Effective patient interaction technologies can enhance the patient experience

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations across the country realized they needed to change their already stressed patient intake processes in order to lower the more immediate danger of transmission. This is when the need to minimize wait times first became apparent. According to data, protracted wait times frequently lead to a negative patient experience, which is something that every healthcare institution wishes to avoid. Many healthcare organizations and medical practices simultaneously were experiencing staffing issues.

Organizations that pivoted using portal automation and engagement tools saw decreases from 30-minute wait times on average to less than 10 minutes. Moreover, patient satisfaction was improving as patients were embracing the notion of participation in their own care, filling out paperwork online and at their convenience and in the comfort of their own homes. Here are just a few simple steps that can help to reduce wait times, help to improve patient satisfaction while at the same time helping to reduce cancellations and no-shows. And, as we know, a reduction in no show visits is also of financial benefit to the practice.

Three easy ways to streamline the patient check-in experience within Criterions:

Automated Appointment Reminders

Criterions’ Text Appointment Reminders act as an integrated tool for confirming appointments and enhancing communication between your office and your patients.

Electronic Intake Forms, Questionnaires, and Consent Forms

Criterions’ Patient Engagement Module provides the ability to send patients customized questionnaires, which can be linked to appointment type and sent automatically through the patient portal. Patients can fill out the form and sign for consent prior to their appointments and at their convenience. Completed and signed documents will then be available within the EHR.

Automated Check-In

Patients can receive a check-in confirmation text one hour prior to their scheduled appointment allowing them to confirm using their phones, thus starting the visit with your practice.

If you would like more information on how to set up automations within the Criterions EHR system to assist your office staff, please email SUPPORT HERE or fill out the form below and we'll be in touch shortly.