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Technology has come a long way in the healthcare industry. From medical uses to improved administrative tasks, the use of advanced technology in today's health system is par for the course.
One area of health system technology that is gaining ground is in how it relates to the patient experience. With a focus on patient consumerism, technology that streamlines everything from the patient check-in process to bill payment is essential to meet the growing demands of patients.
Fortunately, there are several ways that technology is used to improve the patient experience. And the benefits of this are not only increased patient satisfaction, but also a peace of mind for providers who benefit from a streamlined patient experience.
1) Patient Check-In Kiosks
Long reception desk lines are only the beginning of extensive wait times, crowded spaces, and irritated patients. That’s where point of service technology like check-in kiosks can speed up the process and help reduce errors.
What do check-in kiosks offer?
- Separate stations for patients
- Ability for patients to update their information, giving the patient control over many aspects of their experience
- Details about co-pays
- Eligibility verification
- Credit cards on file to stay up-to-date with payment information
These kiosks streamline the waiting room experience and increase the practice’s bottom line.
With more health systems keeping digital medical records, these check-in kiosks do away with verbal questionnaires and handwritten forms. Check-in kiosks can also integrate with many practice management systems, so that all patient information is stored securely and can be easily accessed.
2) Virtual Visits
Many patient needs can be handled virtually. From quick questions to follow-up visits, video conferencing and other online meeting technologies can allow nurses and doctors to address simple needs without crowding the actual office.
What are the benefits of virtual visits?
- Quick questions handled immediately
- Short follow-up visits completed online
- Ease of access for rural or disabled patients
- Efficiency of pre-appointment planning and scheduling
By offering virtual visits for reasonable medical situations, patients gain increased access to care, and waiting rooms free up time and resources for necessary in-office visits.
3. Biometrics
Entering and storing patient information currently takes much-needed time away from medical staff. Duplicate records are a frequent drain on resources. In addition, serious fraud takes place all around the world on a regular basis, and many health care workers are powerless to stop it without time-consuming efforts to verify all patients who arrive at their practice.
By using biometric systems, medical offices can reduce wait times and improve accuracy in identifying patients.
What kind of biometric systems are currently being used in health systems?
- Digital fingerprinting
- Patients scan their fingerprints upon arrival, and instantly their medical information appears on the computer.
- Iris scanning
- Without touching the patient, the scanner works like a fingerprint device, scanning the iris and pulling up the corresponding patient details.
- Facial recognition
- Cameras can analyze the faces of patients and recognize them to automate the process of identification and record retrieval.
Biometrics let the patients’ bodies identify themselves. This technology safeguards against fraud, checks for redundancies, and frees up staff time.
Using technology to enhance the patient check-in process is an investment in efficiency. Whether it’s check-in kiosks, virtual visits or biometrics, all three innovations will increase patient satisfaction and improve your bottom line.
