Up until recently, the traditional patient check-in process at medical practices has involved patients entering the facility, completing the necessary forms by hand, and waiting in the lobby to be seen. However, with the rise of digitalization in healthcare, many facilities are rethinking the way that patient check-ins are done.
As of recent, practices have begun implementing digital patient check-ins, which involve patients digitally completing their forms beforehand, checking in on their devices, then entering the facility only once they are able to be seen.
Today, we will be discussing some common features of digital check-in systems as well as how they enhance the patient experience. First, let’s talk about why you should choose this system over traditional methods.
Why Use Digital Check-In?
Using digital patient check-in software has a host of benefits, ranging from an improved patient experience to increased operational efficiency in your practice. Digital check-in solutions can involve tools such as registration portals that allow new patients to easily register, digital intake forms to complete beforehand, mobile compatibility for remote check-ins, and kiosk check-ins for swift in-person intake.
Top 9 Benefits of Digital Check-Ins
1: Efficiency and Speed
A primary benefit of using a digital check-in solution is the efficiency that it offers. With the touch of a few buttons, patients can quickly register at your practice, check-in to their appointment, or schedule an appointment with ease.
2: Reduction in Wait Time
One of the best ways to enhance the patient experience is by reducing the amount of time that they spend waiting to be seen. With digital check-in software, your practice’s staff can efficiently manage the flow of patients so that the office does not become too crowded, resulting in long wait times.
3: Less Paperwork
With digital intake forms, patients no longer have to spend their time manually completing forms before they’re seen. This not only saves patients time, but also allows for easy organization and access to important information for staff.
4: Faster Processing of Patient Information
By using a digital check-in solution, staff no longer have to manually enter a patient’s information into the computer. They can easily access the information that has been digitally provided by the patient before their appointment.
5: Automated Alerts and Reminders
To reduce missed appointments and create a line of open communication between staff and patients, many digital check-in software includes SMS and two-way text reminders. These provide patients with automated alerts for appointment confirmations.
6: Enhancing Patient Satisfaction
Nowadays, consumers and patients require a level of convenience in their day-to-day transactions and appointments. Digital check-in systems provide this convenience with features such as remote check-ins from home or work as well as easy rescheduling of appointments.
7: Personalization
In order to make patients feel that they are not “just another patient”, many digital check-in solutions include personalized greetings and guidance. They also provide tailored health information and tips to each patient so that they receive a truly personal experience throughout their medical journey.
8: Data Accuracy and Consistency
Mistakes happen, but they’re far more likely to happen when everything is done by hand. Digital check-in systems reduce human error and minimize clerical errors by providing an accurate recording of patient history through the software.
9: Real-time Updates
In a fast-paced medical environment, constant communication is key. Digital check-in systems provide immediate updates on patient records as well as seamless integration with other hospital systems so that every party has the necessary information as soon as possible.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
Other benefits of digital check-in include multiple advantages for enhanced data security and privacy. As we know, these are non-negotiable standards for managing healthcare data, but ensuring complete protection is often easier said than done. However, with the right check-in system, you can also benefit from the following advantages:
- Data Encryption: Using data encryption, digital check-in solutions provide protection of patient details during online submission as well as the secure storage of personal health information.
- Compliance with Regulations: Digital check-in solutions offer compliance with HIPAA or other regional data protection regulations, as well as regular audits to ensure that data safety standards are maintained.
Role-based Access: Digital check-in systems often have protections that ensure only authorized personnel are able to access patient information. It is recommended that practices also hold regular training sessions for staff on the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality.
Enhance Patient Check-In at Your Emergency Department or Urgent Care
To enhance the patient experience at your emergency department or urgent care, start by creating a simple and secure check-in process. The best way to do this is by adopting a digital check-in system that makes the entire process easier and more efficient for both patients and staff.
To learn about improving the patient experience by installing digital patient check-in software at your emergency department or urgent care, request a demo today.
