In this world of technological instant gratification, speed and efficiency are valued above all else. People have the ability to obtain everything from groceries to rideshares with the simple click of a button, and they expect it that way or else. When something gets in the way of the ease they’ve come to expect, they’ll look elsewhere to obtain it. The same can be said for patients in the healthcare industry – and that’s precisely why patient self-scheduling is not only a good idea, but essential for any practice in 2023.
Patient convenience factors aside, there are many reasons to opt for patient self-scheduling. If you want to enhance your practice, here are the biggest reasons why every provider should invest in this software ASAP
Reduced No-shows
A recent poll suggested that 49% of medical groups’ no-show rates have increased since 2021. This costs organizations a tremendous amount of money. According to Forbes, the cost of no-shows in the U.S. healthcare system is a staggering $150 billion annually. Thankfully, studies have shown that patient-self scheduling tools decrease the no-show rate of practices by approximately 29%. In addition, the software often includes automated reminders, ensuring patients remember to attend their scheduled visit. This ultimately leads to significant savings over time and helps prevent frustrating gaps in the work day from patients not showing up unexpectedly, wasting everyone’s time.
Less Overhead
Digital self-scheduling tools also have the power to improve ROI for any practice. This is because the software leads to less overhead for the front desk staff. When a patient needs to call in order to schedule an appointment, a designated staff member must be on duty to answer the call and take the patient’s information. However, when all of this is done online, less staff members are needed to run the front desk. In fact, studies have shown that by combining online scheduling with solutions like digital check-in, the front desk staff is reduced by roughly 2 or more full-time employees, leading to a savings of at least $76,000 per year for a practice.
Improved Satisfaction
A satisfied patient leads to satisfied staff! Options that increase patient engagement not only reduce the workload of front desk staff, but also make patients more satisfied with the practice overall. That’s why online scheduling is a win-win! Patients appreciate the convenience that comes with scheduling online because they no longer need to call during business hours to find an appointment, only to be placed on hold for long periods of time. Similarly, providers benefit from the online scheduling because it frees up their front desk staff from answering as many phone calls, allowing them to prioritize other tasks that require their attention.
Patient Self-Scheduling with DocResponse
A 2020 poll found that 68% of patients are more likely to choose practices that offer the option to book, modify, or cancel appointments online. If you want to offer patients the convenience of online scheduling, DocResponse is the best choice for your practice. Patients have the ability to schedule appointments directly from your practice’s website, quickly and easily with no patient portal required. Here are some of the main features that make DocResponse’s online scheduling software an exceptional choice:
- Real-time EHR integration ensures all appointment information is up-to-date.
- Patients complete all registration, check-in, and intake forms before the time of their appointment.
- Options to designate each appointment with its own workflow allow for a customized experience.
Ready to simplify your front desk’s workflow, all while giving patients what they demand in 2023? Learn more about DocResponse’s online scheduling and digital check-in software by scheduling a demo today!