Bright.md announces the addition of a module to its SmartExam telehealth solution designed to help patients receive comprehensive treatment for low back pain.

“Low back pain is one of the most common reasons that people seek care—and miss work,” says Dr Eric Norris, medical director of Express Care Clinics at Providence St. Joseph Health in Portland, Oregon. “This new SmartExam module is simple, on point, and will allow patients to get safe, evidence-based treatment from a provider they trust without making what can be a painful trip to a medical office.”

SmartExam acts as a virtual medical resident, by thoroughly and adaptively collecting information from the patient about their symptoms and medical history and integrating it with relevant information pulled directly from the electronic health record (EHR). It then provides a provisional diagnosis, treatment plan, and chart-ready SOAP note for the physician to review.

Clinicians only need a few clicks and a few minutes of time to deliver care. Unlike video visits, SmartExam allows patients to seek care—and providers to deliver it—from anywhere, using their smartphone or computer, 24 hours a day. No high-speed Internet connection required, explains a media release from Bright.md.

The release of the low back pain module was made possible with the addition of order and referral management (ORM) capabilities within SmartExam. Patients with low back pain can log on to SmartExam using their smartphone, computer, or tablet, answer a few questions about their pain and symptoms, and then receive a treatment plan from their provider. Importantly, treatment can include a referral to a physical therapist or another practitioner who can help the patient along to recovery, the release continues.

“With referrals, healthcare providers are able to safely and effectively diagnose and treat patients, while also helping them along their care journey within the system,” states Dr Ray Costantini, CEO and cofounder of Bright.md, in the release. “The seamless care experience leads to better patient outcomes for lower back pain and other health issues, and helps systems attract and retain patients.”

[Source(s): Bright.md, PR Newswire]