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Adapting to the environment on social media has been the toughest challenges for the medical world. There are layers of complex protocols, medical regulation and compliance issues that have surfaced since the medical world got on social media. Nonetheless, medical professionals understand that it will be a tough journey for medical best practices on social media.

The objective of using social media is to improve the status of healthcare services worldwide. In order to succeed there have to convenient and secure ways of communicating with patients. Communication is the key to success on social media. Moreover, it is one of the essential best practices in compliance with medical best practices. However, there have been debates about the extent to which social media can be used without compromising medical ethics. Medical ethics are very strict about security of patient’s privacy. Compromise of sensitive information can lead to legal actions.

In order to continue with the struggle to achieve the objective, there are some software applications that have been designed in conformity with medical regulations. These facilitate medical institutions to succeed without the risk of legal action. They assist with best practices in risk management and operational management as well. Three most recommended software applications include:

• ZocDoc: This free software application offers patients the opportunity to book an appointment online. They don’t have to wait in line any longer. This free service was introduced in September 2007, particularly for dentist appointments. Recently it has proved effective for a number of other medical consultations. These include: cardiologist, primary care, eye-doctor, psychiatrist ENT, allergist, orthopedist, podiatrist, OB/GYN, radiologist, pediatrician, and dermatologist. It is currently used in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, Washington, Phoenix, DC, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Miami, San Diego and Seattle.

• Hello Health: This platform allows direct payment services for best practices in subscription based businesses. There are options for insured patients, those who’d pay directly or in installments. It allows communication with patients through email, instant messaging and video chats. Moreover, patients can access lab results, prescriptions and their personal health records. This offers an engaging process which a social media best practice. With ‘Hello Health’ one can scheduling of appointments with an integrated billing system.

• TIAA-CREF: This is not an application but a retirement benefit agency. Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association – College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) offers discussion forums on Twitter. This way, patients can use iPhones to get in touch with medical attention anywhere and anytime. However, practitioners will not provide conclusive diagnosis and prescriptions online.

Any of these three applications can be used for healthcare on social media. They ensure best practices and are in compliance with medical regulations.

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