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The waiting room—it’s where time drags, and patience wears thin. Clients glance at the clock, pets grow restless, and staff feel the pressure to keep things moving.
Long appointment wait times can create frustration and stress for everyone involved. But there’s a way to fix this: digital queuing. This solution helps veterinary practices reduce wait times, improve operations, and create a better experience for both clients and staff.
Clients expect fast and efficient service when they bring their pets in for care. When they face long wait times, it can cause frustration. Pets also experience stress, especially if they are unwell. Prolonged waiting can lead to unhappy clients who may even seek out a different practice.
For veterinary practices, long wait times are often a symptom of inefficiencies in the scheduling system. When appointments overlap or clients arrive late, the entire schedule gets thrown off track. This disrupts the flow of the day and causes delays that ripple through the entire clinic, leading to stress and reduced productivity.
Digital queuing is a technology that allows clients to check in online, track their place in line, and receive updates on when they should arrive. This system helps streamline the check-in process, so clients don’t have to wait in a crowded lobby. They can monitor their status from the comfort of their homes or cars, allowing for better time management and less stress.
The system also helps veterinary practices manage appointments more effectively, giving staff a clearer view of when clients will arrive and when the next appointment is due. With fewer surprises, the clinic can operate more efficiently, reducing wait times for everyone.
Digital queuing doesn’t just reduce wait times—it enhances the entire experience for clients and staff alike.
Clients love the convenience of digital queuing. They don’t need to arrive early or sit in a busy waiting area. They can check in remotely and wait for updates on their phone, freeing up time to handle other tasks. This level of convenience greatly improves client satisfaction.
One of the biggest advantages of digital queuing is the ability to provide real-time notifications. Clients are kept informed about their status in the queue, reducing anxiety and uncertainty. They’ll know exactly when it’s time to come in for their appointment.
Digital queuing helps practices maintain a steady flow of clients throughout the day. When the clinic can better predict when clients will arrive, they can avoid delays and ensure that each appointment runs on time. This not only improves wait times but also boosts the efficiency of the entire operation.
Digital queuing allows clients to wait from their cars or homes, which reduces the number of people in the clinic at any given time. Less overcrowding leads to a calmer environment, which is especially beneficial for pets that may already be stressed or anxious.
Digital queuing also helps staff stay on top of their schedules and manage time more efficiently.
With digital queuing, staff have a better understanding of when clients will arrive. This enables them to prepare for each appointment and avoid delays caused by clients showing up late or early. The system helps ensure appointments are spaced appropriately, so there’s no unnecessary downtime between visits.
Digital queuing systems can help identify busy periods and trends, allowing staff to adjust schedules accordingly. By anticipating peak times, practices can ensure that they have enough staff available to manage the flow, reducing stress and improving overall efficiency.
When clients arrive on time, there’s no need for extra waiting or rushed appointments. Digital queuing keeps the day on track, allowing staff to allocate the right amount of time to each patient without interruptions.
Good communication is key to reducing frustration and improving the client experience. Digital queuing systems help ensure clear, consistent communication with pet owners.
One of the key features of digital queuing is the ability to send automated appointment reminders. Clients are notified when their appointment is coming up and reminded to check in. This reduces the chance of missed appointments and helps the practice stay on schedule.
Clients will receive updates throughout the day, keeping them informed about wait times. This eliminates the need to ask the front desk for updates, allowing staff to focus on other tasks.
After the appointment, practices can send follow-up messages through the queuing system. These may include reminders for follow-up care or requests for feedback. This type of communication strengthens client relationships and encourages repeat visits.
Though digital queuing offers many benefits, some practices may hesitate to implement the system due to concerns.
Clients who are not familiar with technology might be hesitant to use digital queuing. However, most systems are designed to be user-friendly, and alternatives like text messages can be used for those who prefer them.
Implementing digital queuing requires an upfront investment, but the long-term savings are significant. By reducing wait times, improving scheduling, and increasing client satisfaction, the practice can increase revenue and efficiency over time.
Introducing new technology means staff will need some time to adjust. However, digital queuing systems are typically easy to use and require minimal training. Most staff will adapt quickly once they become familiar with the system.
When implementing any digital system, data privacy is a top concern. Choose a digital queuing solution that complies with privacy regulations to ensure that client information is protected.
ER Express offers a digital queuing system that can help your veterinary practice reduce appointment wait times and improve client satisfaction. Their solution allows clients to check in remotely, track wait times, and receive real-time updates—without the stress of sitting in a waiting room.
With ER Express, veterinary practices can streamline operations, improve communication, and ensure a smoother experience for both clients and staff. The system integrates seamlessly into your practice, helping you operate more efficiently and reduce delays.
Explore how ER Express can help your practice improve scheduling and reduce appointment wait times. Learn more about their digital queuing solution here or discover more about their services here.
Managing a busy veterinary practice means juggling appointments, patient records, and client communication—often all at once. With so many tasks to handle, it’s essential to streamline processes wherever possible. Self check-in technology is one way to simplify your practice’s workflow, saving time for both your team and your clients.
Self check-in allows clients to complete the check-in process on their own, reducing wait times, minimizing administrative workload, and improving the overall experience. Here’s how self check-in can make your practice more efficient.
Self check-in is a digital system that allows pet owners to check in for their appointment without needing to interact directly with your front desk staff.
The system could be a mobile app, an online portal, or an in-clinic kiosk. It enables clients to update their pet’s medical history, confirm appointment details, or provide any necessary documents before they even arrive at your clinic.
By automating routine steps that would otherwise require manual input from your staff, self check-in helps streamline the entire process, allowing your team to focus on providing the best care for your patients.
Pet owners often feel stressed when they have to wait, especially if their pet is anxious. Self check-in speeds up the process by allowing clients to enter their information digitally, either before they arrive or as soon as they enter the clinic.
By eliminating long lines at the front desk, you can reduce client wait times and get them into the exam room faster. This not only makes clients feel more valued but also creates a smoother, more pleasant experience for their pets.
Self check-in systems are available 24/7, so clients don’t have to wait until they arrive at the clinic to complete their check-in.
By allowing pet owners to confirm appointments, update medical records, or submit necessary documents ahead of time, self check-in provides flexibility and convenience. Clients can check in when it’s most convenient for them, which saves time for everyone involved.
Shorter wait times and a smoother check-in process contribute to less stress for both clients and their pets. The ability to avoid long lines and paperwork means your clients can focus on their pet’s care instead of worrying about the administrative details.
The result? A better overall experience that encourages clients to return and continue trusting your practice with their pets’ health.
Self check-in helps your front desk staff by minimizing manual tasks, such as inputting pet information and filling out forms. Clients enter their own details, which reduces errors and frees up your team to handle more important matters, like addressing client concerns or assisting with medical questions.
This also makes your clinic’s workflow more efficient, as staff no longer need to spend time on repetitive tasks.
Self check-in systems provide real-time updates on who has arrived and if there are any changes to client information. This means your team can keep better track of appointments and stay on schedule without the last-minute rush.
The improved visibility into who is on time and who might need extra time allows your team to make better decisions about how to allocate resources during the day.
Self check-in systems often allow clients to share specific details about their pets. For example, a client might indicate that their pet has anxiety or requires special accommodations.
This extra information ensures that your team can prepare in advance, making it easier to give pets the best care possible while addressing client needs from the start.
Streamlining the check-in process directly impacts client satisfaction. When clients experience a smooth, quick, and efficient check-in, they’re more likely to have a positive view of your clinic overall.
Reducing wait times and simplifying administrative tasks shows that your practice respects clients’ time and values efficiency, which can increase client loyalty and referrals.
Self check-in helps reduce the need for paper, printing, and manual data entry, which can add up over time. By automating routine tasks, you can also reduce the burden on your staff, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks that contribute more directly to patient care.
This means your practice can operate more cost-effectively while providing a higher standard of service to your clients.
Self check-in systems are designed to capture client information accurately, minimizing human error. With more precise data, your team can provide better, more personalized care.
Up-to-date client and pet records make it easier for staff to deliver the right care at the right time, improving both the quality and efficiency of service.
Before introducing self check-in, ensure your staff is well-trained on the system. Your team should be familiar with how it works, how to guide clients through the process, and how to troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Training your staff to support the transition will ensure that your clients have a smooth experience.
Let clients know about the self check-in options available at your practice. Encourage them to use the system before their visit, particularly if it allows them to update records or submit documents ahead of time.
Explain how it will benefit them, from reducing wait times to improving the overall clinic experience.
After implementing the system, ask for feedback from both clients and staff. This will help you identify any challenges and find areas where you can improve the process.
By listening to feedback and making adjustments, you can continue to refine the system for better results.
Self check-in is a valuable tool that improves efficiency, enhances client satisfaction, and supports smoother clinic operations. By adopting this technology, you reduce administrative burdens and provide your team with more time to focus on patient care.
If you’re interested in exploring how self check-in can work for your practice, ER Express offers easy-to-use solutions for veterinary clinics. Find out more by visiting ER Express or learning about our online check-in tools.
Managing a veterinary clinic means wearing many hats. Between caring for pets, helping clients, and keeping things running smoothly, your team is always busy. Adding more paperwork to the mix can slow things down and create extra work for everyone.
Digital forms that work on mobile devices are a simple way to make things easier. They speed up check-ins, reduce errors, and give your clients a better experience—without adding stress to your staff’s day.
Many clients already feel stressed when they arrive. They might be worried about their pet or managing a tight schedule. Paper forms don’t make it any easier. Filling them out in the lobby while trying to comfort a nervous pet can be frustrating.
Mobile-friendly forms fix this. Clients can fill out paperwork at home, in the car, or wherever it’s convenient. They use their smartphone or tablet to complete and send forms before the appointment.
This reduces wait times and creates a smoother visit. Clients feel more at ease, and pets spend less time in an unfamiliar environment.
Mobile-friendly forms are specifically designed to work seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, or any device with internet access. This means clients don’t need a computer to fill them out.
These forms are:
By focusing on convenience and simplicity, mobile-friendly forms work for everyone—even clients who aren’t tech-savvy.
Paper forms create extra work for your staff. Someone has to hand them out, check them for mistakes, and enter the information manually into your system. This process takes time that could be spent on patient care.
Digital forms eliminate this bottleneck. Clients send their information directly to your system, so your team has everything ready to go. This means faster check-ins and more time to focus on pets.
Handwritten forms often lead to problems. Messy handwriting, missing details, or misplaced forms can create delays or mistakes in patient records.
Digital forms ensure that information is clear and complete every time. They also organize client data automatically, so nothing gets lost. This leads to better care and less hassle for your team.
Clients appreciate convenience. Offering mobile-friendly forms shows them you value their time and want to make their experience as smooth as possible.
A streamlined check-in process creates a positive impression. Happy clients are more likely to return to your clinic and recommend it to others.
Switching to mobile-friendly forms doesn’t need to be complicated. Choose tools designed specifically for veterinary clinics, with features that fit your workflow.
Here’s how to get started:
The right digital forms are simple to set up and save time from day one.
You might have questions about introducing digital forms. That’s normal.
While most clients are comfortable with mobile forms, you can still offer paper forms as a backup for those who prefer them.
Yes, as long as you choose a platform with strong security features. Encryption and other safeguards ensure sensitive information stays protected.
A well-designed system integrates easily into your existing processes. Many clinics find the transition smooth, and the time savings are worth it.
Mobile-friendly digital forms make life easier for your staff and your clients. They speed up check-ins, improve record accuracy, and create a better experience overall.
ER Express provides easy-to-use digital intake forms and other tools to help your clinic run more smoothly. Learn more at ER Express and discover how these solutions can improve your practice.
For busy veterinarians, high-quality practice management software is a must-have. With an excellent software system in place, it’s easier to manage patient flow, collect and analyze data, and communicate with clients.
Are you searching for great queue management software for your busy veterinary clinic? Here’s a quick review of the essential benefits and features to prioritize.
New or upgraded software is one of the most meaningful investments a veterinary practice owner can make. In modern medical settings, software is an integral part of nearly every process and system, from patient care to billing. Having the best product available is well worth it.
The benefits of great veterinary management software include:
Queue management software includes a suite of tools for improving patient flow and client communications. These digital patient engagement tools begin with online check-in, also known as mobile check-in or express check-in.
With mobile check-in, clients use a digital platform to check in for an appointment remotely. The check-in process is fast, convenient, paperless, and doesn’t require a phone call. The ease of use is attractive to prospective clients while saving time for staff.
After checking in online, clients can then complete the intake process on a mobile device. The process is paperless and hygienic. It’s also wonderfully convenient for clients—check-in, intake, and waiting all take place on the same user-friendly digital platform.
With a client engagement tool like Intake Express, clients can fill out their registration forms in just one or two minutes. Digital intake includes:
After the client completes the digital intake process, their info is immediately transferred to the veterinary practice. Then, reception staff can quickly access PDFs of the completed registration forms to download and add to the practice’s database.
Client engagement software makes it possible for clients to complete their check-in and intake processes remotely. That means the waiting room can be remote, too.
After clients check in to their appointments, they’re added to a virtual waiting room. On their mobile devices, they can monitor their positions in the patient queue along with the projected start time of their appointments.
With virtual waiting, clients and pets can minimize the amount of time they spend in the physical waiting room. They can wait at home, down the street, or in the parking lot until a few minutes before their appointment starts. All the while, the system keeps them informed about the movement of the queue. The projected start time of each appointment is automatically updated each time a prior appointment is concluded.
Queue management software can make veterinary referrals faster and easier. With an online system like ER Passport, referring facilities can use a convenient online form to complete the entire referral process—without the need for phone calls.
Here’s how it works:
For veterinary ERs, online referrals are a game-changer. This system streamlines the movement of data, reduces call volume, and helps your team prepare for incoming patients.
At ER Express, we help veterinarians unlock the power of great software. Our patient engagement solutions improve communications, simplify tasks, and lead to better patient care outcomes.
This year, we’re excited to return to the International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society conference (IVECCS 2024) from September 7–11 in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s the #1 conference for critical care vets, emergency vets, technicians, students, and other industry professionals.
Stop by our booth at IVECCS 2024 or contact us online at any time to learn more about veterinary software solutions.
A well-managed patient queue is essential for keeping a veterinary practice running smoothly. It’s the difference maker between happy pets and anxious ones. Between clients who keep coming back and ones who look elsewhere. It’s the difference between a pleasant, profitable workplace and one that’s tense and strained.
Many factors contribute to effective queue management. These include a hard-working staff, a well-designed building, and a smart game plan for managing patient flow.
You also need the right tools. In particular, great queue management software is a must-have for any busy vet practice.
If you’re looking to add or upgrade queue management software for your practice, we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of this tool and which features to look for.
Queue management software is a digital solution for managing patient flow. Basic versions of this type of software provide limited functionality for tracking when appointments start and end.
Modern, high-quality queue management software is much more advanced, providing a dynamic interface between the practice and its clients.
The key benefits of queue management software include:
Mobile check-in, also known as express check-in, is the use of a digital platform that streamlines the process of checking in for an appointment. Mobile check-in empowers clients to begin their appointment process remotely. They get a head-start on entering the patient queue and their appointment proceeds more smoothly once they arrive at the clinic.
Mobile check-in is:
Mobile check-in makes life easier for clients, pets, and veterinary staff. The mobile check-in process also pairs perfectly with the use of a virtual waiting room. This integration leads to reduced wait times and streamlined queue management.
Traditionally, the veterinary waiting room hasn’t always been a fun place for pets and clients to spend time. Many pets get anxious, noisy, and accident-prone when they’re stuck in a small space around strangers.
Now, thanks to queue management software, the waiting room experience doesn’t have to be stressful anymore.
After clients complete their mobile check-in, they enter a virtual waiting room. Using their mobile device, clients can see their position in the appointment queue as well as the estimated start time for their appointments. They don’t even need to stay in the physical waiting room—they can spend the majority of the wait time in the parking lot, down the street, or even at home.
In the virtual waiting room, automation keeps the queue running smoothly. Appointment start times are automatically updated as appointments end. Meanwhile, notifications and two-way messaging keep clients informed and in control of their waiting experience.
Queue management software can include a built-in communication platform between a veterinary practice and its clients. Ideally, this system includes two-way texting.
With two-way texting, the practice can send appointment updates and other info to clients. These messages may be automated or written by the staff. The client can then reply, prompting automated responses or direct responses from staff.
Two-way texting is a great way to reduce call volume, send and receive appointment data, and improve the reception staff’s ability to effectively manage the patient queue.
High-quality queue management software integrates several key systems in a veterinary practice. These include scheduling, intake, queue management, and billing. Thanks to this integration, it’s easy to collect and organize a wide variety of data in real time.
With advanced analytics and customized reports, queue management software provides insights into a practice’s operations. You can explore data like average wait time or appointment cancellation rates. This information provides the foundation for setting KPIs and goals, helping your business maintain a state of continuous improvement.
At ER Express, we supply busy veterinary practices with queue management software that streamlines workflows and improves the client experience.
To see what a software upgrade could mean for your practice, contact ER Express today to request a product demonstration.
As a devoted pet owner, you do your best to keep your pet in excellent health. Nevertheless, emergencies happen. In the long life of a dog, cat, or other pet, there’s a good chance that eventually they’ll suffer a sudden health problem.
Fortunately, veterinary emergency rooms are ready to help out with any issue that requires immediate attention—whether it’s a broken bone, a very sick tummy, or a life-threatening injury or illness.
If something ever happens to your pet that requires emergency care, you’ll want to be prepared. That means knowing where your nearest veterinary ER is located. You should also have a game plan for quickly and safely getting there.
It’s also important to know the steps involved in a visit to a veterinary ER. Here’s a quick look at what to expect, from checking in to the hospital to going through triage and waiting, to getting emergency care from the veterinary staff.
The first step in an ER vet visit is the check-in process. Checking in is how your basic info enters the hospital’s system and you secure your place in line to be seen by the care providers.
You can check in to a veterinary ER by simply showing up. The reception staff will take your information, add your pet to the patient queue, and provide an estimate regarding the wait time.
The downside of an in-person check-in is that you don’t enter the patient queue in advance. That means you might not be seen as quickly as you could have if you checked in on the phone or online. Plus, you won’t have any idea how long the waiting time is until you walk through the door.
To enter the patient queue in advance, you can call the ER. Or, if the clinic offers online check-in, you can easily provide your information by filling out a simple form on your mobile device. Then, you’ll enter a virtual waiting room that keeps you informed of your estimated appointment start time.
When you arrive at a veterinary ER, or check in online or by phone, triage begins. Triage is the process in which medical workers quickly evaluate the urgency of patients and sort the appointment queue accordingly. Pets that are bleeding, unconscious, or having difficulty breathing are treated as quickly as possible. Less urgent cases may have longer wait times.
Veterinary ER waiting times vary from place to place and day to day. Sometimes, you might receive immediate treatment. Other times, the wait may last for several hours.
If the hospital you’re visiting uses a virtual waiting room, you’ll be able to enter the patient queue remotely. That way, you can wait at home or in the parking lot until it’s time to be seen. During the wait, you can use the mobile platform to monitor your place in the queue. The system provides an estimated start time that automatically updates each time an appointment ends.
When your pet reaches the treatment room, they’ll be in the capable hands of the veterinarian and veterinary technicians. Depending on the pet’s condition and the hospital’s policies, pet owners may or may not be permitted to stay with the pet during treatment.
During treatment, the ER staff will determine a course of action and perform any necessary procedures to stabilize the animal. This may include surgery. Afterward, the staff returns the pet to the owner and discusses after-care recommendations.
After your pet is treated and returned to you, the veterinary staff will provide information about after-care. Typical after-care recommendations include:
If the veterinary practice offers a mobile platform, you can use that for all of your post-visit activities. These might include online payment, receiving educational info, and completing a customer satisfaction survey.
If you’re a veterinarian looking to improve the client experience at your ER or clinic, ER Express can help. We provide vets with client engagement software that reduces staff workload, improves client satisfaction, and ultimately leads to better patient care.
Contact ER Express today to arrange a product demonstration.
For pets and their owners, the veterinary waiting room experience is stressful.
For a client who comes to an animal hospital to deal with a pet emergency, waiting is hard—especially when they have no idea how long the wait will last. Even with an appointment, being seen on time isn’t a certainty. Sometimes, pets with more urgent needs jump the line, while clients with appointments struggle to keep their companions calm.
As a busy veterinarian, you can’t promise clients that every appointment will start on time, or that walk-ins will be promptly treated. What you can do is streamline the check-in process, optimize queue management, and provide helpful communications throughout the waiting process. All you need is the right software.
In the sections below, we’ll make the case for adopting a digital queue management system to improve check-ins, waiting, and client communication at your veterinary clinic or animal hospital.
The entire appointment queuing process poses challenges for pet owners, starting with booking or checking in to an appointment. If a pet owner’s only option is to call the clinic, this can be inefficient. The line may be busy, or a number of issues can complicate phone calls, such as bad reception, speech problems, or the slow nature of transmitting information over the phone.
Once an appointment is booked, the pet owner must arrive on time. If the clinic is having a busy day, the wait might be long—but the client won’t get the memo until they’re stuck in a crowded waiting room full of anxious pets.
According to a study by the American Medical Veterinary Association, 15% of veterinary appointments have waiting room times over 30 minutes.
Long waits are sometimes unavoidable, but the traditional waiting room system isn’t helpful. A paper-based system keeps clients out of the loop, involves lengthy intake paperwork, and forces pets and their owners to remain on-site for the entire wait. That’s a stressful situation for all parties.
Queue management software digitizes and automates the process of checking in for appointments, completing intake procedures, and progressing through the patient queue. Here’s a rundown of a few key features of queue management software.
Express check-in, or mobile check-in, is a streamlined appointment check-in process that clients can complete on their phones. To check-in for an appointment, a pet owner completes these simple steps:
Next, clients are automatically entered into a virtual waiting room. They immediately receive info regarding their position in the queue and the estimated start time of their appointment. Then, they can plan accordingly.
The traditional paper-based intake process for medical appointments isn’t ideal for modern vet care. Paper forms can’t be completed remotely, and thus tend to slow down the patient queue. They’re also unhygienic, waste-making, prone to human error, and create time-consuming data entry tasks for staff.
With queue management software, intake goes digital. On the same platform where they check in for appointments, clients can quickly complete patient registration forms and sign consent forms. These paperless processes can be completed remotely in advance of the appointment, so there’s no delay when they arrive at the clinic.
After checking in and completing intake forms, pet owners and their companions enjoy a flexible waiting room experience. Because they’re kept informed regarding their exact position in the patient queue, they don’t need to spend their entire wait on-site.
With virtual waiting, clients and pets can pass the time at home or out and about while they monitor their position in the queue. Then, when their appointment start time draws near, they can wait in their car in the parking lot or in another comfortable nearby location. Without being stuck in the waiting room, clients enjoy a more flexible appointment process—while pets avoid the stress and anxiety of a crowded waiting room.
Queue management is a major challenge in veterinary care, but the right software makes a world of difference.
At ER Express, our queue management system streamlines check-ins and creates a more flexible waiting room experience for clients and pets.
Ready to see the transformative effect of great queue management software? Contact ER Express today for a product demonstration.
From medical appointments to hotels to restaurant waiting lists, today’s consumers expect fast, easy mobile check-in options. Why should veterinary appointments be any different?
The traditional veterinary check-in process is full of stress and uncertainty for clients. They want their sick pets to be seen as quickly as possible. But, they often don’t have a clear indication of appointment availability until they walk through the door. Then, they may be met with a stack of intake paperwork to fill out, further delaying their appointment time and adding more stress.
Fortunately, express check-in solutions are changing the way veterinarians welcome clients and pets to their clinics. Let’s explore how express check-in works for veterinary care and why every practice should embrace this helpful tool.
Express check-in (also known as mobile check-in) refers to a streamlined check-in process that doesn’t require waiting for in-person assistance. Express check-in is a common benefit in the hospitality industry and is increasingly offered by medical practices.
The key features of express check-in include:
For veterinary care, mobile check-in simplifies the appointment process for clients while making it easier for staff to manage the patient queue.
Mobile check-in for veterinary clinics and animal hospitals works on a website or app. Clinics can quickly direct clients to their platform via an SMS link or QR code.
To complete a mobile check-in, a client completes a simple digital questionnaire to provide the practice with key info regarding the nature of the visit. Requested info typically includes:
Clients can usually answer these questions without assistance in less than two minutes. After submitting their info, the client is entered into a virtual waiting room. They’re immediately notified of how many pets are ahead of them in the queue, along with additional information about how the practice prioritizes appointments.
While they wait to be seen, clients and their pets can pass the time in their car or outdoors near the practice. Throughout their wait, they can monitor their place in line and maintain a precise estimate of their appointment’s start time.
Express check-in and virtual waiting improve the appointment experience for pets, their owners, and veterinary staff.
For pet owners, express check-in makes it easier to begin the appointment process remotely. The ability to check in from a phone means that clients can quickly secure their place in the queue without being physically present at the clinic. Not even a phone call is required.
Then, immediately knowing their place in line and their estimated start time helps clients time their visit to reduce the amount of time spent in the physical waiting room. This reduces the stressful waiting room experience for pets. With virtual waiting, pets aren’t forced to spend an extended wait in the proximity of other anxious animals. This helps them start their appointments with a lower stress level, leading to better care.
Mobile check-in is a big win for vet staff, too. The digitally-managed queue uses automation to update projected appointment times and provide notifications to clients. That means less data entry and guesswork for reception staff.
Plus, the physical waiting room is less crowded, and therefore a much lower-stress environment. Fewer animals in the waiting room means less noise, fewer accidents to clean up, and a calmer, more pleasant environment for workers, pets, and pet owners.
If you’re eager to improve the check-in process at your veterinary clinic or animal hospital, ER Express can help. We supply busy veterinarians with digital client engagement software that streamlines check-ins, reduces pet stress, and improves the quality of care. It’s a win-win-win for pets, their owners, and veterinary staff.
Our cloud-based digital engagement tools for vet care include mobile check-in, paperless digital intake tools, and virtual waiting rooms.
To learn more, contact ER Express today to request a screenshare product demonstration.
As a talented and experienced veterinarian, you’re passionate about providing excellent patient care and top-notch customer service. Your skills are sharp and your bedside manner can’t be beat—but what about your tools?
A modern veterinary practice needs modern tools. These include the digital systems that help you run your practice smoothly while providing clients with helpful, timely communications.
Are you a late adopter of digital engagement tools? Or, is your current software performing below expectations? If so, then we’re here with a quick primer on all you need to know about the latest client engagement tools for vet care. In the sections below, we’ll describe the most common and helpful veterinary digital engagement tools and discuss their value in improving care and customer service.
Digital patient engagement tools are software-based tools that streamline communications and transactions between a healthcare provider and a patient (or a veterinary client). Engagement tools are often cloud-based. They’re typically accessed via a website, app, or a digital kiosk inside a practice’s facility.
Examples of digital client engagement tools include:
These tools replace slow traditional communication methods and help clients feel more in control of their appointments and care.
Digital engagement tools improve customer service by making it easier for clients to complete appointment activities like scheduling, intake, and payment. Clients can complete these tasks from their computer, phone, or tablet. This means less paperwork, less waiting, and 24-hour access to some activities.
One area in which digital engagement offers tremendous benefits is the waiting room.
Traditionally, a client shows up early for their appointment and hopes to be seen on time. They fill out paper forms, which then must be manually entered into the system by reception staff. Then, they pass the time in a crowded waiting room, unsure of when their appointment will actually begin.
Mobile check-in and virtual waiting remove uncertainty, relieve stress on clients and pets, and create a more pleasant appointment experience.
Mobile check-in allows a client to check in to their appointment from a personal device. If intake forms are required, these are easily completed via the client’s device or on a self-service kiosk. These processes don’t require printing, scanning, or paperwork—resulting in a simpler, waste-free, hygienic check-in process.
After check-in, a client and their pet move into a virtual waiting room. On their phone or on a screen in the waiting room, they can monitor their place in the queue as well as their appointment’s projected start time. Start time estimates are automatically updated each time an appointment ends.
Best of all, clients and pets don’t need to wait in the physical waiting room. They can pass time in their car or around the grounds.
By removing the need to idle in a crowded waiting room, digital engagement tools provide relief for the most stressful part of a veterinary appointment. The waiting room experience becomes streamlined and enhanced by helpful communications, representing a huge customer service win for all parties.
Digital engagement tools don’t only make life easier for clients and veterinarians. They also benefit patient care by creating a more comfortable appointment process.
Pets are often nervous and irritated in the waiting room. With a traditional waiting room system, it’s difficult to alleviate pets’ anxieties. Clients don’t know exactly when their appointments will start, so they’re stuck. Throughout the day, the waiting room contains a revolving group of multiple pets—and they aren’t always enjoying one another’s company.
With patient engagement tools, the intake process is streamlined and the waiting room experience is flexible. For pets, that means less time in an anxiety-inducing space. In turn, pets are more relaxed when they enter the treatment room, leading to a calmer and more productive appointment.
At ER Express, we equip veterinarians with easy-to-use digital engagement software that improves communications and customer service. Our software solutions save time, boost efficiency, and improve the veterinary experience for pets, pet owners, and staff.
Our user-friendly software-based tools and features include:
Ready to explore the very best digital engagement tools for your practice? Contact ER Express today to schedule a screenshare product demonstration.
Imagine the scene: The waiting room is packed, a frantic pet owner paces with a whimpering dog, while another juggles a squirming kitten and a stack of paperwork. Appointments are running behind, and the phone keeps ringing with emergencies. This chaotic scenario is all too familiar for veterinary practices.
Effective waitlist management is the key to transforming this stressful situation. It’s more than just keeping a list; it’s about creating a system that ensures a smooth flow for both scheduled appointments and walk-in cases.
Think about the benefits: happier clients with reduced wait times and clearer communication, a calmer and more efficient staff, and even a potential boost to your clinic’s revenue. Here’s how:
Let’s face it, veterinary practices deal with inherent unpredictability. Emergencies can erupt, throwing off even the most meticulous schedule. Communication gaps with pet owners waiting for updates can lead to frustration.
Here are some specific challenges veterinary practices face when it comes to waitlist management:
So, how can you conquer these challenges and create a waitlist system that works for everyone? Here are some key strategies:
Clear communication is vital for successful waitlist management. Here are some tips:
A well-oiled waitlist system hinges on good scheduling practices as well:
Taking control of your waitlist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here at ER Express, we understand the challenges veterinary practices face and offer a suite of waitlist management software solutions designed to meet your specific needs.
Our user-friendly software streamlines waitlist management improves communication with pet owners, and empowers your staff to operate more efficiently.
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how our waitlist management solutions can transform your veterinary practice. Let’s create a smoother waiting experience for everyone involved – your vet staff, your clients, and most importantly, their furry loved ones.
We are excited to announce that ER Express is now fully integrated with ezyVet! This powerful collaboration streamlines your practice management by seamlessly connecting ER Express’s online check-in and digital intake tools with ezyVet’s comprehensive veterinary software. Request a demo today to see how this integration can elevate your clinic’s efficiency and enhance the overall experience for your staff and clients.
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