Decreasing calls in to the physician office – Part 1

While scheduling appointments is the foundation of practice income, the time spent on the phone can make it hard for staff to do other things like collect copayments or patient past due balances. Offering online scheduling can cut the number of calls without reducing appointments. In fact, it can increase appointments and practice's panel size because the majority of patients who schedule through an appointment service like ZocDoc and others are new patients.

Post visit calls from patients not only take up staff time but also nurse and provider time. Using an EHR with clinical summaries, patient education materials, and an integrated portal can virtually eliminate follow up calls from patients. It can also improve patient outcomes and overall satisfaction. This generation of patients wants to access their health information online. When choosing or retaining a doctor, they are more likely to look for a physician practice that is technology savvy.