The healthcare industry was initially slow to adapt to the world of technology, shrieking at the thought of risking their patients data in the hands of the unknown. Times have changed, and for the better!
Slowly but surely more and more physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic and osteopathy clinics are utilizing new technologies to improve their clinic services. Security in Health IT, is the best it’s ever been, which has made practitioner/ patient communication easier than ever.
Communication technologies can come in many different forms; email, social media, etc. Today though, we look at one of the simplest form, and many would say the most effective - the Text Message (SMS reminder). This simple piece of technology can reduce office stress, increase patient engagement and improve the overall bottom line of your practice.
The Numbers
There’s nothing worse than a patient not showing up for an appointment - it's horrible! You’ve built a relationship with the patient, completed the required administration, prepared for the appointment and for whatever reason, the patient simply does not show up. This can demoralise a clinic, and affect your clinic income. Two major problems, no clinic wants to face. Why do patients decide not to show up?
The Answer!
The answer is simple, patients forget! Patients are human, and humans have a tendency to forget. That’s why we keep calendars, notes etc. One study found that a significant number of no-show patients claimed to have honestly, either forgotten to cancel their appointment or simply forgotten the appointment altogether. Check out the figures below:
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) estimates that the average practice experiences between a 5-7% no show rate. This may not sound much, but If a practice sees 30 patients a day, five days a week that means around 10/ 11 patients a week are simply not showing up. Multiply that number by 48 weeks a year and you have 528 appointments unaccounted for. In terms of revenue, your clinic could be missing out on a possible £31,680 (£60 per appointment). That’s a lot of money I’m sure you’ll agree. Money which could be much better spent elsewhere!
Solution?
Previously, the task of fighting DNAs went to the receptionist/ administration team. Their duties included calling patients and sending numerous emails. This takes both time and uses up resources. It can also be quite daunting, and have a negative impact on team moral. Thankfully technology has changed, and practice management software with features such as the almighty, yet simple Text can tackle the issue of DNAs for you.
For more information on how TM2 Text can help you tackle your DNAs and ultimately save your clinic money, contact TM2 at:
Email : [email protected]
Phone: 028 9099 8697
Slowly but surely more and more physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic and osteopathy clinics are utilizing new technologies to improve their clinic services. Security in Health IT, is the best it’s ever been, which has made practitioner/ patient communication easier than ever.
Communication technologies can come in many different forms; email, social media, etc. Today though, we look at one of the simplest form, and many would say the most effective - the Text Message (SMS reminder). This simple piece of technology can reduce office stress, increase patient engagement and improve the overall bottom line of your practice.
The Numbers
There’s nothing worse than a patient not showing up for an appointment - it's horrible! You’ve built a relationship with the patient, completed the required administration, prepared for the appointment and for whatever reason, the patient simply does not show up. This can demoralise a clinic, and affect your clinic income. Two major problems, no clinic wants to face. Why do patients decide not to show up?
The Answer!
The answer is simple, patients forget! Patients are human, and humans have a tendency to forget. That’s why we keep calendars, notes etc. One study found that a significant number of no-show patients claimed to have honestly, either forgotten to cancel their appointment or simply forgotten the appointment altogether. Check out the figures below:
- 30% of no-show patients forgot their appointment or forgot to cancel their appointment
- 26% of no-show patients simply gave no reason whatsoever for non-attendance.
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) estimates that the average practice experiences between a 5-7% no show rate. This may not sound much, but If a practice sees 30 patients a day, five days a week that means around 10/ 11 patients a week are simply not showing up. Multiply that number by 48 weeks a year and you have 528 appointments unaccounted for. In terms of revenue, your clinic could be missing out on a possible £31,680 (£60 per appointment). That’s a lot of money I’m sure you’ll agree. Money which could be much better spent elsewhere!
Solution?
Previously, the task of fighting DNAs went to the receptionist/ administration team. Their duties included calling patients and sending numerous emails. This takes both time and uses up resources. It can also be quite daunting, and have a negative impact on team moral. Thankfully technology has changed, and practice management software with features such as the almighty, yet simple Text can tackle the issue of DNAs for you.
For more information on how TM2 Text can help you tackle your DNAs and ultimately save your clinic money, contact TM2 at:
Email : [email protected]
Phone: 028 9099 8697