What are the advantages of having a patient check-in system?

Posted by Nisharao on April 21st, 2017

Technology has brought about a huge revolution in many industries. The latest trend in the healthcare industry is the process of digitizing and automating patient check-in. This clinical documentation software allows patients to update their personal information on a digital platform easily and quickly. Let’s take a quick look into the numerous advantages of having a patient check-in system.

• Decrease data errors

The fist and the most important benefit of using the electronic consent forms is that it reduces data errors to a huge extent. Usually, the patient manually fills up a form that the staff will feed into the hospital’s computer system. Sometimes, the handwriting is so bad and illegible that the staff may enter wrong information into the system. Or, there could be manual errors of missing information or spelling errors while manually entering data. All these data errors can be greatly reduced by using a patient check-in system.

• Reduce patient waiting time

Manual data entry is laborious and time consuming. Digitizing the check in saves time for both the patient and the healthcare facility staff. It reduces waiting time at the front desk while also improving efficiency. The staff at the healthcare facility can focus more on patient care rather than administrative and documentation work. Another benefit of using a patient check in system is that patients can have an option to pre-check in for their appointment. For first time patient visits, he/she will be asked to input their personal details and medical history to be recorded within the PMS and the EHR. For a repeat visit, the patient can then simply book an appointment with the healthcare facility, get an online link via email (or a notification in a mobile app) and then simply pre-check in.

• Reduce costs

Electronic consent forms are cost-effective as they help do away with manual data entry, which is time consuming as well as the staff handling it. Plus, healthcare facilities don’t have to worry about stocking physical copies of the various forms, and then making arrangements to store all the patient information safely. As everything is digital, all the essential data can be stored in the server or cloud. A digital check-in system helps save on man power, working hours, storage space, papers and forms. These overheads may look small individually but they add up to some staggering amounts which can be saved.

• Streamline treatment

As all the patient’s details are digitized, it becomes easier for the healthcare facility staff to track the treatment schedule, appointments, and post treatment follow-ups. It also allows for post visit satisfaction survey, which allows the practice to self-assess their performance.

• Eligibility & benefits verification

A big advantage of using the digital patient check-in system is that it creates transparency in the finances. The healthcare facility and the patient will have a clear idea of the treatment costs, billing details and payment details. This transparency will build trust among the patients, which will surely benefit the healthcare provider. As for the facility, it means that they have a clear idea on the revenue cycle and outstanding, and how to increase collections.