Recent medical events like the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly changed the way many businesses operate. The veterinary industry is no exception. With social distancing measures in place, veterinary clinics and animal hospitals have had to adapt to new protocols to keep their staff and clients safe. One of the solutions that many clinics have adopted is curbside queuing and digital intake.
Curbside queuing and digital intake allow clinics to reduce contact between staff and clients while still providing high-quality veterinary care. In this blog post, we will discuss how curbside queuing and digital intake work and the benefits they offer for veterinary clinics and their clients.
What is Curbside Queuing?
Curbside queuing is a process where clients wait for their appointments in their cars instead of in the waiting room. When clients arrive for their appointments, they call the clinic to let them know they have arrived. The clinic staff then checks them in over the phone and asks them to wait in their car. The staff will then call or text the client when it is time for their appointment.
What is Digital Intake?
Digital intake is a process where clients provide information about their pets and their medical history online or through a mobile app. This information is then stored in the clinic’s electronic medical records system. Digital intake can include filling out forms, uploading documents, providing signatures for consent, and even sending pictures of the pet’s symptoms.
The Benefits of Curbside Queuing and Digital Intake
There are several benefits of using curbside queuing and digital intake for veterinary clinics and their clients.
Improved Efficiency
Curbside queuing and digital intake can significantly improve a clinic’s efficiency. By having clients wait in their cars, the clinic can reduce the number of people in the waiting room, which can help staff members move through appointments more quickly. Additionally, digital intake can help speed up the check-in process, as clients can provide information online before their appointment.
Reduced Contact
One of the primary benefits of curbside queuing and digital intake is that they help reduce contact between staff members and clients. By having clients wait in their cars, there is less chance of transmission of infectious diseases. Additionally, digital intake can help reduce the amount of time clients spend in the clinic, further reducing the risk of exposure.
Increased Safety
Curbside queuing and digital intake can also increase safety for both staff members and clients. By reducing contact and the number of people in the waiting room, there is less chance of transmission of infectious diseases. Additionally, staff members can wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while interacting with clients, further reducing the risk of exposure.
Improved Client Experience
Curbside queuing and digital intake can also improve the client experience. By allowing clients to wait in their cars, they can avoid crowded waiting rooms and potentially stressful interactions with other pets. Additionally, digital intake can help clients provide more detailed information about their pets, which can help veterinarians provide more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Convenience
Finally, curbside queuing and digital intake can be more convenient for clients. By allowing them to wait in their cars, they can avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot and carrying their pets into the clinic. Additionally, digital intake can save clients time by allowing them to provide information about their pets before their appointment.
Elevate Your Experience with ER Express
Curbside queuing and digital intake are two solutions that many veterinary clinics have adopted to keep their staff and clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These solutions offer several benefits, including improved efficiency, reduced contact, increased safety, improved client experience, and convenience. While these solutions were initially implemented due to the pandemic, they may become a permanent fixture in the veterinary industry as clinics continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of their staff and clients.
At ER Express, we designed our curbside queuing and digital intake solutions with both your staff’s and your patients’ experiences in mind. To learn more, schedule a demo with us today.
