The digital age has changed everything about the way we approach life, and the check-in process is no exception. Practices are now sending customized, digital check-in forms to their patients. Patients can then review and complete the documentation on their mobile devices or personal computer.
In many cases, they do not need access to a portal or an app. So why are online intake forms becoming the newest trend in healthcare, and is it right for your practice? Keep reading to find out more.
Improved accuracy.
Unfortunately, patients do not always fill out their paper intake forms correctly. This could be for several reasons, but errors on the intake form lead to errors on charts and important medical records.
The online patient intake form helps to improve accuracy by giving patients a way to complete their forms from the comfort of their homes. This lets them take their time when filling out the form, checking over what they are filling out as they fill it out. If they forget a piece of information, they are at home to look it up.
Enhanced patient satisfaction.
Another benefit of the online patient intake form is the increase in patient satisfaction. This has to do with the fact that patients see a reduction in wait times and improvements in practice efficiency. They see tremendous progress in the practice with this small change, which helps them understand their provider cares about where they are heading.
Patient satisfaction also increases because patients are better able to review their information. Paper forms can often be frustrating when a patient may already be running late to an appointment in the middle of a busy day. But if they could have finished this step ahead of time, their frustration level will be decreased, and they are more likely to appreciate their appointment with their provider.
Increased workflow efficiency.
Improved work from staff is another benefit of the online patient intake form. The online intake form reduces the heavy workflow that the front office staff often experiences.
With the documentation now being completed online, the front office staff will no longer have to transcribe intake forms as they will automatically be uploaded into the patient’s electronic health record. The physician can review the information at any time, and the patient can update it as well. With this new and improved flow, the front office staff can focus on more demanding responsibilities.
Pre-validated insurance information.
Having the patient’s insurance information ahead of time allows practices to verify his/her eligibility before the appointment. Any insurance issue can be resolved before the patient is in the office waiting to be seen.
Allowed preparation for the appointment.
It is vital for many medical practices to prepare for patients, especially new ones. Being able to research and read about the patient’s history and expectations before they enter the office is a huge advantage. It can completely change that initial meeting outcome.
Instead of using it just as a means to collect information, physicians can understand the person better and start them on a treatment right away.
Offices that utilize an online patient intake form typically see improvements right away. Their office efficiency increases with their front office staff now free of that burden. Most importantly, patient satisfaction increases when they do not have to deal with the frustrating step of paper forms.
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Tags: insurance, medical office management, medical offices, national organization of rheumatology managers, NORM, office management, office managers, online intake forms, patient feedback, rheumatology, tips for office managers Posted by
