Technology has advanced enormously in the past hundred years. The presence of cell phones, GPS and computers seem commonplace in this digital age. While it now may seem unusual to visit a doctor and see no computers in the exam room, this was the norm for centuries. With all of the changes businesses have to make to stay relevant and present online, it can be hard for clinics to be a visible resource. Included here are a few tips to increase the accessibility and usability of your clinic to patients.
Advertise Services
With the popularity of cell phones, it has become surprising to see an individual without their device in hand. When all of those eyes are on screens it makes sense to advertise your business there. Whether you are a fast-food joint or an urgent care clinic, people need to be aware of your company’s name and mission. Make your business present through advertisements on social media and web pages.
Online Appointment Booking
Most people spend countless hours logged in online; they do everything from paying their bills to ordering pizza on their devices. Booking medical appointments is typically a task that requires a lunch break or a day off work to get your call in during business hours. Clinics are inaccessible on the weekends and office hours typically end by five.
By creating an online scheduling portal, you open up a new world of availability to your patients. They will be able to book appointments when they are at home with access to their calendar and family members schedules. You also can allow a 24 hour cancellation policy online which will decrease the number of no-show appointments each day.
On-Call Doctors or Nurses
It is no surprise that our instant gratification society has become obsessed with getting answers immediately. This means many individuals who are suffering from an unusual cough or high temperature may rush off to urgent care rather than wait until morning for their regular doctor’s triage spot.
By having an on-call doctor or nurse who is available in 24 hours a day, you can help your patients avoid unnecessary medical bills and become more dependent on your clinic. You may even attract more patients to your clinic, albeit hypochondriacs, because of your availability. This resource can easily be offered online as well through an app or website question form.
Symptom App
With recent concerns for skin cancer on the rise, early diagnosis has become key. This means apps that are designed to recognize abnormal moles have become popular among the attentive patients of society. Your clinic may have a specialty that can be turned into a money-making application.
By creating an app, your clinic will become more visible to patients and they may be able to fill out just simple questionnaires to determine whether or not they need to come in. You do not have to make this design too technical, it can be simple questionnaires to help determine early pregnancy signs to symptoms of arthritis.
Originally posted on December 16, 2015 @ 7:45 am