on a scale. The table weighs the patient,” says Dr. McAtee. “Probably in the lines of two to three minutes per visit are saved just by simply not having to reposition the patient. Two to three minutes per visit allows us more time with the patient and allows us to be able to focus more on them.

Add in an electronic vital signs station and interactive wallboard displays. and you’ve got the formula for care teams to be able to focus on a personal connection with their patients.

“If we can take that time we save to really focus in on the patient and give them that personal touch they desire, they will love the technology,” admits Dr. McAtee. “In the long run, I think they’ll find it’s a much more efficient use of their time. And the connection is bigger and better than ever.”