Navigating modern healthcare systems can often be a challenging experience for patients. From appointment scheduling to rescheduling, the processes can sometimes become too complicated, leading to no-shows and disappointed patients. However, the landscape of patient scheduling is changing rapidly, and advanced technologies like Artera are paving the way for a more patient-centered approach.
Patient Scheduling Essentials
Let’s face it: today’s patients are consumers who expect the same level of service from providers as they do from other industries. They want convenience, accessibility and a user-friendly experience in terms of their healthcare – especially with scheduling their appointments.
24/7 Online Self-Scheduling
Gone are the days when someone is calling you from their home phone to schedule an appointment. In fact, 73% of patients expect to be able to schedule online today – and while the convenience is naturally beneficial for the patient, providers also gain value: not only does online scheduling reduce call volume related to scheduling inquiries but a healthcare organization saves $3-4 for every patient appointment that’s scheduled online.
Easy Search & Filtering Options
Let’s say a patient just moved to a new city: they’re likely searching for a new provider in the area, doing research, and reading reviews. They found two providers that are both highly related – but Provider A has a poor search functionality and requires calling to schedule while Provider B has filtering options – down to the provider, appointment and time. Will the patient go with provider A or B?
It should come as no surprise that the patient will likely go with Provider B. Having the ability to access robust search and filtering options, patients can easily find and book appointments with their preferred providers, leading to greater satisfaction and retention rates.
Automated Waitlisting
As most of us are aware, appointments can take weeks – or even months – to get depending on the speciality. But what happens when an appointment opens up? Today, it should be an industry standard that patients immediately get notified if a new appointment slot becomes available at an earlier time.
Streamline and Optimize Your Appointments
Does your organization offer self-scheduling? If not, it may be something to consider. In fact, studies show that 68% of patients are more likely to choose a provider offering online booking options.
With Artera, you can empower your patients through a self-scheduling system that aligns healthcare and convenience. The software allows patients to take the reins of their care by enabling them to reschedule and coordinate their appointments independently. It’s a smart move in today’s tech-driven world, where more than 50 percent of consumers prefer text messaging for customer service.
Artera goes beyond just providing a platform for scheduling. It also helps you cut down on no-shows – something that can be a significant setback for healthcare providers. The evidence is clear: Artera clients have seen no-shows drop by over 50 percent.
Lift Up Your Engagement Rates
Artera doesn’t stop at scheduling. It also helps you boost patient engagement through strategic SMS outreach, facilitating appointment scheduling for established patients to encourage ongoing care engagement. Artera’s approach proves effective in real-world applications. For instance, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic found that Artera Rescheduling and conversational messaging significantly improved the patient experience, with over 1,400 patients independently rescheduling appointments within the first 75 days.
Customize for Your Needs
Artera offers flexibility in its services by providing customizable automated conversations over SMS, email, or phone. This versatility is crucial considering the fact that 78 percent of consumers wish to converse with businesses over text. Patients anticipate a seamless, personalized experience, and Artera delivers just that.
So why wait? Optimize your patient engagement, streamline scheduling processes, and enhance your patients’ experience with Artera. After all, in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape, providing a superior patient experience is key to retaining and attracting patients.
