The world is changing quickly with technology, and it’s hard for everyone to keep up. This is especially true in Healthcare, where digital software has made scheduling appointments much easier.
Healthcare practices compete to have this online scheduling system, and those who don’t are falling behind. According to a survey by Intuit Health, more than 80 percent of patients prefer it.
Do you want to know why online scheduling for healthcare is so helpful? We have the answers.
Patients like using digital scheduling more than traditional methods
Many patients, especially the younger generation, prefer using their smartphones or laptops to book appointments instead of traditional methods. Even millennials prefer healthcare practices that don’t require them to go to a physical location or make phone calls. According to the 2019 Healthcare Consumer Trends Report by NRC Health, 80% of patients surveyed would switch providers for the sake of convenience alone.
The Accenture 2019 Digital Health Consumer Survey found similar results: 68% of patients are likelier to choose healthcare facilities that offer online appointment booking, changes, and cancellations.
By meeting the preferences of a large portion of the population, a Primary Healthcare Clinic can attract new customers based solely on its convenient services without relying heavily on marketing strategies. Not embracing digital patient scheduling may lead to being included in changing demographics, harming a facility’s success.
Patients like using digital scheduling more than traditional methods
Using online scheduling software is good for both patients and service providers. In healthcare, scheduling systems can help reduce the administrative work that office staff has to do. Instead of being overwhelmed with phone calls, patient records, doctor availability, and appointments, they can focus on taking care of patients efficiently.
According to a survey by Patient Pop, it might take up more than 10 hours a week for 32.6 percent of Clinics. By using the electronic scheduling software for these small tasks, you can decrease the workload, reduce wait times, and have appointments scheduled smoothly.
By letting digital software handle tasks that don’t require personal attention, you can free up time to provide a better patient experience and update medical services. It can also support customer satisfaction even before a visit. According to GetApp, 56.1 percent of patients get frustrated when waiting on hold for a long time or dealing with inconvenient office hours while scheduling an appointment.
Online Medical Scheduling helps fill empty appointment times
Using online scheduling for healthcare appointments can make things more consistent and clear. This can help healthcare facilities run smoothly and earn more money. According to a famous survey by Merritt Hawkins in 2017, it takes about 24 days to schedule a new appointment in 15 major cities in the United States.
But with online scheduling, we can fill up empty appointment slots better. When appointment slots are empty, the facility loses money. By having a complete view of a practice’s schedule and available slots, patients can easily pick a time that works for them.
You can schedule online anytime
Appointment scheduling in the traditional way has restrictions on when patients can book appointments because they can only do it during the clinic’s open hours. However, online patient scheduling software allows for appointments to be made 24/7, even when the healthcare facility is closed. This means that patients with other responsibilities can visit a service’s website anytime that suits their busy schedule and select the most convenient slot. Further, According to Patient Pop, around 35 percent of their appointments are scheduled outside the usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours.
Online Healthcare scheduling helps to organize and handle information effectively
Online medical scheduling uses software to handle managerial tasks and rarely makes errors. This system can effectively handle and organize information like patient health records, available appointment slots, and doctor schedules. According to Robert Monroe, a digital technology blogger at DraftBeyond and Research Papers UK, having a centralized location for saving is essential. It enables more efficient analysis and better patient case file management.
Online Scheduling also promotes Online Payment
Patients can choose their preferred appointment time, reducing the chances of forgetting or skipping it. They can also pay for their appointments online, which helps improve revenue cycle management. Katherine Jackson, a healthcare writer at Lucky Assignments and Gum Essays, explains that patients feel secure when making online payments. The scheduling systems are safe, and the stored information is protected. Additionally, offering discounts at specific times or a free consultation after the first visit can motivate patients to use the scheduling services more frequently.
Key Takeaways
- Patients like using digital scheduling more than traditional methods
- Online Scheduling helps fill empty appointment times
- You can schedule online anytime
- Online scheduling helps to organize and handle information effectively
- Online Scheduling also promotes Online Payment