 |
|
| It takes a lot of time and energy to handle scheduling for most healthcare practices. Simply reminding patients of upcoming appointments can take up a large portion of your staff's time. Switching to a computerized scheduling and/or alert system can increase your practice's effectiveness and reduce the time your staff spends on these tasks. Read more about the benefits of automating scheduling and alerts. |
|
|
| Implementing an automated alert system can be as easy as signing up with a vendor who handles everything on their end. This route allows you to take advantage of such a vendor's dedicated infrastructure and frees you from having to build a hardware solution in your own office. Or you may choose to host an automated alert system yourself, if you have more IT resources and are confident you can handle the maintenance issues involved. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Besides the software or service from an automated alert provider, you will need your own hardware to access and use the alert system. Here are the components you will need: |
|
|
| 1. |
Networking equipment. You will definitely need a high-speed Internet connection to receive and send alerts over the Internet. To make access more convenient anywhere in your office, consider installing a wireless network so staff can pull up the alert system anywhere. See HP wireless networking products. |
|
| 2. |
Server and/or storage devices to run the alert system (if you are hosting it yourself) and back up alert data. You may want to dedicate a server completely to running the automated alert system to maximize performance. Backup is important as well; if something happens to your primary server you'll want your alert and scheduling data safely backed up. See HP servers, storage systems or virtual backup service information. |
|
| 3. |
Devices to access alert data. These include desktops, Tablet PCs, and handheld computers. It's most efficient for your staff to be able to view, change, and input alerts and schedule appointments wherever they are in the office. Mobile devices with wireless connectivity allow you to schedule appointments with patients in exam rooms, check availability for doctors on the fly, and keep up with patient alerts in all areas of your office. See HP desktops, Tablet PCs, notebooks or handheld PCs. |
|
| 4. |
Devices to output hardcopy alert data. These include printers and all-in-one machines with printing capability. It's essential to be able to print out reminders and schedules for patients on demand. See HP printers and all-in-ones. |
|
| Note: HP offers a discount program for savings up to 10% for health professionals. Learn more before you purchase. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
List what you need from an automated alert system. |
|
|
2. |
Compare offerings from multiple vendors to find a system that fits your needs but is within your budget. |
|
|
3. |
Set up your own technology infrastructure to handle the new system, including your network, servers, backup, and access devices. |
|
|
4. |
Set up the automated alert system. |
|
|
5. |
Train your staff on using the new system. |
|
The benefits of automated alerts |
|
|
|
| Common sense dictates that if you send your patients reminders and alerts about their upcoming appointments, follow-ups, or test results, you will have a much lower rate of no-shows, your phones will not be constantly ringing with patients who've forgotten when their appointments are, and your scheduling will run smoother. But when you have a manual, paper-based system for scheduling, it's hard to find the time to proactively send out patient alerts. That's where technology can help. |
|
| A computerized scheduling and/or alert system can increase your practice's effectiveness significantly. This alert system can function via emails, instant messages, and most importantly, the traditional phone system. Automated alerts aren't just limited to appointment reminders; these systems can be used for scheduling via voice recognition software or keypad inputs, for allowing patients to access their test results as soon as possible without the need to talk to a staff member, and for a variety of other important tasks. |
|
|
|
|
Printable version
