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.
Investing in Digital Tools: Key Benefits of Great Software
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:
- Faster, more organized workflows
- Less time spent on manual data entry
- More automation and less exposure to human error
- Reduced call volume
- Shorter appointment wait times
- Better data collection
- More effective client communications
Essential Features To Look for in Vet Clinic Software
Online Check-In
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.
Digital Intake
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:
- Providing contact info and basic pet history
- Uploading any required images or documents
- Signing consent forms
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.
Virtual Waiting
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.
Easy Online Referrals
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:
- The referring facility staff accesses an online referral form via your practice’s unique web link
- The referrer enters in key info, like diagnostic concerns and contact info, and uploads any relevant attachments
- Your practice immediately receives the referral and begins preparing for the pet’s visit
- The system automatically generates customized notifications to staff about the referral, along with a response to the referring facility
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.
Get to Know ER Express at the 2024 IVECCS!
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.
