Wait times are currently taking their toll on healthcare providers around the world. For reasons including staffing shortages and patient no-shows, the average American can wait for as long as 39 days before seeing a physician. Even when the day of their appointment finally comes, countless patients find themselves sitting in the waiting room for longer than is comfortable. And, according to Health eCareers, a massive 97% of patients are justifiably annoyed about it.
These long wait times are driving a culture in which patients would rather suffer in silence than undertake the gruelling task of getting an appointment. That’s a significant problem, but it also leaves a gap for quality providers to fill.
After all, wait times shouldn’t be an industry inevitability. They’re a problem that needs solving, and you could be the provider to do it if you implement the following vital improvements.
1 – Get Smart With Your Systems
Implementing smart, patient-focused systems is undeniably the best way to start cutting wait times. Of course, online appointment scheduling and digital check-ins aren’t exactly new, but healthcare providers are taking those initial benefits further. This is thanks to implementations that allow for everything from the receipt of pre-appointment medical paperwork to hassle-free Medicaid enrollment that makes even complex processes easier for everyone.
And that’s not all smart systems can do. Automated room and equipment monitoring can also ensure that you’re able to move patients through your doors far more quickly, by knowing that you have the facilities ready for them when they do turn up.
2 – Improve Your Communications
SMS reminders are a great communication option right now, but prioritizing communication can reduce wait times in more ways than this one. Studies also show how clear communications can help to reduce annoyance surrounding wait times, as they ensure that patients know what to expect.
Many healthcare providers are also now utilizing apps like Qless, which bring benefits like streamlined booking and real-time wait updates that mean patients can arrive right at the moment when their doctor is ready to see them.
3 – Provide Options
Many healthcare providers automatically book patients with their primary physician, which is beneficial in terms of continuity of care, but also means that wait times can be far longer. After all, when there’s just one professional in contention, patients inevitably have to head straight to the back of the queue.
Unsurprisingly, then, 41% of patients state that they’d rather see another member of staff if it reduced their wait time, and this figure only looks set to rise. As such, your business could also benefit from simply providing patients with appointment options. You should absolutely allow them to book with their primary physician if they’d like, but you also might want to make surge appointments with other professionals available, which can help to clear bottlenecks at busy times, and significantly improve efficiency in general.
There’s no denying that wait times are a problem. Ensure they don’t take their toll on your healthcare business with these top tips.
